One of Harold Parker State Forest's 11 ponds, ringed by paved and unpaved forest roads near the ranger station, with an easy hand-carry launch for non-motorized boats right at the parking area.
What to expect
Dogs
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and…
Hours
Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset as published by the National Weather Service, unless posted or permitted otherwise. Fishing, camping, snowmobiling and other authorized nighttime activities are not held…
Fishing
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
978-686-3391 · WebsiteCommon questions
The forest's supervised swim beaches, with bathhouses and lifeguards, are at Berry Pond and Frye Pond, not Stearns Pond. Any swimming here is informal and unguarded.
Yes, there is an easy hand-carry put-in right next to the parking area for canoes, kayaks, and rowboats.
Is there an entry fee at Stearns Pond?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Stearns Pond?
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and search-dog training are excepted (302 CMR 12.13).
What rules should I know at Stearns Pond?
No lifeguard is stationed at Stearns Pond; the forest's two official supervised swim beaches are at Berry Pond and Frye Pond, not here.