Houghton'S Pond Recreation Area

Overview

Brochure InfoThe Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to spend the day and enjoy the calm, clear waters of Houghton's Pond in the scenic Blue Hills Reservation. Offering 7,000 acres of open space, the Blue Hills Reservation is a green oasis in an urban environment.Brochure Info - OrientationTwenty-four acres in size and up to 42 feet in depth, Houghton's Pond is a spring-fed kettle hole pond formed by receding glaciers approximately 10,000 years ago. The Massachusett Indians fished the pond and hunted the surrounding lands. From the colonial period through the late 1800's, several generations of the Houghton family farmed the area.Brochure Info - Facilities and RestrictionsToday, the Houghton's Pond Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, picnicking, and hiking as well as a playground, concession pavilion, and Visitor's Center. Restrooms and a first aid station are open during the summer at the bathhouse. Payphones are located by the main gate. You are welcome to bring your own propane grill for grilling. NO CHARCOAL OR OPEN FLAMES PERMITTED.Key Info Once you have made your reservation, please call the park to discuss your plans for the day. Please be advised that this facility may reach capacity early in the day and parking may not be available. Please plan accordingly as parking lots are shared by all visitors and not designated just for picnic areas. Vehicles are strictly prohibited from the picnic area. Do not block or open any fire gates. Do not block handicap accessible parking spaces. The bathrooms are open seasonally from 8:00PM - 5:30AM, April - October. Alcohol is prohibited in all DCR Facilities. Only propane grills are permitted. No charcoal grilling allowed. Please be advised, the rental of this facility is generally for a self-catered picnic or simple gathering. Should you be interested in having a caterer, amplified music, a bounce house, fundraising event, etc. you will need to secure permission via a special event permit. There is a $45 non-refundable application fee, a Certificate of Liability Insurance will be required and you will be need to submit a Covid-19 Compliance Plan stating how you will meet the Governor’s guidelines. For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-state-parks-special-use-permit Swimming is not permitted at the picnic site, only at the designated beach which is on the other side of the pond. Children must be attended to at all times and if 16 or under must wear bicycle helmets while riding bikes. Pets must be attended to and leashed at all times and are prohibited at swimming beaches, state buildings and restrooms. Please pick up pet waste and dispose of in dumpster. Bring paper goods for easy clean up; do not wash dishes in bathroom sinks or at public faucets. Please clean up the area before you leave. Remove all decorations and trash. There are trash and recycling receptacles for your use. Important Information for Daily EntranceDirectionBy car-- From Route 93, take exit 3 (Houghton's Pond, Ponkapoag Trail exit) from Rte. 93. Follow the signs to Houghton's Pond. By public transportation-- MBTA: The Great Blue Hill and Houghton's Pond sections are accessible from the Red Line's Ashmont Station. From Ashmont, take the trolley to Mattapan. The Canton and Blue Hills bus services the Trailside Museum and Great Blue Hill on Route 138. For the Houghton's Pond area, exit the bus at Blue Hill River Road. Cross the road and walk one mile east on Hillside Street. For directions to other areas of the reservation, please call (617) 698-1802. Please call JBL Bus Line's at (781) 843-4505 for schedule and fee information. No Sunday service. Park Hours: 7:00AM to 7:00PM. Parking area closes at 8:00PM Parking: There is minimal parking near each of the picnic areas. Please plan to arrive early. There is limited parking off Blue Hill River Road, near each of the picnic sites. Additional parking is available at the main parking lot at 840 Hillside Street. Important: Do not park on Blue Hill River Road.Booking Window Product InfoFee Cancellation Desc Please read our Fees and Cancellation Policies