The Ponkapoag Trail is a scenic route with beautiful views of the pond. A great trail if you’re looking for a long, peaceful, and scenic walk. Be aware of your surroundings as hikers, bicyclers, and horses frequent the trail. The trail that loops around the entirety of the pond is just under four miles long. This trail passes 
Fisherman’s Beach, which is a great location for a day out with your family.
Though not as well-known, Ponkapoag Pond is larger than Houghton’s Pond and at 200 acres, it is an ideal spot for fishing and non-motorized boating.
A quarter of Ponkapoag Pond’s surface is underground since its entire northwest corner is covered by an uncommon wetland plant community known as a bog mat – a buoyant layer of vegetation that spreads out from the shoreline. Eventually, it becomes thick enough to support an extensive cedar forest. When the boardwalk is fully repaired, visitors can walk out to view the entire pond via a boardwalk, a string of anchored planks extending a fifth of a mile from dry land to open water
Parking
Ponkapoag Golf Course, 2167 Washington Street, Canton,
The stub off Exit 3 on Route 93 (trail marker 5322) Usually when you exit from Route 93, you would head north on Blue Hill River Road towards Houghton’s Pond. But if you turn south, you’ll run into a gate. There are a few parking spaces on the side of the road before the gate. (You cannot block the gate itself.) This is the parking that’s closest to Ponkapoag bog
Fisherman’s Beach on Randolph Street, Canton (just east of 1060 Randolph St, Canton)
Is there a closing time for the trail?
Thanks for asking! The park closes at dusk.
I spent every summer for a little over 20years in AMC cabins with the most wonderful memories.Ponky has a cherished place in my heart. An original cabin owner Mary Bourbeau would take us on hike to rock foro call lemon squeeze. Dies anyone know which trail?
What a great memory… and question! We’ll check to see who might know the answer!
Cheryl,
The Lemon Squeeze is a favorite destination for campers to find and explore! It’s off the main Ponkapoag Trail. It’s on the hillside to the left when you are approaching the Y Camp.
It’s right around 5241 and the big hill.
Let us know if you look for it!
We love this place and have made several trips over the past year. We park off I-93 and walk the entire loop counter clockwise from that point. Today, we were out in the evening and saw a coyote after passing Fisherman’s beach…it was at a distance; having a small child turned around and retraced steps….curious if there have been incidents?
Thanks so much for letting us know. We double checked with the ranger, and he said: No incidents and nothing to be afraid of. Just make noise and keep your pets on a leash.
I hope you continue to enjoy the park!
The ranger says… no incidents and nothing to be afraid of. Just make noise and keep your pets on a leash.
Enjoy!
Can you take horses for a dip/swim in the pond?
Yes, you can. Glad you’d like to visit with your horses!
One of the most beautiful places I have been. Such a well maintained foot path with very easy terrain. Gorgeous pond with lillypads with flowers. I absolutely loved this place.
Highly recommend!
Wow. Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
Are there places to bring in a kyak? Is there a cost?
Kate, you can bring a Kayak to Ponkapoag Pond. Park at Fisherman’s Beach (which is the driveway after Temple Beth David of the South Shore, 1060 Randolph St, Canton, if you’re coming from Route 138). There is no charge.
Can you swim at Fisherman’s Beach?
Thanks for asking! Swimming is not allowed at Ponkapoag Pond at Fishermans Beach: there are no lifeguards.
Swimming is allowed at the AMC camp. They do have a lifeguard, but you would have to pay the day use fee.
Hope that helps!
Can you bring leashed dogs through the entrance at the golf course?
Thanks for asking! Yes, dogs on leash are allowed at the golf course.
Can dogs swim at fishermen’s beach?
Thanks for asking! Dogs can swim on a leash.