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Jamaica Pond, Boston

4.8

Water Body · Hidden Gem · Park

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Jamaica Pond is a kettle lake, part of the Emerald Necklace of parks in Boston designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The pond and park are in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, close to the border of Brookline. It is the source of the Muddy River, which drains into the lower Charles River.USGS 2005
The pond has an area of about 68 acres (28 ha), and is 53 feet (16 m) deep at its center (MassWildlife map), making it the largest body of fresh water in Boston, and the largest natural freshwater body in the lower Charles River watershed. It is ringed by a 1.5 miles (2.4 km) walking path, and is an extremely popular destination for Bostonians for walking, fishing, rowing, and sailing. Around Halloween each year, the pond serves as the site for The Lantern Parade. Participants dress in their Halloween costumes and walk around the pond.

The pond once served as a reservoir for the City of Boston and the Town of West Roxbury, and it supplied ice in the winter to Boston and beyond.
According to the USGS, the name Jamaica derives from an Indian name meaning "abundance of beavers".
The pond's setting, Jamaica Park, was included in the Olmsted Park landscape complex that was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 8, 1971.

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Jamaica Pond reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

57 reviews

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4.8

By Thomas V

This is a huge park on the edge of the city limits providing some wild space out in the suburbs, a good place for picnics and some long hikes.

This is a huge park on the edge of the city limits providing some wild space out in the suburbs, a good place for picnics and some long hikes. more »
By Thomas V

This is a huge park within the city limits but definitely on the perimeter. So it is off the beaten path. A good place for a hike or a picnic, but you probably need a car or a cab to get here.

This is a huge park within the city limits but definitely on the perimeter. So it is off the beaten path. A good place for a hike or a picnic, but you probably need a car or a cab to get here. more »
By on_the_go_98765

"Beavers" are easier to imagine here in Boston, in contrast to being named for some idyllic place in the Caribbean (which this most certainly is not). But it is a spectacular 53 foot deep "kettle...

"Beavers" are easier to imagine here in Boston, in contrast to being named for some idyllic place in the Caribbean (which this most certainly is not). But it is a spectacular 53 foot deep "kettle... more »

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By Min Cheng

I live more than 5 miles away, still I drive here on weekends to run and enjoy the view. Love Jamaica Pond.

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By Sweet Kitty

A quiet and beautiful lake in Jamaica Plain area with trails for people who like running or just want a walk. The trails were paved, about 1.5 miles, covered with national trees. So, it would be good for all seasons and all people. There were parking lots surrounding the lake. Even in a cold weekday morning, the parking lots were still pretty full. It is a gem in this crowded and busy area for a break.

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By Donal Fennessy

Beautiful place to go for a walk or run. Lovely scenery

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By Jessi L

Beautiful place to go for a run, relax or have a fun bike ride! Loved the views and thought was romantic or the perfect place to bri g your dog for a walk! #pond #swan #views #nature

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By Sara Ansari

Nice place for a walk, run or ride.

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