Park & Ride
Park & ride
1.7 mi
4.3 (15)
Pleasant Lake Ave, Harwich, MA 02645
Restroom
PondMA
Hawks Nest State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Explore Hawksnest Pond photos and plan a Harwich visit with access-route context, unguarded-water cautions and current parking and water-quality checks.
Swimming restriction
Historical DCR guidance identifies swimming at Hawksnest Pond, not permission for every park pond. Confirm current posted restrictions and pond-specific water notices before entering. No current water-quality clearance or lifeguard coverage established.
Water type
Pond
Access
Informal
Fee
Current admission and parking charges not verified; check DCR and posted notices.
Best season
Confirm current park hours and legal parking before travel
Nearby towns
Harwich
Water body
Hawksnest Pond Within Hawksnest State Park
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Harwich
Recreation-area reference location
41.71161, -70.04454
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Hawks Nest State Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Recreation-area reference location
- The map uses a recreation-area reference coordinate from the manager, not a surveyed entrance, parking space or safe water-entry point. Follow current signs and confirm access before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Plan around the specific pond and current conditions
The indexed 2015 DCR resource-management plan describes swimming and an unguarded beach on Hawksnest Pond's south shore. That is historical permission context, not a live opening report. Confirm current signs, restrictions and pond-specific water conditions before swimming; do not extend the permission to every pond in the park.
Separate the access approaches
The Harwich pond profile describes a Spruce Road public approach, a Nathan Walker Road boat launch and parking access from Round Cove Road. Check the current legal parking arrangement and authorized paths. The retained pin locates the park area, not a verified beach entrance. Old highway exit numbers and suggestions to drive rough park roads are not current navigation guidance.
Do not assume a serviced beach
The historical plan describes an undeveloped setting, poor road surfaces and an unguarded beach. No operating restroom, drinking-water supply or current lifeguard coverage was established. It also describes camping as unauthorized. Follow current gates, keep dogs leashed and seek manager authorization before considering any overnight use.
Check actual Hawksnest water information
Use Harwich water-quality information and current park notices for pond-specific updates. An older monitoring archive or a notice about Long Pond does not clear Hawksnest Pond. The gallery documents past scenery and does not provide a water test or present-condition report.
Getting There
The Harwich pond profile describes public access from Spruce Road, a boat launch off Nathan Walker Road and additional parking access from Round Cove Road. Confirm current legal parking and authorized paths with DCR and on-site signs. Old Route 6 exit-number instructions have been withdrawn. Do not drive to the shoreline or assume rough park roads are open or suitable for your vehicle.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The retained pin is a park-area reference, not a verified beach entrance. The 2015 plan described loose sand and poor road conditions; this is historical evidence, not a current vehicle-access inspection.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Historical DCR guidance identifies swimming at Hawksnest Pond, not permission for every park pond. Confirm current posted restrictions and pond-specific water notices before entering. No current water-quality clearance or lifeguard coverage established. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
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Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
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Tourist information center
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Walking-trail maps, exhibits & hands-on games in the visitor center of a wildlife refuge.
Public restroom
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawks Nest State Park
Is Hawksnest Pond swimming currently verified?
The 2015 DCR plan describes swimming, but current restrictions and water-quality clearance were not established. Check current signs and pond-specific notices.
Is there a lifeguard?
The historical DCR plan describes an unguarded beach. Do not assume current lifeguard coverage.
Which access route should I use?
The local pond profile distinguishes Spruce Road public access from the Nathan Walker Road boat launch and Round Cove Road parking access. Confirm current legal parking and authorized paths with DCR and posted signs.
Can I camp beside the pond?
The 2015 DCR plan describes camping as unauthorized. Do not plan an overnight stay without current manager authorization.
Highlights
Wooded Cape Cod pond setting
Separate pond and boat-launch approaches
Unguarded-water planning
Reviewed shoreline and trail photos
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Treat the pond as unguarded unless current staffing is confirmed
- Supervise children, avoid unknown depths and follow current water-contact warnings
- Do not substitute a notice for another Harwich pond or an old monitoring archive for Hawksnest clearance
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Hawksnest Pond is an environmentally sensitive Harwich freshwater destination. Protect vegetation and avoid informal shoreline shortcuts.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Four reviewed historical images show a wooded pond, woodland paths and empty kayaks. Exact camera positions and present access conditions are not verified.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Stay on authorized paths, protect shoreline vegetation and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Confirm current park hours and legal parking before travel; no exact operating schedule verified.
Difficulty Level
Exact shoreline-route accessibility not verified. Woodland paths shown in photos are not a step-free access guarantee.
Fee
Current admission and parking charges not verified; check DCR and posted notices.
Facilities
Do not assume serviced beach amenities or safe water from the pond's appearance.
Activities
Hiking, pond recreation and paddling only where currently permitted and conditions allow
Phone
Use current DCR park contacts and Harwich water-quality information before travel.
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
The 2015 DCR plan describes camping as unauthorized. Do not plan an overnight stay without current manager authorization.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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