Hike the Benedict Pond Loop Trail

This is no ordinary loop, it's rain forest-like feels with small hills and curves, wooden bridges over marsh, and lookouts over the pond will keep you in awe at every corner! The trail is easy to find and easy to follow. When you park at the boat launch area, follow the blue blazes and trail signs.

This pond is popular for people during the day to come hiking, swimming, fishing, and picnic. It even offers a changing area and restrooms. Also, popular for waterside camping! For the $8 parking fee (MA residents, $10 for non), it is completely worth it.

P.S. A self-guided interpretive trail brochure can be found at the Beartown State Forest DRC (or print/download on your phone here), it'll point out a few cool things along the way and #3 being my favorite:

"3) Appalachian Trail (AT). Look for white paint blazes on trees marking the AT. In 1921 visionary forester and planner Benton Mackaye (mah-kie) first conceived an idea for a foot trail that would follow the Appalachian Mountain chain as a back-to-the-land effort. Over the next 15 years this pioneer National Scenic Trail was mostly created, with the cooperation of Federal, state and local agencies and the Appalachian Trial Conference of clubs and volunteers. It now traverses 2,180 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. 90 miles of the AT passes through Massachusetts, touching highpoints at Mount Greylock (3,491 ft. elev.) and Mount Everett (2,602 ft.), and here in Beartown over Mount Wilcox (2,155 ft.)"

P.P.S. Along the trail lies a bench against the pond with a small wooden box attached to a tree on the left. Inside is a journal where people leave notes. Take in the moment and write something that comes to mind.