A 2,575-acre state reservation with over 100 miles of mixed-use trails spanning Stoneham, Medford, Malden, Melrose, and Winchester, centered on Spot Pond and its reservoirs. Stoneham's main access points sit along Woodland Road, Pond Street, and South Border Road.
What to expect
Trails
Over 100 miles of mixed-use hiking, biking, and equestrian trails of varying difficulty across the whole reservation, including the well-known Rock Circuit…
Parking
Not confirmed · unconfirmed
Dogs
Leashed everywhere except the designated off-leash meadow at the Sheepfold (Stoneham side).
Accessibility
Paved paths exist near the visitor center and Spot Pond boathouse area; most of the trail network is unpaved, rugged woodland trail.
Fish
Allowed Year-round per Massachusetts freshwater fishing regulations.
Kayak Canoe
Allowed Warm-weather season via Paddle Boston rentals; private motorized or unrented boats are not allowed.
Birdwatching
Allowed Year-round.
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
781-590-2100 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Parking not sourced yet
Check the town or agency pages before you go.
What's here
On site
Kiosk Map Box
At the Botume House Visitor Center.
Paddle Boston at Spot Pond
seasonal · True
Common questions
Can I swim in Spot Pond or anywhere in the Fells?
No. Swimming is banned reservation-wide because these ponds and reservoirs supply drinking water, even though people do it informally.
Can I rent a kayak on Spot Pond?
Yes, Paddle Boston runs a seasonal rental dock on Spot Pond in Stoneham for kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and sailboats (sailboats require a season pass).
Is hunting allowed in Middlesex Fells Reservation?
Not confirmed either way from an official source. DCR's general hunting-in-the-parks policy allows hunting at many DCR properties but notes some have special restrictions, and no Fells-specific hunting season or prohibition notice is posted.
Is there an entry fee at Middlesex Fells Reservation?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Middlesex Fells Reservation?
Leashed everywhere except the designated off-leash meadow at the Sheepfold (Stoneham side).
Is Middlesex Fells Reservation wheelchair accessible?
Paved paths exist near the visitor center and Spot Pond boathouse area; most of the trail network is unpaved, rugged woodland trail.
What rules should I know at Middlesex Fells Reservation?
Informal swimming and intensive fishing still occur along parts of the Spot Pond shoreline despite the water-supply protections. Swimming is prohibited throughout the reservation, including Spot Pond, Bellevue Pond, Wright's Pond, and the reservoirs, because these are drinking-water supply areas.…