My family and I visited Fresh Pond for the first time and it was beautiful. We were lucky to have found street parking right across from the Trader Joe's. The loop was well paved in most areas and there were a couple off trails that were a nice surprise. It was pretty crowded even for a "not so great weather day" so I can imagine how busy it gets on a nice day. Loved how it was a dog friendly place. Most people didn't have their dogs on leash. This is great for families who feel comfortable with it but imagine it could be an issue for others. We will definitely be back! read more

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Beautiful, well-maintained park, with a designated bike lane and separate walking path, which I LOVED - always less stressful for all parties knowing you have your own literal lane. The surroundings are gorgeous, I especially liked the smaller pond further off (think it's called Little Fresh Pond/Dog Beach on the map), with a peaceful seating area. When I went during the day, I didn't see a ton of other people milling about (lots of doggo's merrily bounding about). The one star off is for the parking situation. I actually tried coming here twice before finally succeeding. The first time, I found the nearby rotaries too daunting and gave up and went home. The second time, we finally conquered the rotaries but pulled into the parking lot right by the park to find resident only signs plastered everywhere. Seriously? No non-resident access even for one day out of the week? So here's a tip. On my third try, I just parked in the nearby Whole Foods lot and walked over. It was about five minutes with a sidewalk but I wasn't a fan of having to cross a super busy road to get into the park. Better than nothing, I guess. I've also heard there's street parking on the south end of the pond but you might need to do some circling. read more

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Drove all the way over, only to find that the only parking options are "permit parking" (I do not have a permit or parking in the "golf course only" lot. What a waste of time and gas. read more

To get my exercise. I will walk around Fresh Pond. There is a paved road around the park which is about 2 miles in circumference. I see people dunning. Waking their dogs, or just strolling around the pond. For the most part, it is a flat surface so it would be easy to push a baby carriage. A golf course abuts the trail. In one spot, there is a pond designated for dogs. Well worth the effort required to enjoy a trip to the pond. read more

This is a beautiful walking trail. It circles around the pond and due to covid has signs indicating to walk in clockwise direction only. For those with dogs, they have bag stands. The walk itself is pretty straightforward and easy and can be completed in 45mins - 1 hour. I recommend going in the fall, around sunset, as the views are beautiful. read more

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This park is beyond beautiful. My dog, Javier, had a wonderful time traipsing along the trail and swimming in the dog-friendly pond! I will be taking him here all summer to enjoy the sun and the clear water. My only gripe is that parking is only available to those with a Cambridge Resident parking permit. Although I am a Cambridge resident, I use zipcar so I cannot utilize their parking. Bring your friendly dogs here! Oh... And bring a ball!! read more

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This morning I ran around the fresh pond. It was nice trail for walk/run. I hoped there was no fence to the pond. It kind of disturbs the view of nature. It was nice to see cute excited dogs. In the winter on a windy day, it is less pleasant. I will come back in spring in a few months. read more

Nice, easy walking trail around Fresh Pond with 2 parking lots for Cambridge residents. I've come a few times around sunset and the sunsets have been so beautiful! There's also lots of grassy areas and trees which would be great to hammock and picnic. Lot's of dogs around and a big field/hill for dogs to run! read more

Went here late last summer and every 30 feet are huge signs about your dogs being up to date on the rabies vaccine and how your dog must be registered. Talk about over control and killing a good vibe. I must of seen 6 signs just from walking around the pond 1/2 way. Absolutely disturbing! I will never come here again. Not peaceful AT ALL read more

Ideal for walking, jogging, bicycling, doggie lovers, etc. Once around is about 2mi. Parking is free for Cambridge residents. This is a very tranquil and peaceful place. read more

