Hedges Pond Recreation Area & Preserve

166 Hedges Pond Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA

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

Owned By: Town of Plymouth

• Directions
• Trail Map

Plymouth’s Hedges Pond Recreation Area is a 105-acre woodland park and nature preserve. It features a 26-acre pond with a sandy swimming beach, a 2.25-mile trail loop, recreational facilities, picnic tables, and a small playground, plus seasonal restrooms. It is suitable for kayaking and other non-motorized boats.

SUMMER ACCESS:From the 3rd week of June through the 3rd week of August, the property is closed to the public from 8:30am-12:30pm on weekdays (due to summer camps). A Plymouth beach sticker (or $20 fee) is required in summer only. You can sign up for water quality notifications for Plymouth’s public beaches and swimming ponds in the Public Health section of their website.

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.

HUNTING: Hunting is allowed in season, by licensed persons in compliance with Massachusetts law, but only in the southern 2/3 of this property (see map for details). Hunting is not allowed in the northern third of the proeprty. Please be sure to understand state and local hunting guidelines before proceeding. Non-hunters, be mindful of hunting seasons, and wear bright orange if you’re entering the property during those times. Hunting is not permitted on Sundays.

This property is sometimes confused with Hedge Pond Conservation Area, a small park on Standish Ave. in North Plymouth.

Features

Trail Description

Look for the trailhead at far end of the main parking area. It is marked with a sign. The trail begins uphill and extends all the way around the pond, with numerous ups and downs. It is well-marked, with arrow signs at intersections, and generally well-maintained. There are quite a few unmarked trails as well. There is also a shorter trail that begins at the edge of the pond in the main beach area and eventually joins the main trail. Plus, there is a short spur trail on the far side of the pond, which leads to an additional small beach.

In general, the trail traverses quiet terrain, although one section passes relatively close to Route 3.

Habitats and Wildlife

The forest here is composed primarily of white pine, pitch pine, scrub oak, birch, and beech, with ferns sweet pepper bush, and various woodland shrubs. Look for the occasional sassafras as well. In the section of the trail near Route 3, you may be surprised to find a grove of rhododendron. Its origin remains mysterious.

Hedges Pond is part of the Herring River watershed of Plymouth and Bourne. The waters here flow south into Great Herring Pond, which drains to Herring River and eventually Buzzards Bay.

We encourage you to follow and support the Herring Ponds Watershed Association.