Top 8 Lakes around Harwich Port
Best lakes around Harwich Port are found within the village of Harwich, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod. This area features over 60 freshwater ponds, many of which are notable for their size and recreational opportunities. The landscape includes sandy shorelines, wooded areas, and connections to local trail systems. These ponds contribute to the region's natural appeal, offering diverse environments for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Harwich Port
- The most popular lakes is Seymour Pond, a lake that is a…
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Seymour Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Pleasant Lake (Hinckleys Pond)
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Cliff Pond Beach and Boat Launch, Nickerson State Park
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
Sheep's Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Harwich Port.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Hinckleys Pond is also known as Pleasant Lake and is classified as a Great Pond due to its 172-acre size. It has a well-maintained beach with plenty of activities. The Cape Cod Rail Trail passes nearby, which is a super byway. This is a great place to take a break, especially as nearby you have Pleasant Lake Pizza Shark, a well-known local eatery.
1
0
Sheep's Pond is a small kettle pond in Brewster, Massachusetts. This pretty pond is right down a steep hill from the Cape Cod Rail Trail and has a pretty, but small public beach with porta potties. It's also known as "the clearest pond in Brewster," so it's a nice place to cool off if riding around the area in the summer!
0
0
Nickerson State Park is a great 1,900 acre natural area with a host of hiking, running and biking trails. It is a beautiful wooded area and there are plenty of different routes to go and explore the multitude of scenic ponds in the area. You can enter the park here on your bike but if you have a car you will have to go to the main entrance just off the Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT). From here you have good access to the park trails.
0
0
Seymour Pond is one of many freshwater kettle ponds in the Brewster/Harwich area. The public beach for this scenic pond butts right up against the Cape Cod Rail Trail and is a great place to pause and snap a few photos or maybe even take a dip to cool off in the summertime.
0
0
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge offers a serene escape into coastal beauty. Explore diverse ecosystems, spot birds, and enjoy scenic views in this slice of Cape Cod paradise.
0
0
Have mosquito and tick repellent with you!
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around Harwich Port?
Harwich Port, part of the larger town of Harwich, is home to over sixty freshwater ponds. These include large bodies of water like Long Pond, which spans over 740 acres, and scenic kettle ponds such as Seymour Pond and Sheep's Pond. Many feature sandy beaches and are connected to local trail systems.
Which lakes are best for swimming around Harwich Port?
Several lakes offer excellent swimming opportunities. Seymour Pond and Pleasant Lake (Hinckleys Pond) both have well-maintained sandy beaches. Cliff Pond, located within Nickerson State Park, is also a popular spot for swimming during the summer months.
Are there lakes suitable for fishing near Harwich Port?
Yes, Long Pond is particularly known as an excellent smallmouth bass pond, with fish frequently weighing between 3 and 5 pounds. Cliff Pond is also popular for fishing, stocked with trout, perch, bass, and killifish.
What lakes are good for boating in the Harwich Port area?
Long Pond, being the largest freshwater pond on Cape Cod, is a popular spot for boating. Cliff Pond in Nickerson State Park also allows boating and is a favored location for this activity.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Harwich Port?
Many lakes in the area are family-friendly. Seymour Pond, Pleasant Lake (Hinckleys Pond), and Cliff Pond all feature beaches and are popular for families. Sheep's Pond also has a small public beach and is known for its clear water, making it a nice spot for families to cool off.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Harwich Port?
The lakes are well-integrated with the region's outdoor recreation. You can enjoy running on trails like the Seymour Pond – Pleasant Lake loop, or explore road cycling routes such as the Pleasant Lake (Hinckleys Pond) – Seymour Pond loop. Mountain biking is also available, with routes like the Nickerson State Park – Cliff Pond loop.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, the Cape Cod Rail Trail passes directly alongside Seymour Pond and near Pleasant Lake (Hinckleys Pond), making them ideal stops for cyclists. You can find various road cycling routes in the area, including loops around Pleasant Lake (Hinckleys Pond) and Seymour Pond.
What is the best time to visit the lakes near Harwich Port?
The lakes are popular throughout the warmer months. While summer offers ideal conditions for swimming, boating, and general recreation, heavy use can make fishing more challenging. Spring is particularly good for smallmouth bass fishing in Long Pond. Nickerson State Park, home to Cliff Pond, is also a popular summer destination.
Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' lakes to visit?
Sheep's Pond, a small kettle pond in Brewster, is known as 'the clearest pond in Brewster.' It offers a pretty, albeit small, public beach and can be a nice, quieter spot to cool off.
What amenities are available near the lakes?
Near Pleasant Lake (Hinckleys Pond), you'll find local eateries like Pleasant Lake Pizza Shark. Many public beaches, such as those at Seymour Pond and Sheep's Pond, offer benches and sometimes porta-potties for convenience.
What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are often kettle ponds, formed by glaciers, and feature sandy bottoms and clear waters. Long Pond boasts good transparency, while Cliff Pond is named after its surrounding cliffs. The area around Pleasant Lake (Hinckleys Pond) also features cranberry bogs, adding to the natural landscape.
Where can I find information about public access to Pleasant Lake (Hinckleys Pond)?
For details on public access and facilities at Pleasant Lake, also known as Hinckleys Pond, you can visit the official Harwich town website: harwich-ma.gov/699/Pleasant-Lake.
Most popular attractions around Harwich Port
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Harwich Port? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
