Top 9 Lakes around Haverhill
Best lakes around Haverhill, Massachusetts, offers a collection of freshwater bodies set within conservation areas, providing diverse outdoor activities. The region features several notable lakes, including Lake Pentucket, Plug Pond, Kenoza Lake, and Crystal Lake, many of which serve as municipal water supplies. These areas are characterized by their natural landscapes, offering opportunities for recreation and appreciation of local ecosystems. The lakes contribute to the area's appeal for those seeking natural environments close to urban settings.
Best lakes around Haverhill
- The most popular lakes is Upper Artichoke Reservoir, a lake that features a nice road for riding next to the water. This reservoir is known for its biking opportunities, though swimming and boating are not permitted.
- Another must-see spot is Pond Pasture at Baldpate Pond, a lake offering fishing access from Baldpate Road. Visitors can find trailheads near Pond Pasture, providing access to areas with rolling hills.
- Visitors also love Flowering Pond, a lake that is a picturesque part of Maudslay State Park. It is crossed by an attractive bridge, allowing for scenic views within a park featuring gardens and meadows.
- Haverhill is known for its reservoirs, fishing lakes, and scenic ponds. The variety of lakes provides options for hiking, fishing, and enjoying natural settings.
- The lakes around Haverhill are appreciated by the komoot community, with 9 upvotes and 3 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Pond Pasture at Baldpate Pond
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Upper Artichoke Reservoir
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Flowering Pond
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The East Coast Greenway in Massachusetts passes through a mix of landscapes, from downtown Boston to coastal communities, rural farmland, and mill villages. This section runs from Peabody to Newburyport.
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Kenoza Lake
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Tips from the Community
Kenoza Lake is the largest lake at the center of Winnekenni Park. There are several hiking trails around this lake, but fishing, boating, hunting, bathing, wading, swimming, and ice-related activities are prohibited because it's a part of Haverhill's Water Supply. You can do of these actives in Winnekenni Basin or Lake Saltonstall, the smaller bodies of water within the park.
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The East Coast Greenway is a super good rails to trail project that connects 15 states and 450 cities and towns. The route is 3,000 miles long and goes from Maine to Florida. A glorious pioneering bicycle route through the country’s most populated corridor. The East Coast Greenway in Massachusetts passes through a mix of landscapes, from downtown Boston to coastal communities, rural farmland, and mill villages. This section runs from Peabody to Newburyport.
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Plummer Springs rd has it's bridge closed to cars because it's basically falling in to the river. You can still bike across as of Summer 2022. Turkey hill rd is a favorite with bikers
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The pond is labeled on the DCR map but I was surprised it had a name. I walked right by it without even realizing it. Maudslay is one of the state parks that's a former estate like nearby Willowdale or further away Borderland. It's got some prime stretch of the Merrimac as a neighbor and makes for a lovely place to walk
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This pond is a very picturesque part of the Maudslay State Park. It is crossed by an attractive bridge that allows you to take in the scenery. There are myriad trails in the surrounding park, with lovely 19th century gardens and rolling meadows to discover.
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Nice road to ride on next to the lake. The reservoir does not allow swimming or boating.
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Fishing is available from Baldpate Rd. There are a few trail heads tucked back on Great Pond Drive near Pond Pasture (indicated spot).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for walking and hiking around Haverhill?
For walking and hiking, Kenoza Lake offers a 4.2-mile shoreline loop and trails around Winnekenni Castle. The Crystal Lake Conservation Area features trails like Creek Brook and Crystal Gorge. Plug Pond, within Winnekenni Park, also has hiking trails. Additionally, Flowering Pond is part of Maudslay State Park, offering numerous trails, gardens, and meadows. You can find more hiking options in the area by exploring the Hiking around Haverhill guide.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Haverhill?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Plug Pond (Lake Saltonstall) offers a public area with a new playground, restrooms, and picnic tables, along with fishing opportunities. Kenoza Lake, while not allowing swimming, has family-friendly hiking trails and the historic Winnekenni Castle nearby. Pond Pasture at Baldpate Pond is also considered family-friendly, offering fishing access and trailheads.
Which lakes are good for fishing in Haverhill?
Lake Pentucket is a popular urban fishing destination, stocked with Trout and home to Largemouth Bass and Pickerel, with handicap fishing access. Plug Pond (Lake Saltonstall) is a state-stocked fishing area known for Largemouth Bass, Pickerel, and Trout. Pond Pasture at Baldpate Pond also offers fishing access from Baldpate Road.
Can I swim in the lakes around Haverhill?
Swimming is permitted for Haverhill residents at Plug Pond (Lake Saltonstall) during summer months, where municipal boating programs are also available. However, swimming is generally not allowed in lakes that serve as municipal drinking water supplies, such as Kenoza Lake and Crystal Lake, to protect water quality. Upper Artichoke Reservoir also prohibits swimming.
What historical or cultural sites are near the lakes?
The historic Winnekenni Castle, built between 1873 and 1875, overlooks Kenoza Lake and is accessible via trails. Lake Pentucket has historical elements, including visible foundation posts of old ice-houses and a former gatehouse. Flowering Pond is located within Maudslay State Park, which is a former estate featuring 19th-century gardens.
Are there any accessible lakes for visitors with mobility needs?
Lake Pentucket offers handicap fishing access in a small park off Lawrence Street and near the Stanley Drive parking lot, making it more accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
At Lake Pentucket, you might spot Mallard ducks, Painted Turtles, and Bull Frogs. The Crystal Lake Conservation Area preserves wildlife habitat and features vernal pools that support diverse species. The various conservation areas around the lakes provide natural habitats for local flora and fauna.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, are available near the lakes?
You can enjoy mountain biking and horseback riding on the trails around Kenoza Lake. Upper Artichoke Reservoir is popular for biking along its scenic road. Plug Pond allows electric motors for boats and has a paved boat ramp. The wider Haverhill area also offers dedicated MTB Trails and Road Cycling Routes.
When is the best time to visit the lakes in Haverhill?
The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Summer is ideal for swimming (where permitted at Plug Pond) and picnicking. Spring and fall are excellent for hiking and enjoying the changing foliage. Winter can be suitable for walks, though specific activities might be limited. The recent improvements at Plug Pond aim to make it a three-season park.
Where can I find parking for the lakes?
Multiple parking areas are available for Lake Pentucket, making access convenient. Plug Pond also has parking facilities, especially with recent improvements to the area. For Kenoza Lake and Crystal Lake Conservation Area, parking is typically available at designated trailheads or park entrances.
Are there any unique natural features to explore?
Yes, the Crystal Lake Conservation Area boasts unique landscape features, including iconic stone walls, vernal pools, and the impressive Crystal Gorge, a steep-sided rock outcropping formed by a volcanic event. Flowering Pond in Maudslay State Park is known for its picturesque setting and attractive bridge.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Haverhill?
Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from fishing at Pond Pasture at Baldpate Pond and Lake Pentucket to biking along Upper Artichoke Reservoir. The scenic trails around Kenoza Lake and the natural beauty of Flowering Pond in Maudslay State Park are also highly valued. The overall appeal lies in the natural settings close to urban areas.
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