A combined roughly 29-acre (Swains) plus 39-acre (Towners) wooded conservation area with trail loops around both ponds and the adjoining Flagg Acres hill, which has a lookout over lowland Melrose to the Boston skyline.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Trails
Swains Pond and Flagg Acres Loop, about 2.4 miles, easy, natural surface; Towners Pond Nature Loop, about 0.9 miles, easy, natural surface
Dogs
Leash required on conservation land citywide
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
City of Melrose Conservation Commission
781-979-4500 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Costfree
Details unconfirmed
What's here
On site
Picnic area
Picnic sites at Towners Pond
Common questions
Are there trails, how long and how hard?
Yes. The main Swains Pond and Flagg Acres loop runs about 2.4 miles on natural surface and is considered easy; the Towners Pond nature loop is a shorter 0.9-mile easy walk.
The high point on Flagg Acres looks out over lowland Melrose to Slayton Tower at Mount Hood, Lynn Harbor and the Boston skyline.
Where do I park at Swain and Towners Pond Conservation Area?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Swain and Towners Pond Conservation Area?
Not confirmed; check the town's page before you go.
Can I bring my dog to Swain and Towners Pond Conservation Area?
Leash required on conservation land citywide
What rules should I know at Swain and Towners Pond Conservation Area?
No alcohol permitted on conservation land citywide.