Appalachian Trail Parking
Hiking area
4.9 (12)
2120 Cape St, Lee, MA 01238
PondMA
Upper Goose Pond
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Upper Goose Pond with the Appalachian Trail side-trail approach, seasonal cabin information, designated camping rules and reviewed trail and pond photos.
Swimming restriction
Check present signs and conditions before entering. Do not jump from the dock or assume photographed rocks are safe diving platforms. No current lifeguard service or water-quality clearance verified.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Pond
Access
Informal
Fee
AMC's visitor FAQ lists no cabin or campsite fee, with voluntary donations welcome. This does not establish every parking area's charges or guarantee an overnight space.
Best season
AMC schedules cabin-closing work for October 11, 2026, including dock removal and canoe storage. That is a planned event, not evidence the work is already complete
Nearby towns
Lenox, Stockbridge, Lee
Water body
Upper Goose Pond, Distinct From Lower Goose Pond
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Lenox, Stockbridge, Lee
Access location not verified
42.307348, -73.250491
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Upper Goose Pond
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
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking 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.
Include the cabin side trail in your hike
AMC's shelter list places the junction 1.6 miles south of US 20, then adds a half-mile side trail. Plan with a current map, not the former 1.7-mile total or the unverified historical town pin. The gallery junction sign helps explain the distinction without guaranteeing present sign condition.
A nearby viewpoint is not beach access
The Trustees reservation offers a separate ridge walk and explicitly states there is no trail access down to the pond. Do not turn its parking directions into instructions for a swim.
Separate cabin services from a day visit
The visitor FAQ describes first-come overnight use for A.T. hikers, not reservable holiday lodging. Groups cannot treat ATCamp registration as a reservation. Day visitors should be self-sufficient and leave shared access clear.
Check seasonal arrangements
The management calendar lists October 11, 2026 closing work. Do not assume a dock, canoe or open cabin from a summer photo. The historical cabin-closed sign in this gallery is not today's status.
Choose a hike without assuming a safe swim
Official visitor guidance describes swimming, but this review did not establish present water-quality clearance or supervision. Avoid jumping, respect restrictions and make water entry a separate conditions-based decision. The selected images illustrate scenery and trail terrain, not measured swimming depths.
Getting There
Use an up-to-date Appalachian Trail map and permitted parking at the US 20 access. AMC locates the cabin side-trail junction about 1.6 miles south along the A.T., followed by a half-mile side trail, rather than the old 1.7-mile total. Follow current blazes and cabin signs; this is not a surveyed route length. The retained historical town pin is about 4.1 miles from the saved named pond record and is not a verified trailhead. Do not use the Trustees Goose Pond Reservation viewpoint trail as a water-access shortcut.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The Trustees Goose Pond Reservation is a separate ridge outing: its page explicitly says there is no trail access down to the pond. The selected trail and bridge photos do not establish a wheelchair-accessible route.
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
Check present signs and conditions before entering. Do not jump from the dock or assume photographed rocks are safe diving platforms. No current lifeguard service or water-quality clearance verified. 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
Appalachian Trail at Goose Pond Road, MA
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Appalachian Trl, Lee, MA 01238
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42° 21.026 N 73° 20.895' W, Lenox Rd, West Stockbridge, MA 01266
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256 Woodland Rd, Lee, MA 01238
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
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Campground
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317 Woodland Rd, Lee, MA 01238
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Barbecue grillPicnic tables
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Campground
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Public restroom
Public bathroom
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Tanglewood Bathroom
Public bathroom
5 (1)
West Stockbridge, MA 01266
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Goose Pond
Is the cabin hike only 1.7 miles?
No. AMC describes 1.6 miles along the A.T. from US 20 to a junction, plus a half-mile side trail. Use a current map and allow time for the return.
Is the cabin open year-round?
No. It is seasonal and caretaker-dependent. Confirm arrangements with AMC; nearby designated tent platforms are listed for year-round use.
Can I use the reservation trail to reach the water?
The Trustees specifically says its Goose Pond Reservation trail does not provide access down to the pond. Use appropriate A.T. planning instead.
Can I camp anywhere along the shore?
No. Massachusetts A.T. camping is restricted to designated overnight sites. A shoreline photo or a cabin closure does not allow dispersed camping.
Highlights
Corrected cabin side-trail approach
Seasonal services explained
Designated overnight sites
Separate reservation viewpoint clarified
Reviewed pond and trail gallery
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Bring drinking water, footwear for uneven ground and a return-route plan
- Photographs do not measure current depth, temperature or trail condition
- Keep food secured and follow site restrictions
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The cabin supports Appalachian Trail visitors. It is not a bookable lakeside vacation rental or a general-purpose serviced campground.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Historical photos show a wooded pond island, rocky trail, small footbridge and named cabin/camping signs. The sign marked cabin closed is historical, not a live status report; no island swim or diving route is recommended.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Stay on designated paths and use designated overnight sites. AMC sources conflict about fire permission; follow the shelter list's stricter no-fire instruction and confirm current rules rather than treating the FAQ fireplace reference as permission.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
AMC schedules cabin-closing work for October 11, 2026, including dock removal and canoe storage. That is a planned event, not evidence the work is already complete; confirm arrangements before relying on those facilities.
Difficulty Level
Backcountry walking with uneven rock and root terrain; no continuous step-free route verified. Allow for both outward and return travel.
Fee
AMC's visitor FAQ lists no cabin or campsite fee, with voluntary donations welcome. This does not establish every parking area's charges or guarantee an overnight space.
Facilities
The visitor FAQ says there is no running water or electricity; bring drinking water and treatment equipment. Indoor space is not guaranteed.
Activities
Hiking, scenic viewing and condition-dependent swimming; overnight use subject to designated-site rules
Phone
No beach-specific phone verified. Use AMC Western MA's current contact information for cabin and site arrangements.
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
Use designated overnight sites only, not an arbitrary shore campsite. The cabin is caretaker-dependent and seasonal; nearby tent platforms are listed year-round. Consult current site guidance before an overnight trip.
Loading weather data…
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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