Ell Pond Recreation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ell Pond Recreation Area is a beautiful park located in the town of Melrose, Massachusetts.


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Summary

This park is a great destination for people of all ages, offering a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking. The park is home to a 28-acre pond that is perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. There are also several trails in the park that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

One of the main attractions of Ell Pond Recreation Area is the Melrose Fish Derby, an annual event that takes place in the month of May. This event is a great opportunity for anglers of all skill levels to try their luck at catching fish in the pond. The park also has a playground for children, making it a great destination for families.

Aside from the recreational activities, Ell Pond Recreation Area is also home to several interesting points of interest. The park features a beautiful gazebo that provides a perfect spot for picnicking, and there is also a historic house located on the property that dates back to the 1700s.

If you're planning a visit to Ell Pond Recreation Area, the best time to go is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round, so visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and recreational activities offered by the park throughout the year.

Overall, Ell Pond Recreation Area is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in Massachusetts. With its beautiful pond, scenic trails, and wide range of recreational activities, this park is a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing day out.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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