Seen from the southeast coast of Massachusetts, the 376-acre Great Herring Pond is a quiet and picturesque location. Predominantly situated within the picturesque Town of Plymouth in Plymouth County, its southern edge gently reaches into Bourne in Barnstable County. Once known as Lake Manomet, it underwent a moniker change to honor the renowned herring run it boasts. Great Herring Pond beckons adventurers with an average depth of 20 feet, plunging to a maximum of 42 feet. Its pristine 5.3-mile perimeter rests at a modest elevation of 33 feet above sea level. A brief excursion from this idyllic spot leads to the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges, linking Plymouth County with the allure of Cape Cod. Fed by the diminutive Little Herring Pond, Great Herring Pond graciously spills into the Herring River, previously known as the Monument River. This waterway once cascaded into Buzzard’s Bay before redirecting its course into the Cape Cod Canal, a channel that spans back to 1914, bridging the expanse between Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay and facilitating a considerable shortcut for seafarers navigating around the Cape Cod peninsula. Nonetheless, the creation of the Canal brought an obstacle to herring migration, prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct a herring run in 1936, rejuvenating the herring population. Every spring, they witness the grand spectacle of herring voyaging up the Herring River into Great Herring Pond before commencing their homeward journey to the vast ocean. Facilities surrounding Great Herring Pond cater to the leisure activities of visitors, offering scenic picnic spots and a shallow public entry point ideal for paddling adventures aboard canoes, kayaks, and similar watercraft. Accommodating small and larger vessels with shallow drafts, the boating launch area enables water enthusiasts to explore the tranquil expanse of the pond. Embracing a maximum speed limit of 45 miles per hour, Great Herring Pond is an open invitation to waterborne delights. Nearby waters include Little Herring Pond to the north, boasting 90 acres in area, alongside Island Pond and Elbow Pond to the western reaches. The vicinity showcases real estate opportunities and vacation rentals along Great Herring Pond’s shores, with certain properties featuring historic dwellings equipped with private docks and breathtaking vistas. Embracing the essence of summer and winter, Great Herring Pond provides a playground for aquatic ventures throughout the year. Tubing, water skiing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding take center stage during the summer months, while swimming, snorkeling, golfing, and camping offer moments of complete enjoyment. The birdwatching scene at the lake is a delight, offering glimpses of golden eye ducks, pied-billed grebes, bald eagles, and American coot among its residents. As winter descends upon the pond, a frosty enchantment blankets the water, inviting enthusiasts to partake in ice skating, ice sailing, ice fishing, and the exhilarating sport of ice boarding. Fishing enthusiasts are in for a treat at Great Herring Pond, as the herring run crafted by the Army Corps of Engineers sets the stage for a thriving ecosystem. Two artificial tire reefs were introduced in 1975 to enhance the aquatic habitat, attracting diverse fish species. Among the common catches in the pond are smallmouth bass, pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, tessellated darter, yellow perch, and occasional walleye. The warmer seasons welcome an abundance of alewife and blueback herring, delighting anglers with their presence. Visitors eager to cast their lines are directed to the submerged islands at the pond’s heart, alongside the various points along its eastern shoreline. For those seeking land-based adventures, an array of captivating hiking trails encompass Great Herring Pond. The Sacrifice Rock Woods reveals a haven for geocaching enthusiasts, while the Cape Cod Canal beckons with trails favored by mountain biking enthusiasts. Just a short distance north lies the Bournedale Interpretive Trail and the lengthier Sagamore Hill Trail, both presenting scenic vistas for exploration. Travelers will find solace in the Theodore Lyman Reserve along Buttermilk Bay, showcasing a scenic Red Brook trail. The Ellisville Harbor State Park Trail provides a three-mile journey through former Christmas tree farmlands and shaded woodlands, offering a glimpse into its natural wonders. Further, the Boiling Springs Pond Circuit, also known as Smiling Pool, awaits in the Sandwich region, an area that resonates with the essence of Thornton W. Burgess’s beloved tales. Venturing beyond the pond’s immediate vicinity opens up a world of exploration, with Scusset Beach State Reservation serving as an enticing day trip destination. Offering year-round camping options and a variety of attractions, such as a fishing pier and picturesque pathways along the Cape Cod Canal, the park entices visitors to enjoy the seaside ambience. Sagamore Beach, situated just east of Great Herring Pond, stands as a residential haven with historical ties to the momentous landing of the Mayflower in 1620. Near Great Herring Pond lies the captivating landscape of Myles Standish State Forest, a befitting recreational paradise in southeastern Massachusetts. Catering to camping enthusiasts, horseback riders, picnickers, anglers, and canoeing enthusiasts, the forest provides outdoor opportunities. Equestrians revel in the 35 miles of horseback riding trails, while cyclists conquer the 15 miles of bike terrain. For hikers seeking a soul-stirring experience, the forest offers 13 miles of trekking trails to explore. With its no. of activities and attractions, Great Herring Pond is a haven for all adventurers, captivating individuals, and families seeking a harmonious blend of serenity and adventure in a lakeside setting.