166 Hedges Pond Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
Plymouth Parks & Forestry: 508-830-4162, ext. 12116
Owned By: Town of Plymouth
Large (105-acre) woodland park with a 26-acre pond. Features include a sandy swimming beach, recreational facilities, a 2.25-mile trail loop, picnic tables, and a small playground. Seasonal restrooms. 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.
Sometimes confused with Hedge Pond Conservation Area, a small park on Standish Ave. in North Plymouth.
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
There is a small playground in a somewhat shaded area near the pond, with swings, a play structure, and some large granite pieces that could be fun for sitting or hopping. It has wood chips underfoot and is not fenced-in.
Long before European settlers arrived in 1620, this land was part of Pokanoket, a Wampanoag village governed by Massasoit. To learn more about our local tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and the Herring Pond Wampanoag both share information on their websites.
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.
Historic Site: No
Park: Yes
Beach: Yes
Boat Launch: Yes
Lifeguards: Lifeguards from 3rd week of June to 3rd week of August
Size: 105 acres
Hours: Generally, dawn to dusk, however from the 3rd week of June through the 3rd week of August, the property is closed from 8:30am-12:30pm on weekdays, due to summer camps. Summer hours: M-F 12:30-5 PM, and weekends 9am-5pm.
Parking: On-site parking.
Cost: Plymouth beach sticker or $20 fee from 3rd week of June to 3rd week of August. No fee for off-season parking.
Trail Difficulty: Easy, Medium
Facilities:
Benches, picnic tables, trash receptacles, playground, horseshoe pits, beach volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, athletic fields, swimming area, seasonal restrooms and lifeguards. Geocache location. Informal boat launch for canoes and kayaks.
Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Scoop the poop!
Boat Ramp: No
ADA Access: Yes
Scenic Views: Yes
Waterbody/Watershed: Hedges Pond (Herring River watershed/Bourne)