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I am truly stumped as to why people are giving Fresh Pond anything but five stars. Maybe they missed out on some super grand aspects of Fresh Pond: 1. Bike friendly (signs ask that you bike at the pace of a jogger; there is also a bike trail that is on the outside of Fresh Pond) 2. Pet friendly 3. Perfect place for a picnic 4. Perfect spot for a 2 mile (right?) exercise 5. There's a super cute garden along the path 6. There are paths to some really rad areas 7. There's a Little Fresh Pond... I saw a dog bathe in there once, I imagine it's okay. My only suggestion to the Keepers of Fresh Pond (I imagine that is their official job title) is to add a line in the middle of the walkway, so that there are not several obnoxious gaggles of people+dogs+small children... but until then, a simple (sometimes forceful) "PARDON ME" will do. read more

Fresh Pond - Parks Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Our favorite place to walk, and they do a lot to keep things clean and beautified, like new plantings. Some of these reviews puzzle me. Yes, the fence is ugly. But Fresh Pond is a source of drinking water and I'd rather have it be protected from getting dirty. If you suspect that someone injured you or your dog on purpose, you should alert park staff. And it's because they're there and so vigilant that Fresh Pond is such a great place to walk. If they're strict about insuring dogs have the proper license, not a big deal. (And I love dogs.) I have yet to see a dog act out at Fresh Pond. Yep, paid parking for non-Cambridge residents would be ideal, but there are other places to park, and you can enter the reservation from different access points. read more

Allows only Cambridge-licensed dogs to be off leash. In my opinion, letting some dogs run free while others are tethered is a bit dangerous. Somerville doesn't discriminate what dogs are allowed to fully enjoy their parks; I wish Cambridge were the same. read more

Great place to take a walk in west Cambridge! I will refer to it as a dog park, because I bring my dog here...it's great that dogs are allowed off leash here, although I don't trust my golden puppy off leash at all. We still had fun walking the loop. And the best part is... LITTLE FRESH POND! Yep, the little doggie beach area for swimming. I only wish this was fully fenced in with gates so that the dogs can't run out onto the path--I keep Zoe on a 50 foot leash so I can stop her from running out wet and hyper and jumping on dry and unsuspecting joggers. But as a golden, she lives to swim, and we walk here pretty much every day so she can swim and retrieve sticks in the pond. I am so glad that they allow dogs to swim here and it is just wonderful exercise for my water-loving dog! read more

Fresh Pond - Parks Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge dogs are very lucky to have Fresh Pond. One of the field areas is reserved for local dogs, and there's usually a crowd during the summer. The two-mile loop around the pond is perfect for me and my energetic street dog, and there's even a little pond for the dogs to splash around in about halfway around (separate from the drinking water, of course). Tension between joggers/bikers and dog owners is inevitable, but in my experience both seem to get along relatively well here and use good etiquette. There are several trash cans around the loop, so you have no excuse for not picking up after your dog. Oh, and there are also a couple drinking fountains that have a dog attachment. Sure, it's something of a comedown for a reservoir that used to be the epicenter of the global ice industry, but at least Fresh Pond is enjoying a pleasant retirement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresh_Pond_(Cambridge,_Massachusetts) P.S. Be sure to look for the famous screech owl near the first turn in the loop: https://twitter.com/freshpondowl?lang=en read more

This park is one hot mess. I am an avid park user, and it saddens me to have to give this one such a negative review. First and foremost, it is total BS that the ONLY parking lot available is for Cambridge residents only. I have never felt so discriminated against by a public facility. I live a short 5 minute drive away in Somerville, and I would be happy to ride my bike to Fresh Pond but there is no direct and safe route to get there and I am forced to drive instead. Secondly, the paved surfacing is terrible for bike riders, and I can't imagine trying to run or push a stroller on it. The path itself is wide in most spots and accommodates the crowds, but it's surrounded by a depressing 8' tall chain link fence that makes you feel as it you're not supposed to be there... way to ruin a wonderful view. Thirdly, if you are afraid of dogs - LIKE ME - don't even bother with this park! 95% of all dogs are unleashed, which unfortunately is okay per local leash laws. However, this is under the assumption that the dogs are well behaved. Well, yesterday I was attacked by TWO DOGS who decided to have a go at each other, neglecting to notice that I was in fact IN BETWEEN THEM. It was a terrifying experience. What if I was walking with a child?! Bottom line, this place sucks and sadly I can't even recommend an alternative since the park system in Eastern Mass is apparently non-existent. read more

