Top 17 Lakes around Beverly
Best lakes around Beverly are found in a region characterized by diverse bodies of water, ranging from vital drinking water reservoirs to urban ponds and natural preserves. This area offers a mix of recreational opportunities and historical significance. The landscape includes freshwater lakes, forests, and wetlands, providing habitats for various wildlife.
Best lakes around Beverly
- The most popular lakes is Forest River Park Waterfront, a beach that offers a variety of activities including playgrounds, swimming pools, and two beaches with harbor views. It also features Pioneer Village, a recreation of a 17th-century fishing village.
- Another must-see spot is Wenham Lake, a lake that serves as a 224-acre freshwater reservoir. While public access is restricted due to its role as a drinking water source, its beauty can be appreciated from nearby roads.
- Visitors also love J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve, a forest preserve spanning 85 acres with winding trails and wetlands. It offers a 2.5-mile loop through towering pines, scenic overlooks, and the remains of a historic estate.
- Beverly is known for water supply reservoirs, urban ponds, and natural preserves. Visitors can find opportunities for walking, hiking, and wildlife observation, alongside areas with restricted access due to their role as drinking water sources.
- The lakes around Beverly are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 9 upvotes and 12 photos shared.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Forest River Park Waterfront
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
Wenham Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Haskell Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Walden Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Beverly.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Walden Pond has several trails running through the woods and along the lake, including a dam that helps control the water level. It’s a good spot for a straightforward hike with chances to see local wildlife and views of the water. The area gets busy in autumn, which is a popular time to visit.
1
0
Nestled along Wenham Lake, J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve spans 85 acres of forest, winding trails, and wetlands and is home to abundant wildlife. The 2.5-mile loop takes you through towering pines, scenic overlooks, and the remains of a historic estate. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, where you'll likely see bluejays, finches, woodpeckers, and bald eagles soaring high above the trees. Keep your eye out for wildflowers in the spring, and be aware of poison oak, which is common in this area. This beautiful spot is perfect for a quiet, peaceful hike any time of year.
0
0
This park offers a variety of activities, including playgrounds, swimming pools, two beaches, and a baseball field, all with views of the harbor and stunning trees throughout. It is also home to Pioneer Village, a recreation of a 17th-century fishing village.
0
0
Haskell Pond is a large freshwater lake just west of Red Rocks and has miles of trails that encircle it, popular among hikers, runners, and bikers. Keep an eye out for a wide variety of wildlife as you go as well.
1
0
Wenham Lake is a sizable lake at 224 acres, and it is a freshwater reservoir for nearby Salem. The lake and its shores are not accessible to the general public, but it is a very beautiful lake, particularly from this shoreside road as you ride past on the bike.
1
0
Wenham Lake is a sizable lake at 224 acres, and it is a freshwater reservoir for nearby Salem. The lake and its shores are not accessible to the general public, but it is a very beautiful lake, particularly from this shoreside road as you ride past on the bike.
1
0
This park offers a variety of activities, including playgrounds, swimming pools, two beaches, and a baseball field, all with views of the harbor and stunning trees throughout. It is also home to Pioneer Village, a re-creation of a 17th-century fishing village.
0
0
In addition to pay parking, Forest River Park also has a few of the electric car charging stations I hardly see used.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Beverly offer public access for recreation?
While many lakes in Beverly are restricted due to their role as drinking water sources, you can enjoy public access at places like Forest River Park Waterfront, which offers beaches, playgrounds, and harbor views. Norwood Pond provides a trail system for walking, hiking, and bird watching. Upper Shoe Pond features the paved Planters Path for easy walks and jogging.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes in Beverly?
Yes, Forest River Park Waterfront is highly recommended for families, offering playgrounds, swimming pools, two beaches, and the historical Pioneer Village. J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve is also family-friendly, with a 2.5-mile loop trail suitable for quiet hikes and birdwatching.
Where can I go hiking or walking near Beverly's lakes?
You'll find excellent walking opportunities at Norwood Pond, which has an extensive trail system. The J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve offers a 2.5-mile loop through forests and wetlands. For an easy, paved walk, explore the 1.5-mile Planters Path around Upper Shoe Pond. You can also find more hiking options in the area by checking out easy hikes around Beverly.
What historical sites or features can I find near the lakes?
The area around Upper Shoe Pond is historically significant as the landing place for English planters in 1626, commemorated by interpretive markers along the Planters Path. Forest River Park Waterfront is home to Pioneer Village, a recreation of a 17th-century fishing village. Additionally, J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve contains the remains of a historic estate.
Can I fish in any of the lakes around Beverly?
Kellehers Pond is a popular spot for fishing, particularly for largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie, and is often recommended for beginners. While Longham Reservoir is known for fishing, public access is generally prohibited due to its status as a water supply. Fishing is also prohibited at Norwood Pond and Wenham Lake.
Are there any lakes where I can go mountain biking?
Norwood Pond offers opportunities for mountain biking along its trail system, though caution is advised for pedestrians. Haskell Pond also features miles of trails popular with mountain bikers. For more dedicated routes, explore MTB Trails around Beverly.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see near Beverly's lakes?
Norwood Pond is home to wildlife such as eastern red fox, opossums, deer, and various bird species. J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve is excellent for birdwatching, with sightings of bluejays, finches, woodpeckers, and bald eagles. Haskell Pond also offers chances to spot a wide variety of wildlife along its trails.
Are there any lakes with restricted access due to water supply concerns?
Yes, Wenham Lake and Longham Reservoir are critical components of the regional drinking water supply for Salem and Beverly. Public access, including activities like boating, swimming, and fishing, is highly restricted or prohibited to protect water quality. Trespassing can result in fines. You can find more information on property notices from the Salem Beverly Water Supply Board at sbwsb.gov.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Beverly?
Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from the family-friendly amenities at Forest River Park Waterfront to the quiet, natural beauty and trails of J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve. The historical significance of areas like Upper Shoe Pond and the chance for birdwatching and wildlife observation are also highly valued.
Are there any running trails near the lakes?
Yes, Haskell Pond has miles of trails popular with runners. The paved Planters Path around Upper Shoe Pond is also suitable for jogging. For more running options, check out the running trails around Beverly.
Is it possible to appreciate Wenham Lake despite access restrictions?
While public access to Wenham Lake is highly restricted due to its role as a drinking water reservoir, its beauty can still be appreciated from nearby roads. The J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve is nestled along Wenham Lake, offering views and a peaceful hiking experience without direct lake access.
Most popular attractions around Beverly
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Beverly? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
