41 French St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA
Owned By: Town of Hingham
Hingham’s Cranberry Pond was once part of a cranberry bog system. This small pond on French Street offers scenic water views and 0.4 miles of woodland trails, plus ice skating in the winter. It is also known as Bouve Pond. While there is no formal launch area, this spot is suitable for canoeing and kayaking.
FISHING ADVISORY: It’s important to know that some of our freshwater fisheries are contaminated with mercury, PFAS and/or other concerning substances. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health maintains an online database with up-to-date advisories regarding fish consumption, sorted by location. We recommend you consult this valuable resource when planning a fishing excursion.
Features
The property’s history as a cranberry bog is evident in some spots, as some pipes, dams and culverts remain. The Hingham Transfer Facility is next door.
This land is within the region of the Massachusett (or Massachuseuk). To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Massachusett tribe at Ponkapoag and the Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett share information on their websites.
Trail Description
Follow the blue blazes along the south side of the pond for a 0.4-mile out-and-back walk along the water’s edge and through the woods. Along the way you’ll see wetlands and a vernal pool.
Habitats and Wildlife
The forest that surrounds the pond is composed of pine, oak, maple, birch, and beech.
Cranberry Pond is a manmade pond that used to be part of a cranberry bog. Its waters, as well as those of the wetlands that surround it, flow into the Fresh River. The Fresh River joins with the Mill River/Herring Run Brook in Weymouth, and flows into the Weymouth Back River.
Historic Site: No
Park: No
Beach: No
Boat Launch: Yes
Lifeguards: No
Size: 13.8 acres
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: A small on-site lot on French Street offers parking for 4 vehicles.
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Facilities:
Benches, informational kiosk. Geocache location. Pond shore is suitable for launching a small non-motorized boat.
Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Please clean up after your pet!
Boat Ramp: No
ADA Access: No
Scenic Views: Yes
Waterbody/Watershed: Fresh River (Weymouth Back River watershed)