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Three Ponds Reservation

Dog Policy

Size

308.1 acres

Description

All of the land bank’s central Chappaquiddick preserves are amalgamated in this reservation. The eponymous three ponds — Brine’s, Buttonbush and Winterberry — are arrayed along the spine of the cross-Chappaquiddick trail. Noteworthy are the wild fields along the Old Indian Trail; the Brine’s Pond itself, which hosts an island of beetlebung trees situated in the water like an iris in an eye; and the farm opposite the pond, where rows of summer vegetables follow the contours of the fields.

Hunting Policy

including Brine’s Pond Preserve and Chappy Five Corners Preserve

Universal Access

  • Difficulty rating: Moderate
  • Trail: Park where indicated on property map and follow trail to Handy Homestead
  • Points of Interest: Handy Homestead, fields, and coastal woodlands
  • Benches: 1

Access

Turn right off the Chappaquiddick Road 1.7 miles past the ferry slip. Trailhead, shared with the Chappaquiddick community center, is here; bicycle rack is just up the Chappy Road on the right near the pond.

Historical Highlights

  • the name “Chappaquiddick” derives from the Algonquin name Tchepi-cquiden-et, which translates into “the separate island”
  • settlers purchased the island from the Wampanoag natives in 1653; it was used predominantly for cattle grazing and the livestock roamed free of fences as the surrounding waters acted as a fence

Trail / Property Map