THREE mistakes to avoid: Off leash ONLY applies to Cambridge dogs with a Cambridge issued dog license. All other dogs must be leashed. Dogs must stay off the grass at all times. Parking in both lots are limited to Cambridge residents with a valid Cambridge resident parking permit ONLY. The Ranger and the staff is diligent about ticketing for all above offenses. read more

I'm taking the rules of the sea and applying them to Fresh Pond because someone has to. At least the right of way rules- starts at swimmer ends at cruise ship or something like that. Basically the least power has the right of way. So here are my right of way rules: 1. children 2. dogs (I've taken into account brain power as well as physical) 3. adults 4. runners 5. bikers So if you are on a bike you are not allowed to run over dogs and babies, or yell at them. Alright, now its 5 star worthy! read more

I have been walking/ biking around Fresh Pond since I could walk/ride. It's one of those places I go to walk/jog, enjoy each season, and take a deep breath. It's a great public resource. I don't believe the parking situation is unfair for non-residents, it's one of the benefits of living in Cambridge. Other towns have their own resources. There is only a small parking lot, and since it is a Cambridge reservoir and attached water treatment facility- it should be reserved for Cambridge residents who pay for it's maintenance. Everyone else can go there, you just have to park elsewhere :) read more

Sure, you need a Cambridge dog license to have your dog off leash here (well without getting fined), but that doesn't mean you should do it if you can't control your dog. I have encountered way too many dogs that should never be let off leash here with completely oblivious owners. Owners that let their dogs wander around a half a mile away from them. Having a dog license doesn't mean squat in that regard. Also I never got those people that let their dogs swim in the water. It's filled with bird shit and why risk the chance of having your dog get sick with something like Giardia? read more

One of my favorite paths to run. A gorgeous view with lots of friendly people and dogs. An oasis off a major road. One catch: there's constantly construction around it so certain areas are always closed off read more

I can't believe there is only one review of Fresh Pond park so far. This place is very nice. We lived in Huron Village for about half a year, and came to the parks for walks very often. The place is dominated by Fresh Pond, and there is a circular path looping around the water. Go all around will take you about an hour, give or take depending on your speed and mood. There is nothing stunning about the place, there is no fancy landscaping or breathtaking vistas, but it does give you complete relaxation while you are here. You'll find many people walking their dogs, joggers, and walkers. To get there by public transport, take one of several buses in Harvard Sq that go down Concord Ave (#74 comes to mind, but there are more). The adjacent Huron Village section of Cambridge has nice walking routes in and of itself, in particular Brattle St, with a selection of nice restaurants also so you can recharge after your stroll in Fresh Pond. If you want to make it even longer, you can continue walking along the Charles River on Mem Drive, which is not far, or go to Mt Auburn Cemetery, which is also close and completely amazing. This area of Cambridge has a lot to offer if you're looking for a relaxing weekend day to amble around and enjoy yourself in a mellow kind of way. read more

I wrote a tip the other day and thought I would add a little here. I have great memories of Fresh Pond. Back in the day anyone could park and it was never crowded. I ran around for the first time with my dad and later ran cross country races and the Saturday morning road races. I did my 7th grade science project on the Water treatment plant. Reading the reviews one thing puzzles me. I am a huge dog lover but all dogs should be on a leash. When dogs are let run lose, some regress to their natural instincts to hunt. Walkers and runners can become prey. I walked around the Blue Hill Regional track in Canton for years. The off leash dogs and their waste became so bad that all dogs were banned. I was attacked several times and not once did an owner scold their animal. I am not sure how Cambridge gets around a state law by letting animals off leash and then just letting cambridge lincensed animals enjoy the benefit. Runners and dogs generally don't go well together. That said it is a beautiful place. read more

