Hood Pond is a 69-acre, tea-stained kettle pond straddling the Ipswich-Topsfield-Boxford line, with a no-motor cartop launch on the Ipswich/Willowdale side and a resident swim beach across the water in Topsfield.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Entry fee
Free on the Ipswich/DCR launch side; the Topsfield swim beach charges non-residents a fee.
Swim
Allowed summer, at the Topsfield beach on the southwestern end (fee for non-Topsfield residents); not at the DCR launch side
Fishing
Allowed year-round, non-motorized boats only
Managed by
Department of Conservation and Recreation
WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Costfree
Details unconfirmed
Common questions
Where do I park at Hood Pond?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Hood Pond?
Yes, Free on the Ipswich/DCR launch side; the Topsfield swim beach charges non-residents a fee.
What rules should I know at Hood Pond?
No motors on the pond. Dogs are not permitted at Hood Pond, though they may be leashed elsewhere in Willowdale State Forest.
Been here? Help keep it current.
Prices, hours, and facilities change. A quick note keeps the next visitor from guessing.