Five Pond Loop

The Five Pond Loop is DCR's signature hike at Massasoit State Park: a blue-blazed loop of about 3 miles round trip that DCR rates easy. It starts at the Turner Street trailhead in East Taunton, in the south of the park, and DCR suggests adding the short Bog Trail as a side trip. The loop is shared with mountain bikers, dogs are welcome on a leash, and at DCR's average pace of 1.5 miles an hour it takes about two hours.

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead is on Turner Street in East Taunton, at 41.86016, -70.98897 in DCR's coordinates. It is a different starting point from the main entrance on Middleboro Avenue. DCR's plan describes the Turner Street lot as small, and on busy days cars spill onto the road; park only in marked spaces and never block a gate or driveway. See parking and directions.

Following the Loop

Download DCR's trail map with blazed loops before you go and follow the blue blazes. Two blazes stacked together mark a junction or turn. DCR's plan warns that unofficial paths cross the park's marked trails, so check the map at each fork rather than following the most worn path. The trail map page explains both DCR maps.

The Bog Trail Side Trip

DCR's blazed-loop map shows the Bog Trail as a short spur off the loop, and DCR suggests it as a side trip. The park has small kettlehole bogs whose peat mats are damaged by trampling, so stay on the trail and look from its edge.

What You'll See

As the name says, the loop passes several of the park's ponds. DCR's plan describes trails "often within view of a lake or pond" under mixed oak and white pine. For the names and sizes of the ponds, see the ponds of Massasoit.

Biking the Loop

DCR names the Five Pond Loop as one of the two main mountain-bike routes in the park. Its suggested Adams–5 Pond Ride links the Adams Trail from the main entrance to the loop, rides it, and returns, about 7.5 miles at a moderate level. Walkers and riders share the trail, so ride at a speed that lets you stop. See mountain biking.

An Accessible Trail Is Planned

DCR's 2023 plan recommends building a universally accessible trail associated with the Five Pond Loop. It is a recommendation, not yet a trail; check with the park at (508) 828-4231 for current conditions.

Good For

• Families and first-time visitors: it is DCR's easiest signature loop at 3 miles.
• Dog walkers: leashed dogs are welcome (10 feet or shorter).
• Runners: the park hosts trail-running races, and the loop makes an easy circuit.

Maybe Skip If

• You want swimming afterwards: the park's only swim area is for campers. Try Watson Pond State Park.
• You want hills: the Adams Trail climbs steep pitches and is rated moderate.