hammond pond reservation

WendyT600

Used to boulder here when I was a kid. The trails are pretty. Don't drive far to check this out. If you are so done with the Mall scene and need some fresh air, go by for a stroll and get some air.

stobolsky

This is a great place to walk in most seasons, though during the summer it can be difficult to avoid too many mosquitoes. Close to parking and shopping, it is an easy getaway from the crowded local streets. I go often with my dog.

ECD111

Undeveloped parkland adjacent to Hammond Pond.In 5 minutes you will leave metro Boston behind and forget you parked your car in a mall parking lot.This is a favorite spot to walk the many trails

SavvyShopper1

This is a perfect short walk for daylight hours, when the ground is clear. Until the rain and snow starts, you can walk there in warm or cooler weather. Open to the pond at some points, the scenery is lovely and the place is large enough that you sometimes find yourself totally alone. Perfect for photographers. There's a rock wall for climbing - which I do not do - and instructors are there sometimes with their students. A nice break from the more urban parts of Newton.

CSSnowshoer

The Chestnut Hill area west of Boston is a nightmare in my book. If you are a traveler like me who has been in meetings all day and need an hour break close by, there are not a lot of options. I finally found this one. The pond is apparent, right behind one of the thousand strip malls. I expected more of an entrance to the park trails so drove in circles a few times until I found the entrance at the mall parking lot right off the Hammond Pond Parkway quite near RT9. Its almost hidden. Find the west side of the pond and park where all the mall cars are. There is a kiosk at the edge of the woods. The pond is pretty if you do not look back. There is a rock for climbing. The trails follow the inlet to the pond and its rather nice- not too beaten. Mostly a dogwalkers place, but ok in a pinch. Not a place to go out of your way for.

IremM_13

Small but fun for an afternoon walk. It is the only outdoor activity option in the area. I recommend going to one of the parks north of Boston if you have time.

EvnT

You'll find a lot of great trails, and a beautiful lake at the back of the reservation. Generally it's a pretty empty spot, so it's a good place to find some tranquility.

spudmato

The more time that you can spend her, the better you will like it .There are scenic trails for the walkers.Not only is it a beautiful, peaceful spot, but it offers the option to climb rocks.The sun sparkle through the leaves, and the people that you meet here are quite pleasant, but hard to understand when they aren't panting from the climb.This spot does attract families, and some friendly animals, on a leash.The MIT outing club references this spot.Another plus for the local is that ait is reachable vial the MBTA's Green Line (a plus for visitors as well).

meghanm969

My partner and I bring our dogs here for long hikes on the weekends. There are plenty of trails and different paths to choose from, some are more physically challenging and others are basically flat and paved. There are a lot of trees and the woods open up to large, pretty lake at the back of reservation with a dock. My dogs love it here and there are always other dog-lovers on the trails too.

c415

This is a convenient little wooded reservation in the middle of busy suburbia, right next to the mall. There are a bunch of trails that are popular with families, runners, hikers and dog walkers. The dogs always seem to love the pond. There is decent bouldering here with a short, easy approach. Just bring your crash pads and a spotter for sure, as the landings are risky. It's a nice little area. The trails are well-kept. It really is perfect for a quick bouldering session or run.

makalu55

some of the best bouldering in Metro-West (ok, maybe that isn't saying a lot). If you're out for a quick walk or workout, this is a good place to explore

icjg

I lived in Newton for 25 years and moved away many years ago, but only discovered this place after my father moved to an apartment in Chestnut Hill and we were looking for a place to take a walk. What a pleasant surprise when we discovered the Hammond Pond Reservation.

HK446

These woods are near two large shopping areas, one main parkway and a synagogue. In one section there is a bank of rock faces for climbing. Of course, it is also adjacent to Hammond Pond, It makes for a lovely setting for a walk in the woods and then out to dinner or shopping a short walk away. Lots of parking.