Ask Me About Sturbridge!

 

As with many of the towns in Central Massachusetts, Sturbridge has numerous lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.  The town's waterways are enjoyed by residents and visitors and offer plenty of recreational pleasures as well as stunning views of the surrounding landscape.  Following is our list of local waterways, with some tidbits on how best to enjoy them. 

 

Dams to be Removed:  At its June 5 meeting, the Conservation Commission voted to have three dams removed at the former Camp Robinson Crusoe.  It is hoped that this move will improve the water quality of the Quinebaug River as well as Hamant Brook.  The property of the former camp is accessible via a footpath off Shattuck Road, near the intersection of I-84. See Hamant Brook, below.

 

 

 

Big Alum Lake is located north of Route 20.  The lake is approximately 45 feet deep, maybe more, and covers about 195 acres.  Access to the lake is primarily via residential routes; however, there is a walking route that goes around the lake that is just over 3 miles long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

East Brimfield Lake straddles both Sturbirdge and its neighboring town to the west, Brimfield.  Long Pond connects to East Brimfield Lake to the north, running along the Sturbridge town line.

 

There are two public access ways to East Brimfield Lake, both off of Route 20.  The first is a boat ramp on the east side of the lake.  Take Route 20 west out of Sturbridge, past Route 148.  Look for the boat ramp on the right.

 

The second public acess is Streeter Point Recreational Area, also on the east side of the lake, located at 6 Streeter Point Road.  Take Route 20 west out of Sturbridge, past Route 148.  Turn left at Streeter Point.  There is usually an entry fee for this beach.  Contact:  (508) 347-9257 or (508) 347-9316.  Note:  Due to state budget cuts, Streeter Point Recreation Area will be unstaffed for the 2009 summer season.  The state recommends that people go to Chicopee Memorial State Park for swimming.

 

One area of interest at East Brimfield Lake is the East Brimfield Dam.  This was constructed and is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to serve as flood control.  To see the dam, take Route 20 past Route 148, and turn left onto Riverview Avenue.  You can stop in at the park office, or hike some of the small trails near the dam. 

 

For Long Pond, public access is at a fishing area off of Champeaux Road.  Take Route 20 to Route 148 North/Brookfield Road.  Go a couple of miles on Route 148 North.  Take a left turn onto Champeaux Road.  Just past the short section of road that goes over the pond, there is a right turn into a parking area.  Grab your rod and stake a spot.  Or take the short hike to the end of the peninsula for some peace and quiet.

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cares for this area.  Motorized boating is permitted, but residents are not allowed to install docks into the water.  Other activities that are allowed are fishing (license required), picnicking, canoeing, and hunting in the forested wetland and upland areas (license required). 

 

A favorite canoe route is the six-mile route on the Quniebaug River that runs from Holland Pond to East Brimfield Lake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cedar Pond is located toward the north-central section of Sturbridge.  The Sturbridge Host Hotel on Route 20 is sited on the lake.  The lake's area is about 183 acres, and its maximum depth is approximately 14 feet.  There is access to a small beach if you are a guest of the hotel or are eating at one of its restaurants. 

 

For fishing on Cedar Pond, there is a small area on the west side of the pond that provides an excellent place to park and drop in a line.  Take Burgess School Road off of Route 20, near the Information Center.

 

The town's recreational beach is located at the north end of Cedar Pond.  Take Route 20 to Cedar Street.  Go past the entrance for Burgess Elementary School, and turn right at Cedar Pond Drive.  During the summer, the town offers a recreational summer camp that includes swim lessons, tennis lessons, games, and so on.  Contact the town's recreation office at (508) 347-2506 for more information about the camp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leadmine Pond is located at the south end of Sturbridge, very close to Interstate 84 and the Connecticut state border.   At its maximum depth, the pond is less than 50 feet deep.  Its area is around 53 acres.

 

 

 

 

Walker Pond is located at the northeast corner of Sturbridge.  To the east side of the pond is the Walker Pond private residential neighborhood.  To the west side of Walker Pond is Wells State Park, which provides access to the pond with the park's admission fee.

 

Walker Pond covers approximately 171 acres, and is less than 15 feet at its maximum depth.  The pond was named after early settler, Nathaniel Walker.

 

 

 

Quacumquasit Lake, also known as South Pond, is actually at the northeastern border of Sturbridge, close to the Brookfield town line.  This is the largest and deepest of the Sturbridge lakes. There is a small beach at the north end of South Pond, off Lake Road.

 

 

 

 

Westville Lake is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  Located in both Sturbridge and Southbridge, the park opens on May 16, 2009, this year.  The park includes picnic facilities, restrooms, hiking and biking trails, and fishing.  Swimming is not permitted.

 

One of the great attractions at Westville Lake is the dam at the north end of the park, which moderates the flow of the Quineboag River.  See the web site for detailed information:

 

Breakneck Brook is part of the Breakneck Wildlife Management Area, which runs to the east of Breakneck Road.

 

 

 

McKinstry Brook is part of the McKinstry Wildlife Management Area that borders the tri-community towns of Sturbridge, Charlton, and Southbridge. 

 

 

Pistol Pond is a small body of water located on Route 20 just east of Route I-84. 

 

 

 

 

 

This roaming river travels through several towns, including Brimfield, Sturbridge, and Southbridge.  It is a favorite site for canoers and kayakers.  For more information on the Quinebaug, see www.lastgreenvalley.org

 

 

Located on the grounds of the old Camp Robinson Crusoe, Hamant Brook is a favorite fishing spot.  The property has several walkable trails and is a nice place for picnics.  Accessible off Shattuck Road.

 

 

Interested in a little waterways history?  See The Watershed of the Quinebaug River, a fascinating account written by George B. Wells in 1944.