Bottom line: An ok running loop distance-wise and view-wise. The terrain could be substantially better (hard asphault that hasn't been kept up making it a real ankle-twister). I live pretty close to Fresh Pond making this running journey for me about a 5 mile loop. Not a bad run. It is, however, for anyone who can't just walk over, hellacious to get to. Cambridge is notorious for its poor parking rules, and Fresh Pond is no exception. The majority of this running loop is also closed during the winter months because the city doesn't keep it up. This can be problematic for anyone who doesn't know it and unwittingly comes up on an ice-skating rink. Or is yelled at by a city official because i was standing "too close to the grass" (are you kidding me?) The chainlink fence is a real eyesore, and it can get really crowded on a nice day. I'd rather go running in a different park (or friggin sidewalk even) given the option. Works in a pinch. read more

DOG OWNERS. If you come here to let your dog off leash, which is what weve been doing for years, beware if your dog doesnt have a CAMBRIDGE LICENSE TAG. If you dont, youre supposed to keep it on leash. What does it matter, I have no clue but Im sure just a way to get $$$ out of you if you want to let your dog off leash you need to pay the city for the tag. You can risk it and go off leash but there might be a park ranger, around that will tell you to put your dog on the leash. I never saw her until this week. Did my research about the "off leash dog rules" and thats the truth. Makes me not want to go there but its still a great place to take your dogs, go for a run, etc. I will probably cave and get the damn tags. Enjoy :)) read more

I'm a huge fan of Fresh Pond for my training runs. It's nice to have an option that's not running to/around/from the Esplanade. It's a scenic 2 1/4 mile loop that is usually well populated with runners, dogs, cyclists and other assorted folks. Unlike some other reviewers, I never found any of this to be a problem as I think the path is plenty wide enough to share. Parking is free for Cambridge residents (which doesn't help me a lick since I live in Somerville). The best part, I think is that there is a (CLEAN) bathroom as well as water fountains! Very helpful for runs on hot, summer days. Fresh Pond is a really lovely green space that's sometimes hard to come by when you live in the "city". Use it to run, cycle, or even have a picnic. Lots of ways to enjoy the space! read more

Beautiful, an oasis in the city. Great for a 40 minute walk. I'm not a dog person, but don't mind them on the path as owners generally keep a close watch on them, and I've never seen one misbehave. People are more considerate here than I've seen them anywhere else in the city, and share the path with runners, walkers, strollers, bikes, dogs, and kids. The whole park is very well-kept, and the bathroom at the ranger's station, as well as water fountains along the path are a plus. read more

This place is a daily occurence for me. There is no better place to take your (well-behaved) dog in the area. Upsides?: Off leash, lots of other dogs for your pooch to socialize with, swimming area for dogs (people really dont want to touch the water), and easy access. Downsides?: Lots of areas for your dog to cause mischief. The golf course next to it isn't protected with a fence, so your pooch might run out there, and there is a stretch right near Fresh Pond Parkway where your dog might run out there. Make sure your dog doesn't get too excitable. Also, there is a war going on between joggers, bikers, and dog walkers over who the space is built for. Make sure you are not in the crosshairs of an enraged jogger whose life mission it is to destroy everyone's day, or a biker who insists on travelling at 30 mph, or a dogwalker who thinks it is ok to let their dogs get in everyone's way (guilty!). read more

I used to walk around this all the time with sweet lil Andrea. It's great, though make sure there are no storms rolling in, there isn't any shelter if you get caught on the wrong side of the reservoir. this s a great place to get some fresh air, get some exercise, walk your dog, picnic, or look at trees (there is a great variety) and pick Queen Annes lace flowers (oops, I'm not supposed to do that am I?) it's 2.7 miles one way to walk around, or you can take another path and make it 3.4. I think at least. I'm dyslexic with numbers. Parking is hard if you don't have a Cambridge permit, but you can usually find street parking by the golf course and of course at the fresh pond mall and walk across the street. read more

This is a great place for a relaxing afternoon walk. It almost feels like you have escaped the city! The water, the landscape, doggies galore - it is a nice little get away from the traffic, chaos and push that can be overwhelming from time to time. It never seems crowded, but there is always people around - which helps give it a safe feel. It also provides access from Alewife area to Harvard Sq in a much more "green" fashion if you take the path - a more pleasant option than Concord Ave if you ask me! read more

