Distance from Boston: 20 minutes
Characteristics: Swimming, convenient, bouldering
Size: 114 acres with Webster Conservation Area
Recommended Parking: Chestnut Hill Shopping Center here
Official website
Hammond Pond is located next to the Chestnut Hill Mall. The reservation itself is a surprise spot as you drive along the often congested Route 9. Who knew there would be a nice piece of land next to a Shake Shack? The access point to Hammond Pond is located on the Chestnut Hill Mall side of the reservation. It’s a nice place to throw sticks into the water and have your dog go swimming. It’s not very crowded on the weekdays, except for some nearby workers taking a mid-day stroll.
The area itself is quite small, but there are some unique bouldering opportunities here. More for information about bouldering, visit this site. Overall, Hammond Pond isn’t your big day trip type spot, but you can spend an hour here before grabbing lunch at Shake Shack (with outdoor seating for you and your pup)!