Halfway Pond Conservation Area

Just as Henry David Thoreau referred to Walden Pond as the “eye of the world,” Halfway Pond shines as the “eye of Plymouth County.” The pond provides habitat for the federally endangered Northern Redbelly Cooter (formerly known as the Plymouth Redbelly Turtle), and its shores provide one of the region’s better sites for spotting bald eagles.

Its exceptional water quality supports six mussel species, including two state-listed rare species. Come to this unique conservation area to enjoy its remarkable scenic and spiritual values. Walk for a brief time or several hours on an extensive network of interconnecting, well-marked trails. Enjoy the scent of swamp azalea, swamp rose, and sweet pepperbush as you canoe Halfway Pond on a July evening. Explore woodland swamps and pond shores during crisp fall days when the vegetation glows with brilliant color.

Snowshoe through open woodlands in winter. Search the pine-barrens in spring for unusual wildflowers. Many bird species thrive along the pond shores, and prairie warblers, rufous-sided towhees, and common yellowthroats are frequently seen in the western part of this preserve in spring.

Directions to: Mast Road Parking Area: Rt. 3 to Exit 7 (old exit 3) heading southwest on Clark Road. Turn right onto Long Pond Road, continue about 1.5 miles, passing Plymouth schools. Turn left onto Mast Road, across from the golf course. Follow Mast Road about 2 miles to trailhead parking on right before Halfway Pond. Gallows Pond Rd./ West Long Pond Rd.
Parking Area: Take Rt. 3 to Exit 7 heading southwest on Clark Road. Turn left onto Long Pond Road and take 1st right onto Clark Road. Turn left to stay on Clark Road and continue onto West Long Pond Road to parking area just ahead on right.

Parking: Mast Road (trailhead, west side), additional parking at edge of road along pond. Parking is also permitted on Gallow’s Pond/West Long Pond. (Driving on Gallows Pond Road is not recommended due to very poor conditions.)