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Looking across Grafton Pond Dam. Digital Photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on April 17, 2000.
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USGS
Topo map of Grafton Pond Dam
Despite its distance from the Northern Line Rail-trail, the Grafton Pond Reservation is an attractive destination for trail users, since it is easily reachable from two widely separated rail-trail exit points via infrequently traveled gravel roads.
From Cardigan Station (Grafton Center) travel northwest on Riddle Hill Road following the signs for Ruggles Mine to its entrance road. Then continue on this road as it turns south and becomes a very narrow and poorly maintained (nameless) road. Then turn west onto Kinsman Highway to run along the south edge of Grafton pond, and finally turn north onto Potato Road to reach the Grafton Pond Dam. Note that the very narrow section of this route is not plowed in winter, impassible during 'mud season', and is otherwise largely unsuitable for automobile use.
From Potato Road crossing between Canaan and Pattee (West Canaan) Stations, travel south about 5 miles on Potato Road to Grafton Pond Dam.
Trail users should not plan on entering or leaving the rail-trail at Height of Land Road, since the trail crosses that road on an ancient railroad overpass!
The SPNHF Grafton Pond Reservation (#47) involves 940 acres of land on three sides of Grafton Pond that was protected in 1984. The main entrance seems to be on Potato Road about a quarter-mile south of the Dam which is the beginning of an old road that runs about a half-mile to an attractive point on the pond. However, one or two additional entrances were spotted along Kinsman Road that feature very short trails to the shore of the pond. The SPNHF recommends bringing a map and compass and a canoe (inflatable?) for best enjoyment of this reservation. Conversely, standard SPNHF rules state that bicycles are not allowed beyond the entrance gate. But even worse is the lack of an obvious means of securing bicycles near the entrance gate!
The SPNHF has recently acquired 394 acres of land from John M. Haffenreffer on the shore of Spectacle Pond adjoining the Grafton Pond Reservation. Note also the SPNHF ownership since 1994 of the 100 acre Blodgett Forest (#92) located 1.7 miles west of Route 4 on Height of Land Road then a mile south on an unmaintained road (no SPNHF sign).
The Grafton Pond Land Trust owns the remaining quarter of the shoreline that runs north from the dam. The rules stated on their signs obviously permit human-powered bicycles to use that entire property, since their prohibition applies only to motorized vehicles.
A sign at the dam suggests the presence of Loon and other waterfowl on this pond. Fishermen are thus advised to avoid using lead weights and the like and to carefully retrieve unused fishing line. This sign also asks boaters to stay away from loon nests and otherwise avoid disturbing the waterfowl, especially during their nesting and nursery seasons.
Main entrance to SPNHF Grafton Pond Reservation. Digital Photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on April 17, 2000.
Looking across Grafton Pond to Cardigan Mountain. Digital Photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on April 17, 2000.
A small parking area, a boat ramp, and trash barrels are located near the dam. No
other visitor facilities were noted in the general vicinity of Grafton
Pond!
