Top 12 Lakes around Boxford
Best lakes around Boxford, Massachusetts, include several natural bodies of water. The area is characterized by its natural ponds, offering diverse recreational opportunities and natural features. Notable examples include Stiles Pond, a natural "great pond" known for its recreational hub, and Four Mile Pond, a partially spring-fed "great pond" recognized for year-round recreation and wildlife observation. These bodies of water contribute to Boxford's natural landscape.
Best lakes around Boxford
- The most popular lakes is Pond Pasture at Baldpate Pond, a lake where fishing is available from Baldpate Rd. Trailheads are located near Pond Pasture on Great Pond Drive.
- Another must-see spot is Wenham Lake, a sizable lake at 224 acres that serves as a freshwater reservoir for nearby Salem. The lake and its shores are not generally accessible to the public, but it offers scenic views from adjacent roads.
- Visitors also love Harold Parker State Forest, a forest with ponds, swamps, rolling hills, and rocky outcroppings. It features more than 35 miles of roads and trails, including mountain bike singletracks.
- Boxford is known for natural great ponds and partially spring-fed ponds. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, catering to different interests.
- The lakes around Boxford are appreciated by the komoot community, with 9 upvotes and 3 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Pond Pasture at Baldpate Pond
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Harold Parker State Forest
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Wenham Lake
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J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve
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East Coast Greenway – Massachusetts
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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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Nestled along Wenham Lake, J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve spans 85 acres of forest, winding trails, and wetlands and is home to abundant wildlife. The 2.5-mile loop takes you through towering pines, scenic overlooks, and the remains of a historic estate. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, where you'll likely see bluejays, finches, woodpeckers, and bald eagles soaring high above the trees. Keep your eye out for wildflowers in the spring, and be aware of poison oak, which is common in this area. This beautiful spot is perfect for a quiet, peaceful hike any time of year.
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Ponds, swamps, rolling hills, and rocky outcroppings can be found in this state forest, which features more than 35 miles of roads and trails as well as remnants of 18th-century farming and milling operations.
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Wenham Lake is a sizable lake at 224 acres, and it is a freshwater reservoir for nearby Salem. The lake and its shores are not accessible to the general public, but it is a very beautiful lake, particularly from this shoreside road as you ride past on the bike.
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Wenham Lake is a sizable lake at 224 acres, and it is a freshwater reservoir for nearby Salem. The lake and its shores are not accessible to the general public, but it is a very beautiful lake, particularly from this shoreside road as you ride past on the bike.
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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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Harold Parker State Forest has a great network of awesome singletracks. Altogether there are about 35 miles of well maintained mountain bike trails. If you want to explore all of them just stay a whole weekend and reserve your campsite here: https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/harold-parker-state-forest/MA/32608/overview
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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 recreational activities can I enjoy at the lakes around Boxford?
The lakes in Boxford offer a wide range of activities. At Stiles Pond, you can enjoy swimming, boating (electric motors only), and fishing for trout, bass, and other species. Kevin Koster Park on Stiles Pond provides sandy beaches, docks, and a playground. Four Mile Pond is popular for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in warmer months, and transforms into a spot for ice skating, hockey, and cross-country skiing in winter.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Boxford area?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Stiles Pond, with its Kevin Koster Park, offers swimming lessons, a playground, and picnic areas. Pond Pasture at Baldpate Pond is also listed as family-friendly, offering fishing and trailheads. Additionally, Harold Parker State Forest, which contains several ponds, is family-friendly with extensive trails.
Where can I go fishing around Boxford's lakes?
Stiles Pond is a prime fishing spot, regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout, and also home to warm water species like largemouth bass and black crappie. Fishing is also available at Pond Pasture at Baldpate Pond from Baldpate Rd. Four Mile Pond offers fishing for bass, sunfish, pickerel, and perch.
What kind of wildlife can I observe near the lakes?
Four Mile Pond is excellent for wildlife observation, especially in the Pye Brook marsh area, where you can frequently spot great blue herons, ducks, and red-winged blackbirds. The J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve, nestled along Wenham Lake, is an 85-acre habitat for abundant wildlife, including bluejays, finches, woodpeckers, and bald eagles.
Are there hiking or cycling trails near Boxford's lakes?
Absolutely. Harold Parker State Forest features over 35 miles of roads and trails, including mountain bike singletracks, and remnants of 18th-century operations. The J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve offers a 2.5-mile loop through forests and wetlands. For cycling, the East Coast Greenway – Massachusetts passes through the region, offering a pioneering bicycle route. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Boxford guide and running trails in the Running Trails around Boxford guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes in Boxford?
The lakes offer activities year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming and boating at Stiles Pond. Spring and fall are excellent for hiking and wildlife viewing, especially at Four Mile Pond and J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve. Winter provides opportunities for ice skating and cross-country skiing on Four Mile Pond when conditions allow.
Is there public access for boating on Boxford's lakes?
Yes, Stiles Pond has a public boat ramp at its southwestern end, off Main Street. However, boating is restricted to electric motors only, with a 10 horsepower speed limit. Four Mile Pond offers public access for car-top boats through Alpers Woods.
Are there any historical sites or points of interest near the lakes?
Harold Parker State Forest contains remnants of 18th-century farming and milling operations. The J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve, located along Wenham Lake, features the remains of a historic estate amidst its natural beauty.
Can I bring my dog to the trails around Boxford's lakes?
Harold Parker State Forest is listed as dog-friendly, offering many miles of trails for you and your canine companion to explore.
What is the water quality like in Boxford's ponds?
Stiles Pond generally maintains good water quality with minimal aquatic vegetation. Four Mile Pond is significant as it serves as a water source for Boxford's drinking water, indicating its importance and general quality.
Is Wenham Lake accessible to the public?
Wenham Lake, a sizable freshwater reservoir for nearby Salem, is generally not accessible to the public along its shores. However, it offers scenic views from adjacent roads, and the J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve provides trails along its edge.
Are there any specific regulations for boating on Stiles Pond?
Yes, boating on Stiles Pond is restricted to electric motors only, with a maximum speed limit of 10 horsepower. There is a public boat ramp available for access.
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