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, Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day; free the rest of the year
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
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 Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
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, Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day; free the rest of the year
Benedict Pond day-use lot
Benedict Pond day-use lot
Cost$8/day MA / $30/day non-MA, Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day; 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?
Benedict Pond is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Can I swim at Benedict Pond?
Yes, there's an unguarded swim beach, and DPH shows no active advisory.
Is there parking at Benedict Pond, and what does it cost?
Paid lot ($8/day MA / $30/day non-MA, Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day; 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.