Living in Plymouth, Massachusetts, I’m blessed with a wide expanse of ocean just outside my door. It comes in all kinds too. The oceanfront opportunities include the three-mile barrier beach (Long Beach), with exquisite turquoise water, and the soft sands of White Horse Beach. Nelson Park is great for kids, with a splash pad and playground next to it. Other beachfront access includes Ellisville Harbor State Park, Center Hill Preserve, and Stephen’s Field. It’s truly wonderful how much coastline is accessible to the public. Recently though I finally found freshwater at Clear Pond Conservation Area.
450 Ponds!
Prior to this and due to the fact that I typically prefer the seashore, (even though I am usually quite the explorer), I have not yet ventured to my adopted hometown’s collection of 450 ponds. Quite honestly figuring out which allow public riffraff such as myself and the parameters of each is a daunting task. To my delight, though, my aunt, who for the last few years has rented a house in town, recently stayed at a house on Clear Pond. Clear Pond is located in West Plymouth, near the Carver town line.
Kayak Extraordinaire
The idyllic pond-side setting was quaint, with a small beach set underneath a grove of coniferous trees. The proprietors let guests use kayaks to explore the pond. This was exciting since I have not kayaked for at least fifteen years. Exploring each nook and cranny of the pond was a perfect afternoon diversion. I was completely satisfied.
Defunct Bog
Right past the yard, I noticed a trail and of course was curious about where it led. The home’s owner let me know that this was actually conservation land. It was recently left to the town of Plymouth for the public to enjoy. I took to the trail at first by myself and then with my family. It led to a defunct cranberry bog. The trail circles around the former bog. Although the bog is close to a crowded residential neighborhood, it seems largely isolated. Frogs and rodents scurried to and fro as I traced the bog’s perimeter.
The Basics
Clear Pond Conservation Area does have public access to the pond as well. The trailhead is off of Surrey Drive (and Chipmunk Lane, see the map). The path leads to Clear Pond with the bog walk to the right of the water access. The pond itself is peaceful, with homes clustered around that have water access. There is also a small condominium complex on the far side of the pond with a private beach. A thicket of reeds blocks the passage from the pond to the former bog. The name Clear Pond is fitting since kayaking (or swimming) it’s easy to see fish dart in the water and it is fed by numerous springs.
Here’s to you, Clear Pond Conservation Area!
I’m quite honestly very excited to utilize this pond as much as possible. (It’s even enticing me to buy kayaks!) I’m also looking forward to seeking out more freshwater destinations in Plymouth, only 449 more to go! Lately, as I drive around Plymouth and its environs, developments are popping up at an alarming rate. It’s important for conservation areas such as Clear Pond to be saved and protected for posterity
Click here and here for even more natural Plymouth spots.
Find out what’s in your backyard!
