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Silver Lake Sanctuary

Silver Lake Sanctuary, Barse's Ln, Kingston, MA 02364, USA

Kingston Conservation: 781 585-0537

https://sites.google.com/view/kingstonconservation/silver-lake-sanctuary

Owned By: Town of Kingston

Silver Lake Sanctuary is a lakeside property in Kingston with more than a mile of trails through the woods and along the shore, including a section of the Bay Circuit Trail. Check with Kingston Town Hall for possible fishing permits.

Hunting is allowed, in season, by licensed persons in compliance with Massachusetts law. 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.

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 Patuxet, members of the Wampanoag tribe, made their home in the area now known as Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth. Numerous artifacts have been found throughout the region surrounding the Jones River. 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.

In the 1700s, Silver Lake (known as Jones River Pond at the time) was a source of iron ore. About 3,000 tons were removed from the lake bottom! Silver Lake received its current name in the early 1800s as part of a promotion for selling ice harvested there. Ice harvesting extended from 1805-1870. In 1898, state legislation allowed the City of Brockton to adopt Silver Lake as its water supply. The Town of Kingston fought this ruling, but ultimately accepted a settlement of $17,000 for damages to its own water supply system.

Most of the lands within Silver Lake Sanctuary were purchased by the Town of Kingston in 1997, with help from the state. Additional acreage was purchased shortly thereafter. The sanctuary offers a half mile of lake frontage.

Trail Description

From the parking area, there are two trails that lead to different parts of the same loop. To the left, the trail heads quickly up a steep incline, to a ridge that overlooks the lake. Continue along the ridge to the right, up and down some rolling hills, and you will soon arrive at a designated overlook area, with a bench. Just before this is one of two main paths down to the lake shore. If you continue past the overlook, you’ll come to another path to the lake shore. Or continue on the trail to the right, which leads past a pumping station and around a wetland, eventually back to the parking area.

An additional trail loop begins at the red barn (in the parking area). Continue along the path immediately to the right of the barn. It leads past some smaller ponds and through woods and wetlands with additional views of Silver Lake, returning eventually to the parking area. Altogether the distance is about 1.3 miles.

The Bay Circuit Trail extends through this property.

Habitats and Wildlife

The forest here is primarily pine, maple, white oak, red and oak and birch. Five species of freshwater mussels are found here, especially the Eastern Pond Mussel. Look for mussel shells along the shores. Endangered species often observed here include eastern box turtle, bald eagle, Mystic Valley amphipod, tidewater bucket, and pink tickseed.

The 640-acre Silver Lake occupies portions of 4 towns: Pembroke, Kingston, Plympton and Halifax. With a maximum depth of 80 feet, it is the principal water supply for Brockton, Whitman and Hanson. Fed by groundwater, as well as seasonal diversions from Monponsett Pond in Halifax and Furnace Pond in Pembroke, it is a major the headwater for the Jones River. The Jones River flows for 7.5 miles through Kingston, and drains into the Atlantic Ocean at Kingston Bay. Follow the Jones River Watershed Association for more information.

  • A photograph of an informational kiosk beside an unpaved parking area surrounded by forest.
  • A photograph of a lake, viewed through trees.
  • A photograph of an unpaved parking area in a woodland with some property signs.
  • A photograph of a bench on a forested hill overlooking a lake.
  • A photograph of sun shining through a forest.
  • A photograph of a lake with blue sky and scattered trees.
  • A photograph of a road sign and a property sign beside an unpaved road.
  • A photograph of a lake with sun reflecting on its surface and trees to one side.
  • A photograph of a trail through a forest with colorful trees and shrubs.
  • A photograph of a red barn beside a trail with colorful fall foliage.
  • A photograph of a toad on the forest floor, with some green leaves.
  • A photograph of a pond with three large white birds swimming on it, plus trees and grass to one side.
  • A photograph of a trail bordered with green foliage, with a gate and some colorful foliage in the background.
  • A photograph of a lakeshore dominated with green trees and foliage.
  • A photograph of a trail through a green woodland.
  • A photograph of a red barn in a forest setting, with a snow-covered trail.
Silver Lake Sanctuary, Barse's Ln, Kingston, MA 02364, USA

Historic Site: No

Park: No

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Size: 99 acres

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Limited parking at the end of Barses Lane.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Medium

Facilities:

Benches. Pet waste receptacle.

Dogs: Dogs are permitted but must remain on leash at all times. Scoop the poop!

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: No

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Silver Lake (Jones River watershed)

Other Things to Do at This Site

Cross-country Skiing
Fishing
Forest Trails
Nature Photography
Picnic Tables