Spot Pond in Stoneham, MA

Spot Pond is a large pond in the middle of Middlesex Fells Reservation, in Stoneham, about six miles north of Boston. You can rent a canoe or kayak from Paddle Boston at 4 Woodland Road. Swimming and private boats aren't allowed, because the pond is a reservoir.

Parking is free at the DCR lots on Woodland Road, next to the Botume House Visitor Center.

Boat Rentals on Spot Pond

Paddle Boston runs the only boating on Spot Pond. It rents canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and rowboats. Sailboats are available too, but only to sailing season pass holders. Paddleboards are not available.

You don't need a reservation. You can book a time online or just walk up. The last boat goes out one hour before closing, so get to the dock early. Bring a photo ID. Hours, prices and the season change each year, so check Paddle Boston before you go.

There's no motorboat traffic, so the water is calm. That makes it a good first paddle for beginners and families. For more on paddling in the Fells, see our canoe and kayaking guide.

Can You Swim in Spot Pond?

No. Spot Pond is a reservoir, and swimming isn't allowed. You also can't launch your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard. The only way onto the water is a Paddle Boston rental.

The one place to swim in the Fells is Wright's Pond in Medford. It's a City of Medford beach for Medford residents with a pond pass. See our swimming page for the details.

Fishing at Spot Pond

You can fish at Spot Pond. Anyone 15 or older needs a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license. See our fishing guide for the rest of the Fells.

Where to Park for Spot Pond

DCR lists three free lots on Woodland Road: the Botume House, Flynn Rink and Virginia Wood. The Botume House and the Paddle Boston dock share the 4 Woodland Road address. Our parking guide covers every lot in the Fells.

How Spot Pond Got Its Name

Governor John Winthrop and his men explored the area in the winter of 1632. He wrote that they found a very great pond with an island of about one acre, thick with pine and beech. Small rocks stood up here and there in the water, so they called it Spot Pond. DCR still quotes that journal entry on its trail map.

"...they came to a very great pond, having in the midst an island of about one acre and very thick with trees of pine and beech and the pond had divers small rocks standing up here and there in it, which therefore called Spot Pond." (Gov. Winthrop, 1632, quoted on the DCR trail map)