A 54.49-acre parcel in the northeast corner of town encompassing Black Pond itself, a lily-covered, spring-fed pond surrounded by steep forested slopes with ferns, wild orchids, mountain laurel and hemlocks. Reached only via the separately-recorded Black Pond Access easement off Littleton County Road. Harvard Conservation Trust markets the combined Black Pond/Vesenka/Smith trail system (142 acres, extending into Littleton) under one name, but the original Town parcel is smaller.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Trails
Extended trail system (Black Pond/Vesenka/Smith, ~142 acres combined with adjoining land into Littleton) rated moderate, about 150 feet of elevation gain;…
Dogs
Town of Harvard Conservation Land Use Rules (townwide, applies to all Town of Harvard Conservation Commission land) permit 'pet walking -- under direct control of a person' as of right; there is no townwide leash-specific ordinance text…
Hours
Open dawn to dusk (Town of Harvard Conservation Land Use Rules); no gate, unstaffed.
Managed by
Harvard Conservation Commission
978-456-4106 · WebsiteCommon questions
Is Black Pond Access Area a different place?
It's a separate 3.34-acre recorded parcel that provides the legal access easement to this pond; the two were acquired together and are used as a single visit.
Where do I park at Black Pond Conservation Area?
Free lot (free).
Can I bring my dog to Black Pond Conservation Area?
Town of Harvard Conservation Land Use Rules (townwide, applies to all Town of Harvard Conservation Commission land) permit 'pet walking -- under direct control of a person' as of right; there is no townwide leash-specific ordinance text confirmed for general conservation land beyond 'direct…
What rules should I know at Black Pond Conservation Area?
No motorized vehicles. No camping or fires. No hunting or trapping. No removal or alteration of flora, fauna, earth, rock or wood. No commercial activities.