Menu

Hiking

Clear Pond Conservation Area

16 Surrey Dr, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA

Plymouth Parks & Forestry: 508-830-4162, ext. 12116

Owned By: Town of Plymouth

Located in West Plymouth, the 12-acre Clear Pond Conservation Area features a wide, flat 0.65-mile trail around a former cranberry bog, plus views of Clear Pond. It’s a great spot for birding! Also suitable for cross-country skiing as soon as you pass the stairs.

Hunting is allowed in season by licensed persons in compliance with Massachusetts law. Be mindful of hunting seasons, and wear bright orange if you’re entering the property during those times. No hunting on Sundays.

Features

This land is within the region of the Wampanoag. To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Mashpee Wampanoag and the Herring Pond Wampanoag share information on their websites.

According to the The Plymouth Trail Guide, in pre-colonial times, a battle took place here between the Pokanokets (also members of the Wampanoag Nation) and a war party of Narragansetts. After the Narragansetts were defeated, large numbers of corpses were throw into the pond. In earlier times, the pond was named Narragansett Pond. A boggy wetland nearby retains the name.

Trail Description

The total trail length is 0.65 miles. From the roadside parking area, walk past the property sign, and down the steps to the water’s edge. Following the trail arrows, turn right, and enjoy another quick glimpse of Clear Pond. Continue on the trail and you will soon arrive at a loop that extends all the way around a freshwater meadow/retired cranberry bog. Look for the flat concrete bridge, which serves as a convenient starting/ending point for the loop. It’s a pleasant, quiet walk, and a great place to spot wildlife.

Habitats and Wildlife

The trail is bordered with oak, maple, pitch pine, and white pine trees … quite a number of very young pines which create a tunnel-like effect in one section! The retired cranberry bog at the center is slowly reverting to its natural state. Look for milkweed, bayberry, cattail, raspberry and blueberry growing among more-typical bog flora. The Plymouth Trail Guide recommends visiting at dusk, when wildlife is especially active.

The waters on this property flow south through Clear Pond and Fresh Meadow Pond, and eventually into South Meadow Brook, which joins with Rocky Meadow Brook in South Carver to form the Weweantic River. The Weweantic River flows for 17 miles through Carver, Middleborough and Rochester, and drains into Buzzards Bay in Wareham.

  • A photograph of a trailhead at a roadside.
  • A photograph of a trail marker with a pond in the background.
  • A photograph of a staircase leading to a trail, with trees and brush.
  • A photograph of a pond with fall foliage to one side on a misty day.
  • A photograph of a pond bordered by trees and grasses on a sunny day.
  • A photograph of a large tree in a clearing with trees in the distance.
  • A photograph of a bench overlooking a former cranberry bog.
  • A photograph of a narrow trail between two rows of trees.
  • A photograph of a stream through a former cranberry bog.
  • A photograph of a trail beside a former cranberry bog, with trees and brush.
  • A photograph of a wide trail beside a cranberry bog.
  • A photograph of a stream flowing through a cranberry bog.
16 Surrey Dr, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA

Historic Site: No

Park: No

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Size: 12 acres

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Limited roadside parking at approx. #16 Surrey Drive.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Facilities:

Bench.

Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Please clean up after your pet!

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: No

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: South Meadow Brook (Weweantic River watershed)

Other Things to Do at This Site

Cross-country Skiing
Forest Trails
Grassy Walks
Nature Photography