Ames Nowell State Park in Massachusetts, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-22. Check linked official notices before travel.

Ames Nowell State Park is a daytime woodland and pond destination in Abington, Massachusetts. Walk beside Cleveland Pond, bring a nonmotorized boat, or use the picnic area. Paddlers should plan the carry as well as the outing: if the access road to the dam is gated, boats must be carried from the main entrance parking area.

Cleveland Pond and the surrounding woods

• Pondside walks: several miles of trails follow the water and continue through woodland.
• Nonmotorized boating: a gravel launch near the dam serves boats that can be carried to the water.
• Picnicking: combine a daytime outing with the park's picnic area, grills, and pavilion.
• Winter recreation: cross-country skiing is among the park's listed activities.

Plan around daylight and carry-in boat access

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Bring the equipment needed for a pond outing

Take a suitable life jacket and an audible signaling device such as a whistle when paddling. Massachusetts boating guidance requires canoe and kayak occupants to wear life jackets from September 15 through May 15. Review the state's current requirements before launching; a shallow pond is not a reason to leave safety equipment behind.

Return before sunset. Allow time for the boat carry; the dam access serves nonmotorized craft only.

Keep recreation on designated routes

Alcohol and off-road vehicles are prohibited. Dogs are allowed. Follow posted directions and keep to designated trails.

Clean recreation equipment before moving between waters to prevent the spread of nuisance aquatic species.

Ask the park about group use

Contact park staff about group picnic or pavilion plans. Give your date and group size. The official DCR park page provides contact details and a trail-map link.

Reach the Linwood Street entrance

The entrance is on Linwood Street, Abington, MA 02351. Onsite parking serves day visitors. Use the DCR trail map to choose a walk.

Cleveland Pond lies wholly within the park. The official pond-access information places the carry-in launch beside the dam and explains the alternative carry from the entrance when the road is gated. Choose equipment that your group can transport over that approach.

Other state parks by road

• Wompatuck State Park: a separate drive to 204 Union Street in Hingham, with woodland recreation and camping.
• Borderland State Park: reached at 259 Massapoag Avenue in North Easton, with trails and pond recreation.

Choose a walk, ride, or paddle

Choose a pond-edge walk or continue into the woods. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also listed; follow the map and route signs.

Canoes and kayaks offer a different view of Cleveland Pond. The pond averages about 3 feet deep and reaches a maximum of about 10 feet. Its increasing summer vegetation can affect where you paddle or fish. Shore access from trails offers an alternative to carrying a boat.

For a paddling visit, review the Massachusetts boating-safety guidance from Plymouth's harbormaster. Its state safety requirements are separate from the park's nonmotorized-use restriction.

Day-use facilities beside a wooded pond

Facilities include parking, restrooms, a ball field, grills, a pavilion, and picnic space. Ask about route surfaces and facility access that your group needs.

Arrange your boat and its transport before visiting. Plan equipment that your group can carry to the water.

About Ames Nowell State Park

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation manages the park. Cleveland Pond is an impoundment of Beaver Brook with undeveloped wooded shores.

Pond vegetation and wooded shoreline

The 97-acre pond supports extensive aquatic vegetation, especially in its western area as summer progresses. Keep to established shoreline access.

Contact Ames Nowell State Park

Call 781-857-1336 or email [email protected]. Ask about current park access, boat carrying conditions, and any group-use arrangements before a visit that depends on them.