How gorgeous is this trail?! About 2.25 miles around, 2.5 if you do the loop around Kingsley Park. It's a mix of dirt, gravel, and paved. Parking is a bit of a bear but if you travel further down the Parkway there are some side streets near the golf course that are fine. Also there are no restrooms but there is one inside the golf shop. read more

If you don't rate this 5 stars, I don't understand you and your life. I took the pup walking there today for the first time, and we had a great time. I think technically you are supposed to keep your dog on-leash, but pretty much everyone breaks that rule. The path is well maintained and the view is amazing. It's so relaxing and relatively quiet considering the location. The little pond the dogs swim in is another plus, and Hadley had a wonderful swim. I read someone note that the fence around the pond is annoying or something. Get a grip. It's a pond used for our drinking water (I'm fairly certain). Do you want people and dogs running around in it? Plus, most of the time the fence is way low enough to get a perfect view. read more

This is a very easy and pretty bike ride, walk or run. We rode our bikes here, rode around and rode home which should be doable for other non-Cambridge bikers. I don't think it's such a nice spot that you should make a special trip, but if you do keep in mind that parking is for Cambridge residents only. There is a bathroom on site, which I always appreciate since I have a bladder which would be more appropriately sized for a hamster. The facilities overall are clearly marked and explained. It's very, very easy to navigate and makes for an easy and charming little afternoon. As to the dogs--there are a lot and I almost ran over about three or four. But there's not so many that you can't cycle or jog at a comfortable pace. read more

Only complaint here is that the parking is unfair. Since when should you have to be a town/city resident to park your car at a park? No option for limited non-Cambridge visitor parking? So, I have to resort to parking on the other side of the busy road in a store parking lot? That sucks... Went for rollerblading and it does not have the smoothest trails, but certainly a nice loop. It is kept fairly clean of trash and debris. read more

A beautiful park! And great for dogs. And I'm really glad it's reserved for Cambridge residents and their licensed dogs. read more

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Had an hour to kill while at a nearby appointment so went running at Fresh Pond Reservation. What a fabulous spot for locals. Dogs can run without leash. Kids are on bikes, bird watchers were in full force and me, well, I had a lovely 2 mile run. LOVED this escape from the madness.. read more

Great place for a run, walk, or ride! One lap around with the loop up the hill is 2.5 miles. There is a bathroom, water fountains, and plenty of people on the loop to make you feel like you aren't out there alone. It is also a big doggie hot spot when the weather is nicer. If they get a bit dirty just hop over to the Laundromutt right across the street. My only complaint is that it can get really icy in the winter and that there are a few dogs off leash that really shouldn't be. read more

Great walk. Tons of poison ivy lining the path, though. Parking for Cambridge residents only in the main lot. Nice get-away if you're looking for a change of pace from the usual city life. read more

I love fresh pond. It helps that I can walk to it from my APT. It's a great ~2 mile walk and always bustling with people, but never overcrowded. Top 3 Things about Fresh Pond: 1) The Dogs! So many dogs, often friendly and pat-able. Very nice if you don't have a pet yourself, but do enjoy the animals. 2) Location: Easy to get to via bus or walkability. Also restaurants (see mamagoos) nearby where you can grab food and picnic. 3) Distance: Perfect distance around the pond for a nice walk. read more

Do you love the water, nature, smooth path, and dog watching? If you said yes to all these things,then Fresh Pond is for you! A short and at times busy walking/biking path. A little over 2 miles around the full loop,with different paths to enter. One of my favorite reasons to go on this path is to dog watch! You come across a lot of dogs on the weekend and early mornings. At almost the halfway point,there is a lil pond that dogs often swim in during hotter weather. There is also some nice hilly green areas that are great to sit and read a book on, sit and watch the people go by,or to do some yoga on as well. This path is well kept,and has been getting some nice upgrades recently. read more