Town(s):
Medford MA, Arlington MA, Winchester MA
County:
Middlesex
Size:
100
acres
Average Depth:
12
feet
Maximum Depth:
80
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply, Other Restrictions
Boating Comments:
Many large cabin cruisers use the lake to get to the ocean, caution should be used in their presence.
Swimming:
Swimming Allowed, Some Restrictions
Mystic Lakes, situated on the corners of Arlington, Winchester, and Medford, MA is a series of three small lakes. The Upper Mystic Lake is for non-powered boats only. The Lower Mystic Lake is for powerboats with no wake (6 mph speed limit). It is great urban paddling complete with swans, herons, and ducks and surrounded by beautiful homes, wooded shores and two boat clubs. It is a great place for a quick work out, lazy paddling, and fishing and has a swimming beach at one end. It can be full of racing sailboats (including the Tufts Team) or a class on kayaking run by REI. There is a great put in near the Tufts Boat Club. Today the Mystic Lakes are popular for freshwater swimming at Sandy Beach. Special sailing programs are available at the Tufts University Boathouse. It is connected to Boston via Mystic valley parkway and the Wedgemere Station (Commuter Rail from north Station). Lower Mystic Lake is very deep with holes up to 80 feet deep. There is very little weed growth, just some along the shoreline. The Mystic Valley Parkway and parkland runs along the entire eastern shoreline. The lake connects directly with the Atlantic Ocean.
Water Quality:
No Known Issues, Town/State Monitoring
Vegetation Growth:
Minimal
Non-native Species:
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Black Crappie, Carp, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Brown Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill
Boat Access:
See Comments
Ramp Comments:
There is no public boat ramp here. Access for car-top boats can be found on the Mystic River at the Wellington Ramp, which allows a short boat ride up the river to the lake.
Parking Spaces:
Unknown
Directions:
Route 93 to Route 16W, Mystic Valley Parkway west for 4 miles, lake on right.
Shoreline Development:
50-75%
