Flint’s Pond

As one of the most prominent natural resource features in Lincoln, Flint’s Pond serves as a wonderful recreation amenity and the town’s major water supply. After the arrival of European settlers, the land around the pond was used for meadows, orchards, pastureland, and woodland. In 1874, Concord and Lincoln began using Flint’s Pond as a public water supply. The area was Thoreau’s first choice for the location of his cabin, but the Flint family denied him permission because he had previously set an accidental fire near Fairhaven Bay. Julian DeCordova built his estate on the southeast shore of the pond in the 1880s, and this area is now the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park.

The first parcel of conservation land around the pond was acquired in 1958 after a group of concerned citizens saw the land slated for development. It was this acquisition project for which Lincoln residents formed the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. Community sentiment strongly opposed developing the pond and the land transactions lasted until 2014 to ensure that all parcels surrounding the pond were protected.

Suggested Route

Park at the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Parking is available for a fee (free for Lincoln residents). The trailhead is at the far end of the parking lot. Take the first left to skirt the pond’s shore. The trail continues all the way around the pond, but this suggested route follows a short loop around and returns to the DeCordova parking lot. This route is approximately 1.5 miles. To walk around the entire pond is approximately 3.5 miles.

Location

Parking is available for a fee at the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum (free for Lincoln residents with I.D.).

Parking: Ample

Trails

Since Flint’s Pond is the town water supply, no swimming, fishing, boating, or wading is permitted, nor can you access trails that approach the shore. Dogs must be controlled and kept away from the water at all times. Flint’s Pond trails connect to Pine Hill and Wheeler Farm trails.
Parking, trailheads and trails for Flint’s Pond


Difficulty

Easy

Activities

  • Walking
  • Hiking
  • Birding
  • Wildlife Viewing