This is the largest body of water in October Mountain State Forest, the largest state forest in the commonwealth. The shoreline is heavily forested and gorgeous to look at, especially in fall. This state forest is well-known for its fall foliage and Buckley-Dunton Lake is a great place to view the fall colors. Beavers and herons are active along the shore and there are many coves and inlets to explore and watch for signs of other animals such as porcupines and moose that inhabit the area. There is no actual boat ramp at the lake but there is a gravel area near the dam to launch small boats. The quiet nature of the lake makes it an ideal place to explore by canoe or kayak.

Pontoosuc Lake is a 480-acre great pond that is located in Pittsfield and Lanesborough. Aquatic vegetation is abundant, extending to depths of 10 feet or more from most of the shoreline and it is particularly thick in the northern coves. The shoreline is heavily developed and the lake supports heavy recreational use throughout the year. Beautiful views of the Taconic Range to the west provide a backdrop to these waters. Public access is provided by a paved boat ramp located at the southernmost tip of the lake off of Hancock Road. Fishing on Pontoosuc Lake is great but shoreline is virtually non-existent because of the tightly packed homes all around the lake.

This lake is located in Pittsfield and lies at the foot of the Taconic Mountains. Smith Mountain, Pine Mountain, Tower Mountain, and Berry Hill provide a stunning backdrop to the lake. On the shore of Onota Lake is Burbank Park where there are two separate parking areas and launching spots. There are several homes along the shore but there are also many areas that are densely forested. The trees around the lake display stunning foliage in autumn. The lake is very popular for fishing, swimming, and boating.

Bog Pond is a fascinating 37-acre lake in Savoy located within and protected by Savoy Mountain State Forest. The forest is very scenic and spacious and is well-known for its abundant wildlife. Bog Pond is a little-visited pond in the forest that displays a unique montage of floating peat-moss islands on dark colored water. The shorelines consist of forest, bog, and wetlands and are home to black bear, moose, bobcat, fox, coyote, and much more. Access is on the southeast side of the lake off Bog Pond Road.

Horn Pond is a beautiful pond located just south of Woburn town center. The east side of the pond is a very urban area while the west side of the pond is protected land where there are parks, forests, walking trails, and a golf course. This is a very popular place for family picnics and walks around the pond. Access to the pond is located on the north end where there is a boat ramp off of Sturgis Street that is suitable for canoes and car top boats. There is an alternate launching area on the south end of the pond on Lake Avenue. The pond is very picturesque with beautiful trees lining the shores, birds making home to the pond, and a great view of Mount Towanda.

With much of the shoreline protected by Moore State Park, Eames Pond offers a wonderful paddling opportunity. An endless sea of lily pads, a large beaver lodge and other signs of beaver activity, and a striking display of purple-flowered bladderwort make this an idyllic place to paddle. This wonderful pond is rarely paddled though there are several hiking trails that course through Moore State Park that visit the pond’s shore. Parking is limited to the side of the road.

East Brimfield Lake is located in Sturbridge and Brimfield and lies within the Quinebog River Watershed. Access to the lake is from Route 20 just west of the bridge between East Brimfield Lake and Long Pond. This lake is especially scenic and beautiful as you paddle around the shore and across the water with the dam on the east end of the lake, Quinepaug Cove on the west end which is covered in beautiful lily pads, and a gorgeous forest surrounding the lake on all sides. In the fall the foliage is stunning as well. There is a culvert that runs beneath Route 20 to Long Pond that may or may not be passable by canoe or kayak.

Tully Lake is a 218-acre reservoir located in Royalston which was formed from a flood control project to protect the Connecticut River and Millers River valleys from flooding. Tully Lake provides a variety of recreational opportunities including boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing, swimming, and playground area. Public access is off of Route 32 where parking is available and a gravel boat ramp. There is a 10-horsepower limit on the lake. The lake is ideal for canoes and kayaks which can explore the many twist and turns and islands of the lake and view the stunning scenery. There is no development along the shore making this a quiet lake and offers the tranquility of being along in nature. You may also paddle upstream about one and three quarter miles to Long Pond and return.

Three Mile Pond is an 80-acre lake in Sheffield and most of its shoreline is owned and protected by the Three Mile Pond Wildlife Management Area. The lake was created in the 1960s when a dam was built and the resulting lake is broad and shallow with several low islands scattered about. These islands are quite impressive to study as they contain plentiful wetland vegetation and are breeding grounds for many waterfowl. Beaver and muskrat are also common and albino white-tailed deer have been spotted. This small pond is a hidden gem and is a beautiful place to enjoy nature in all its forms.

Big Pond is a 330-acre lake located in Otis and is surrounded by forest, wetland, and residential development. This trip begins in a quiet, river-like channel where river otter live and then circles Big Pond. There are several islands on the lake, the biggest nearly 12 acres. There are no public areas along the shore but the views and scenery are pleasant with rolling hills on the east shore. There is a beautiful variety of plants and wildlife to study on this lake.