The Dennis Pond Conservation Area is one of the Town’s most popular recreational areas, used for swimming, fishing, hiking, and nature-watching. The main trail is 0.8 miles from end to end and takes you along the southern shore of Dennis Pond just north of Route 6 between Summer Street and Willow Street. The trail runs along the shoreline with multiple access points to the water and is mostly flat, but watch for areas of exposed roots and some steep slopes to the water.
The dominant underbrush along the sides of the trail is sweet pepperbush, while the large open woodland area includes mixed oak and pine trees. The woodland area leads to an old cranberry bog which has become home to red maple trees as it has dried out over time. Many beech trees can be found on the high ridge on the north side of the pond, indicating a late successional forest that has escaped disturbance for a long period of time.
Dennis Pond is named after Robert Dennis, an early settler of Yarmouth who lived by the pond. The Dennis Pond Beach was donated to the town by Mabel S. Agassiz, with the intention of it being used by the children of Yarmouth. The public beach, with a marked swimming area, is located at the Summer Street end of the trail (sticker required). Lifeguards are on duty from May-September. Kayaks, canoes, and other small boats can be launched here. At the Willow Street end there is also access to the water down a short trail for launching kayaks and canoes.
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails any time of year and on the beach between September 15 and March 15.