HAMBLIN’S POND, MARSTONS MILLS
Marstons Mills is a treasure trove of ponds, including Muddy, Round, Middle, Little, Long, and Shubael. But if you ask most children in town where they learned to swim and where they spent most of their summer, they’ll mention Hamblin’s Pond. It has a roped-off swimming area with a shallow grade that’s canvassed by lifeguards, so it’s good for families. Children will love the ice cream truck that makes a daily run. From Route 6, takeexit 5 and head south on Route 149. Go straight at the rotary and drive 0.5 mile to the cemetery and turn right. Follow the road to the pond.
HAWKSNEST POND, HARWICH
There are no signs leading into Hawksnest State Park, no campsites, no paved roads. But once you arrive, you’re thankful for the undeveloped setting. Only people-in-the-know come here to swim. There’s no beach to speak of, just a small opening that leads to fresh water. The primitive feel extends to the shoreline, nestled amid a forest of maples, pines, and birch. Takeexit 11 off Route 6 and turn left onto Route 137 south. A quarter-mile later, turn right onto Round Cove Road. Go slow on the dirt road and pull over when you see the glimmer of water on your right.
SCHOOLHOUSE POND, CHATHAM
A small sandy beach, benches, and a row of pines mark the entrance to the pond. If you plan on parking in the small lot, you must have a resident sticker or befriend a local. Otherwise, bike over from town. Houses are hidden among the trees along the shore. Walk on the sandy pond floor and watch the geese fly overhead. Serenity accomplished. From Route 6, takeexit 11 and continue onto Route 137 south. Turn left on Old Queen Anne Road and 0.8 miles later, turn right on Sam Ryder Road. A left turn onto Schoolhouse Pond Road will bring you to the parking lot.
FLAX POND, BREWSTER
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