Four Ponds Conservation Area – Bourne Town Forest

There’s something special about ponds – they’re vibrant, reflective pools chirping with species in summer, and icy, peaceful havens in winter. At Four Ponds Conservation Area in Bourne, you can explore a variety of ponds, wetlands, and pines from the trails that weave through this town-owned property and the neighboring Bourne Town Forest.

Features

Located in the Pocasset area of Bourne, Four Ponds Conservation Area is a great spot to enjoy a quiet forest walk or an easy mountain biking adventure. Discover pine-filled forests, sandy ponds, and vibrant wetlands as you meander along the trails. Four Ponds is also a popular destination for local dog owners to walk their four-legged friends.

When the ground is covered in snow, don’t despair: head to Four Ponds with a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis for some winter fun!

a group of Brownie scouts sitting on a log at Four Ponds Conservation Area in Bourne

Kids love exploring the forest at Four Ponds Conservation Area and Bourne Town Forest.

Trails

Old service roads weave through the forests and around the ponds at Four Ponds Conservation Area and Bourne Town Forest. These roads, in addition to the main marked trails, make for hours of scenic hiking and mountain biking fun. (Download trail map)

Four trails begin at the parking area on Barlows Landing Road: the Eagle Trail, the Lions Trail, the Pine Trail, and the Town Forest Trail. The Eagle Trail and the Lions Trail are short loops around two different ponds, The Basin and Freeman Pond, respectively. If you’re looking for an easy walk with kids, try one of these trails – they each take about 30 minutes to explore.

For a longer hiking adventure, head north on the Pine Trail or the Town Forest Trail. These trails are over three miles long, traveling past Upper Pond before looping through the woods of the town forest. Short, unmarked side trails off of Pine Trail will lead you to quiet marshes and bogs hidden in the forest here.

Habitats & Wildlife

The four ponds at Four Ponds Conservation Area are actually man-made – most likely dammed for an iron foundry in the early 1800s. They’re surrounded by an oak-pine forest that towers over an understory of blueberry and huckleberry. Come here with kids in summertime to collect tiny wild blueberries along the trails.

However, it’s the wetlands at Four Ponds that really shine. These wet, wooded areas are rich with ferns, skunk cabbage, and swamp azalea. Look for painted turtles basking in the sun by the ponds, and listen for pickerel frogs and spring peepers singing in the spring and summer.

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