New England Paddler
Martins Pond
Martins Pond
Last Updated: 2/2023
STATISTICS
Skill Level: Flat water
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Perimeter: 1.7 miles
USGS Map: Wilmington MA, Reading MA
Physical Features
- Area: 89 acres
- Max depth: 7.25 feet
- Average Depth: 5 feet
- Transparency: feet
- Terrain Type: Homes, Wetland, Park,Water Department Land, Conservation Land
Fish Population
- Last survey: Unknown
- Species: Unknown
No Swimming
Please be advised that the quality of water in Martins Pond is not tested for compliance with the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 445.000 “Minimum Standards for Bathing Beaches”. Neither the Town of North Reading nor the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health monitor or regularly test water quality in Martins Pond. The following are important reminders about access to Martins Pond:
- Martins Pond is open for recreational boating and fishing.
- Swimming is prohibited at all Town-owned property, including the beach and dock at Clarke Park, the the launch ramp at Travelled Way, and the bridge on Burroughs Road.
- The public is advised that swimming at any other non-Town owned property on the Pond (including private property) and in the open water of the Pond is at your own risk.
Description
Martins Pond is a 89-acre Great Pond nestled in the northwest corner of North Reading, Massachusetts. The pond is approximately 1,950 feet across, east to west; and 3,050 feet long, north to south, with an average depth of less than 5 feet. The deepest point is only 7.25 feet deep. There is a public beach and playground on the south side.
Public boat access is authorized at the Northeast quadrant of the pond near Main Street just east of the Skug River inlet. The area has a small dirt parking area and an unpaved boat launching ramp.
There are just over 100 homes immediately adjacent to the pond. These are concentrated on the east side of the pond and north of the public swimming area on the west side. The pond is eutrophic, phosphorus limited, and has a short retention time (annual average is 18 days). The pond is really a widening of the Skug River that enters it. The pond empties into Martins Brook, which winds its way to the Ipswich River in North Reading, MA.
Martins Pond - Clark Park - Car Top Launch
Position: 42°35.47'N 71°07.47'W
Boat Launch:
Boat Launch:
Carry your car top boat down to the water near the unused beach. Room for 24 vehicles at the paved parking lot with more across the street on a gravel lot.
- Facilities: Sheltered Picnic Area, Sand Volleyball Court, Basketball Court, Playground, Boat Dock
Nearest Launch Address:
61 Burroughs Road, North Reading, MA 01864
Use the parking as seen here.
Carry your boat(s) about 30 yards to this small beach and launch. Swimming is not recommended.
A view from the East shore.
Martins Pond West Shore Launch
Position: 42°35.76'N 71°07.78'W
Boat Launch:
Boat Launch:
Gravel roadside parking next to the small park. Gravel boat ramp best for car top boats and light trailers.
Nearest Launch Address:
65 Lakeside Bulevard, North Reading, MA 01864
Park roadside as seen here.
Car top boats only at this gravel launch.
Martins Pond - East Shore Launch
Position: 42°35.89'N 71°07.32'W
Boat Launch:
Boat Launch:
Gravel roadside parking next to the small park. Gravel boat ramp best for car top boats and light trailers.
Nearest Launch Address:
89 Travelled Way, North Reading, MA 01864
Park roadside near this little park.
This ramp is good for car top boats and light trailers.
