Pickerel Rock at Middlesex Fells Reservation

Pickerel Rock is a landmark on Spot Pond in the Middlesex Fells, on the east side of Route 93. DCR's official trail map pictures it with the pond, in a photo captioned "Spot Pond and Pickerel Rock."

You can look out over the water, but you can't swim there. Spot Pond is a reservoir.

Where to Park

The main parking for Spot Pond is DCR's free lots on Woodland Road: the Botume House, Flynn Rink and Virginia Wood. The Botume House Visitor Center is at 4 Woodland Road in Stoneham. See our parking guide for more.

Bring the DCR trail map. The Fells has many unofficial side paths, and DCR asks visitors to stay on official trails. Our trail map page has tips on reading it.

What You Can and Can't Do

• No swimming. Spot Pond is a reservoir. The only place to swim in the Fells is the Wright's Pond beach in Medford, and it's for Medford residents.
• Boating through rentals only. You can't launch your own boat. Paddle Boston rents canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and rowboats at 4 Woodland Road. See canoe and kayaking.
• Fishing is allowed. Anyone 15 or older needs a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license. See fishing.
• Dogs on leash, up to four per person. Pick up and carry out all waste.
• No grilling, open fires, drones or alcohol anywhere in the reservation.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: a stop by the water as part of a Spot Pond outing, especially if you're renting a boat or visiting the Botume House.

Maybe skip if: you want a swim, or a long ridge hike. For a hard day on foot, try the 7.6-mile Skyline Trail on the west side of Route 93, or the 4-mile Rock Circuit Trail on the east side.