Houghton's Pond Recreation Area

By car -- From Route 93, take exit 3 (Houghton's Pond, Ponkapoag Trail exit) from Rte. 93. Follow the signs to Houghton's Pond. By public transportation -- MBTA: The Great Blue Hill and Houghton's Pond sections are accessible from the Red Line's Ashmont Station. From Ashmont, take the trolley to Mattapan. The Canton and Blue Hills bus services the Trailside Museum and Great Blue Hill on Route 138. For the Houghton's Pond area, exit the bus at Blue Hill River Road. Cross the road and walk one mile east on Hillside Street. For directions to other areas of the reservation, please call (617) 698-1802. Please call JBL Bus Line's at (781) 843-4505 for schedule and fee information. No Sunday service. Park Hours: 7:00AM to 7:00PM. Parking area closes at 8:00PM Parking: There is minimal parking near each of the picnic areas. Please plan to arrive early. There is limited parking off Blue Hill River Road, near each of the picnic sites. Additional parking is available at the main parking lot at 840 Hillside Street. Important: Do not park on Blue Hill River Road.

Once you have made your reservation, please call the park to discuss your plans for the day. Please be advised that this facility may reach capacity early in the day and parking may not be available. Please plan accordingly as parking lots are shared by all visitors and not designated just for picnic areas. Vehicles are strictly prohibited from the picnic area. Do not block or open any fire gates. Do not block handicap accessible parking spaces. The bathrooms are open seasonally from 8:00PM - 5:30AM, April - October. Alcohol is prohibited in all DCR Facilities. Only propane grills are permitted. No charcoal grilling allowed. Please be advised, the rental of this facility is generally for a self-catered picnic or simple gathering. Should you be interested in having a caterer, amplified music, a bounce house, fundraising event, etc. you will need to secure permission via a special event permit. There is a $45 non-refundable application fee, a Certificate of Liability Insurance will be required and you will be need to submit a Covid-19 Compliance Plan stating how you will meet the Governor’s guidelines. For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-state-parks-special-use-permit Swimming is not permitted at the picnic site, only at the designated beach which is on the other side of the pond. Children must be attended to at all times and if 16 or under must wear bicycle helmets while riding bikes. Pets must be attended to and leashed at all times and are prohibited at swimming beaches, state buildings and restrooms. Please pick up pet waste and dispose of in dumpster. Bring paper goods for easy clean up; do not wash dishes in bathroom sinks or at public faucets. Please clean up the area before you leave. Remove all decorations and trash. There are trash and recycling receptacles for your use.