Little Quittacas Pond (Lakeville, MA)

To date, this pond is probably my favorite portion of the APC. In order to enter the pond area, you need to park at one of the main entrance gates and walk down the access road to the pond. The access road (Negus Way) is open during the pumping station's normal business hours. However, only the Route 18 gate opens during that time. The Route 105 gate remains locked most, days but you can usually find a few cars parked in front.

What sets this part of the APC aside from others is the ease of access. The New Bedford Water Works operate a pumping station that distributes water from the pond to the city. The building they use is a wonderful stone structure that must've been an armory or a mansion back in the day. If you go behind this building on the pond side, you'll find a nice trail head. From here, there are literally miles of smooth dirt roads with little in the way of rock and roots. I hiked here yesterday and had no problem going for two hours without retracing my steps. Ultimately, the trail circumnavigates the pond and empties onto Route 105. From here, you can cross the street and explore similar trails bordering Great Quittacas Pond. Or, you can simply walk Route 105 back to Negus Way. This is definitely a great place to hike, bike, or just walk the dog.