Town(s):
Southampton MA, Westfield MA
County:
Hampden, Hampshire
Local Name:
Hampton Ponds
Size:
198
acres
Average Depth:
13
feet
Maximum Depth:
31
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply
Swimming:
Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions
The Hampton Ponds (Pequot Pond) are a series of glacial kettle ponds. These ponds were formed as ice blocks were buried under glacial melt-water and debris. As the ice melted, a depression was left that formed the pond’s basin. The basin has a maximum depth of approximately 31 feet. Several termittent streams drain into the pond. The outlet of the pond is located at the southern end and drains into Horse Pond. The upland areas of the watershed are glacial tills of the Chalton-Paxton-Woodbridge Association. The soils in the immediate vicinity of the pond are Hinckley loamy sand, noted to be deep and excessively well-drained. The Department of Environmental Management’s Hampton Ponds State Park and boat launching ramp, located at the south end of the pond along Route 202, are highly utilized recreational resources. The pond is used for swimming, boating, and fishing. The Pequot Pond Restoration Project is detailed here: (http://www.mass.gov/dcr/waterSupply/lakepond/downloads/pequot_pond_report.pdf) The goal of this restoration project is to advance efforts to remove Pequot Pond from the 303d list by reducing nutrient and sediment loading through implementing several non-structural BMPs including education and outreach, purchasing land in the watershed, and building cooperation between all watershed takeholders. Located in 45-acre Hampton Ponds State Park (available for day use with 2 public beaches). The shoreline is heavily developed.
Water Quality:
No Known Issues, Town/State Monitoring
Vegetation Growth:
Abundant
Non-native Species:
Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum Spicatum), Fanwort (Cabomba Caroliniana)
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Tiger Muskie, Chain Pickerel, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Sunfish, Bluegill
Boat Access:
Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments:
Public concrete ramp, heavily used, good parking, well-maintained.
Parking Spaces:
21-40
Directions:
Mass Pike to exit 3, Route 10/202N, left on Long Pond Road, right on Old Apremont Highway, to ramp access.
Shoreline Development:
75-100%
