Looking for a place to kayak, fish, swim or enjoy the beauty and tranquility of a woodland pond? Heald Pond is surrounded by acres of forest and fields and is the headwaters for Gulf

Brook which flows through the pond into a rocky ravine. A rocky ledge along the western edge of the pond offers fantastic views of the pond. The pond glows with white lilies during

the early summer and beavers maintain a large lodge on one of the pond’s small islands. Heald Pond abuts Heald Orchard to the east, and connects to Pepperell Springs to the north.

Land Protection History

The Pepperell Conservation Commission acquired the first tract of land in 1967 from the Blood Family for $9,000 and secured two rights of way to access the property on the southerly end of Heald Pond. The Commission negotiated to purchase an additional 50-acres of land from Ray Hoffard. This land is known as Blood Brook Ravine which begins at Jewett Street and ends where it empties into the pond. In 1978, the commission bought an additional 32-acres which included land on the north side of the pond. The town received financial assistance from two state Self-Help grants to buy these properties.

Trail Description

From the Heald Street kiosk follow the Jeff Smith Trail south along the western edge of Heald Pond. It meanders along the shoreline and then heads up a steep ledge offering fantastic views of the pond. At .51 miles the trail divides: (i) The Jeff Smith Trail follows Blood Brook to Jewett Street. (ii) The Gold Trail follows Heald Pond to the eastern side connecting to the Heald Orchard Central Trail. Please take note: the trail section along Heald Pond is on a very steep slope; the trail section approaching Jewett Street can be very wet year-round. The Pepperell Springs area also can be accessed from both of the parking areas on Heald Street. Please take note: the trail to the west of Gulf Brook can be very wet and requires a difficult crossing of Gulf Brook over an old stone dam.

Trail Mileage

From the Heald Street kiosk the Jeff Smith Trail to Jewett Street is 1.32 miles. From the Heald Street kiosk the Jeff Smith Trail/Gold Trail to the Heald Orchard Central Trail is 1.12 miles.

Directions

From Pepperell Town Hall, take Park St. then first left onto Heald St. Go 2 miles and look for pond on left. Parking is next to pond or across the street. The GPS coordinates for the parking area are: Latitude 42.67318; Longitude -71.6345. There is also a small parking area on Jewett Street near the trail entrance.