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Houghton's Pond Recreation Area

Address

840 Hillside St., Milton, MA 02186
Directions 

Phone

(617) 698-1802
Brochure & Map  Reserve a day use site  Self-guided opportunities 
Transit friendly
Accessible
Get Directions to Houghton's Pond Recreation Area 

Details

Overview

Houghton’s Pond is located within Blue Hills Reservation. Swim, fish, or relax form the 24-acre pond and accessible beach. Follow trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

Out of an abundance of caution due to Covid-19, DCR has made the following changes to support public safety and social distancing at Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area for Summer 2020.
PICNIC SITE INFORMATION
DCR and Reserve America are not accepting reservations for picnic sites and large group use at Houghton’s Pond this summer. All picnic tables and grills have been removed from the picnic areas. Families and small groups (10 people or less) may picnic on site but you must bring your own tables, chairs and grills as needed. Carry out all that you carry in or use the proper trash receptacles on site. There are 5 large picnic areas encircling the pond (see map). Picnic space is available on a first come, first served basis.
There are also three public parking lots around the pond. Note the lots can fill quickly during summer months. Additionally, some parking has been limited to encourage social distancing. Public safety is a priority. Please plan accordingly and follow all posted signage.
BALLFIELD INFO
All league permits and group use permits for the ballfields have been cancelled for Summer 2020

Hours

General

Dusk to dawn

Swimming area

Sunday - Saturday:
10:00 am-6:00 pm

Parking

Parking at Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area is free of charge. The parking lots close at 8 p.m. unless otherwise posted.

Activities

Children swimming

Swimming

Cool off during the steaming summer months in the swimming area. DCR lifeguards are on site from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. every day in July and August.
A man fishing on a pond while the sun sets.

Fishing

With plenty of trout in the pond, cast away no matter your experience level.

All Activities

  • Baseball
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Educational programs
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Mountain biking
  • Swimming

Facilities

  • Ball fields
  • Boardwalk
  • Concession stand
  • First-aid station
  • Lifeguards
  • Pavilion
  • Picnic area
  • Grills
  • Playground
  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Visitors center

Accessibility

Restrictions

General

  • Pets must be on a leash
  • Remove all pet waste before leaving
  • No pets on beach
  • No alcohol
  • No littering
  • No harming or removing animals, vegetation, artifacts, or other state property
  • No metal detectors
  • No disruptive conduct, including amplified music or public nudity
  • No ground fires or wood fires
  • Only make cooking fires (charcoal or propane) in designated areas

Beach

  • No grills or open fires
  • No horses or pets on beach or in water
  • No fishing from beach
  • No balls or Frisbees

Swimming

  • No swimming outside supervised areas
  • No flotation devices
  • No masks
  • No snorkels 

More info

Houghton's Pond is located within Blue Hills Reservation, explore their website for more information on recreational activities, maps, and more.

Picnics

Picnic sites are first come, first served. Head to sites 1 and 2 if you're with a small group.

Please stick to 2 picnic tables at most for one group so everyone has a chance to enjoy the park.

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