A 35-acre swimming pond inside Beartown State Forest, ringed by an easy loop trail and backed by low mountains. The day-use lot off Blue Hill Road serves both the unguarded beach and the trailhead, and fills early on summer weekends.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot $8/day MA / $30/day non-MA, May 23-Sep 7; free the rest of the year
Free until May 23Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
No gate at the pond itself; DCR state forests generally run sunrise to sunset per statewide park rules.
Season
The pond and trail are open year-round; the day-use parking fee applies May 23-Sep 7 (2026 season).
Dogs
Leashed, 10-foot maximum, under control, per DCR's statewide pet policy for on-leash areas.
Fishing
Allowed year-round subject to MassWildlife regs
Managed by
DCR Division of State Parks and Recreation
413-528-0904 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Cost$8/day MA / $30/day non-MA, May 23-Sep 7; free the rest of the year
Benedict Pond day-use lot
Benedict Pond day-use lot
Cost$8/day MA / $30/day non-MA, May 23-Sep 7; free the rest of the yearSpacessmall lot
Shared with the campground and the loop-trail trailhead.
Access points along this beach
Getting to the beach
Single day-use lot off Blue Hill Road serves the swim beach and the Benedict Pond Loop Trail trailhead.
What's here
Facilities
Picnic area
Picnic tables at the day-use area.
Common questions
Is Benedict Pond in Monterey open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Can I swim at Benedict Pond?
Yes, there's an unguarded swim beach, and DPH shows no active advisory as of mid-2026.
Is there parking at Benedict Pond, and what does it cost?
Paid lot ($8/day MA / $30/day non-MA, May 23-Sep 7; free the rest of the year). Benedict Pond day-use lot
What rules should I know at Benedict Pond?
No lifeguard; swim at your own risk.
Are dogs allowed at Benedict Pond?
Leashed, 10-foot maximum, under control, per DCR's statewide pet policy for on-leash areas.
Is there an entry fee at Benedict Pond?
No, entry is free.