A wooded 10-acre town conservation parcel known officially as the Rolf E. Sylvan Gardens, with paths overlooking both Black Pond and neighboring White Pond. A short ADA-compressed-stone path and a roughly 1-mile loop around Black Pond are the main routes.
What to expect
Trails
Sylvan Path (975 ft, ADA-accessible compressed stone) plus the roughly 1,200 ft to 1-mile Black Pond Loop and four additional rustic trails through about 10…
Dogs
Dogs must be leashed in Chatham's parks and beach areas; pick up after your dog. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
Hours
Chatham parks close 10pm to 6am, and conservation lands are open a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Posted hours at the entrance win if they differ.
Managed by
Town of Chatham Conservation Commission
(508) 945-5164 · WebsiteWhat's here
Not here
No info kiosk
No map kiosk is mentioned in trail descriptions; not confirmed either way.
Common questions
Is the trail here accessible?
The Sylvan Path is a 975-foot ADA-accessible compressed-stone route with views of both ponds, though the longer Black Pond Loop and the four rustic trails beyond it are natural surface.
There's handicap parking on site plus a small pull-off on Old Main Street; there's no overflow lot, so if the spaces are taken, plan to come back rather than park on the road shoulder.
Is there an entry fee at Black Pond Conservation Area?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Black Pond Conservation Area?
Dogs must be leashed in Chatham's parks and beach areas; pick up after your dog. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.