The Ponds of Massasoit

Massasoit State Park has six named lakes and ponds on DCR's map, about 255 acres of open water in all, more than a fifth of the park. The largest is Lake Rico (195 acres), a lake made in 1973. The others are Middle Pond, where campers swim, Big Bearhole Pond (42 acres) with the day-use area and Fisherman's Landing, Little Bearhole Pond, Kings Pond and Furnace Pond. All boating is non-motorized, and only campers may swim.

Lake Rico

The big lake on the park's north-western side is a 195-acre impoundment of Furnace Brook, averaging 7 feet deep and reaching 20. It has two cartop launches off Middleboro Avenue, spring trout stocking and good bass and pickerel water. Full guide: Lake Rico.

Middle Pond

Middle Pond sits beside the campground and holds the park's only swimming area, an unguarded waterfront for registered campers. Four dams hold its water level, and DCR rebuilt its waterfront during the renovations that reopened the campground in 2018. DCR's plan notes Eurasian watermilfoil in the pond. See swimming.

Big Bearhole Pond

MassWildlife describes Big Bearhole Pond as a 42-acre impoundment of Thompson Brook in the eastern corner of Taunton, entirely inside the park, averaging 5 feet deep with a maximum of 12. Its shores are wooded with hiking trails along them. The park's day-use area, with the amphitheater, picnic sites, playground and a boat launch, is by this pond, and the Adams Trail ends at Fisherman's Landing on its shore. Bluegill and pumpkinseed are abundant, with the occasional largemouth bass. Aquatic plants grow dense by late summer.

Little Bearhole Pond

DCR's map shows Little Bearhole Pond near its larger namesake. DCR's plan lists it among the park's features; fanwort, purple loosestrife and common reed grow there.

Kings Pond and Furnace Pond

The original Kings and Furnace Ponds were flooded when Lake Rico was created in 1973, according to DCR's plan. DCR's 2015 map still labels a Kings Pond and a Furnace Pond in the park. DCR does not publish separate facts for them.

Brooks That Feed the Ponds

Furnace Brook was dammed to make Lake Rico and carries water out of the park. Thompson Brook feeds Big Bearhole Pond. Spring Brook rises in the south of the park and flows north into Lake Rico; MassWildlife lists it as a coldwater fisheries resource. DCR's plan calls for one management plan covering the linked Big Bearhole Pond, Middle Pond and Lake Rico system.

Using the Ponds

• Paddling: Lake Rico and Big Bearhole Pond have launches for canoes and kayaks. No motors. See kayaking.
• Fishing: from shore, from a boat, or through the ice in winter. See fishing.
• Swimming: only at the Middle Pond waterfront, for campers.

Protecting the Shores

The undeveloped shores of Middle Pond and Lake Rico are habitat for Plymouth gentian, a plant of special concern that does not survive trampling. Launch at the official launches, and clean your boat and gear so invasive plants like milfoil and fanwort don't spread.