Features

Teach your little ones how to fish for fun freshwater species at Mary’s Pond in Rochester.

Local anglers know Mary’s Pond as a great spot for freshwater fishing. The pond is stocked with trout, and its easy, safe shoreline access means it’s perfect for teaching kids how to cast their own lines into the shallows for sunfish and other freshwater species.

Mary’s Pond is also an excellent place for all ages to go paddling. Put in a canoe or a kayak at the newly improved handicapped-accessible paved boat launch and take off for a gentle paddle around this 81-acre pond.

Trails

There’s a short walking trail that runs along the edge of Mary’s Pond between the property’s two parking areas. This wide, flat path is actually an old stage road. Although it isn’t long, the trail provides beautiful views of the pond. (Download trail map)

Habitats & Wildlife

Mary’s Pond is a natural kettle hole pond that was carved by retreating glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age. It has no inlet or outlet, and its water level rises and falls with the height of the groundwater. This special coastal plain habitat supports rare plant species like the Plymouth gentian, whose showy pink and yellow flowers bloom along the pond’s edge in summer.

When you visit Mary’s Pond from spring through early fall, look for the osprey nest that’s located across the pond. The shoreline provides a great vantage point to watch their dramatic fish-hunting routine: they circle the pond from up high, scanning the surface for any sign of fish, and then they plunge talons-first into the water to pluck out their unsuspecting prey.

Property Owned By

Town of Rochester