It's just a very serene and pretty place to spend a few hours. Loved the walkable covered bridge!read more

Lake Potanipo (sometimes called Potanipo Pond) is a highlight of the small town of Brookline. The…read morebeach has been cleaned up considerably, and it's open (albeit in a limited way) to the general public. It has a small, charming lighthouse along with a public beach. It's picturesque. A great little place for hikes&leisurely walks. Lake Potanipo is an understated place. Its waters eventually lead to the Gulf of Maine. Not bad for a little quiet country lake.

It's a nice beach, but a .8 mile walk from the parks and recreation office where non residents have…read moreto park. When you're carrying beach chairs, a beach bag and water bottles on a hot day, it's not a fun walk. When we got to the lake, there were only three cars in the parking lot. There was plenty of room for non-residents.

Before they enforced the "residents only parking" it was a great spot to go swimming! But it has…read moregone downhill. They rake some of the weeds in the designated swimming area, but not all, so it can be very gross to walk on (which i don't really mind, but it can be yucky). They used to have a cute little shack that served food, but that has also closed (i also believe this went to the funding and upkeep which is why it has gone downhill other than the parking). It's unguarded now, but i can understand that as i am a lifeguard and know that we have a shortage of lifeguards right now. I don't know the laws of boating there, but be careful going beyond the designated swimming area because the boaters really like to go close (which can also be annoying when they're coming one after the other). So the closest parking area is basically a mile away, and it has little to no sidewalk the whole time. So it's very unsafe if you have children, especially if they have any type of disorder or handicap. I wish they would solve the parking problem, but it's been 2 years now so i doubt they will. For a town that gets a lot of traffic from tourism, they seem to be trying very hard to keep people out, which is sad.

My go to lake. It can get very crowded but not always. I purchased a season pass last year and it…read morewas well worth it. My friend and I went yesterday and it cost $25 for the two of us, including parking. They actually do come around and check to make sure everyone paid. Small parking lot but if it is full, you can park on the next street. If you're looking at the lake, park on the street to the right of it. There is a floating dock to swim/walk out to. The water blocked off for swimming is not that deep. I think the deepest is probably 5 feet. They do have lifeguards on duty and a little snack shack. Water is clean for a lake and typically warm. There is a playground and a couple picnic tables. Not much shade. Kids are allowed to wear lifejackets, but that is all I recall seeing for flotation devices. They do have kayaks and I think paddle boots you can rent. Opens at 10 AM.

This is our local beach / lake and we love it here! You can go swimming, canoeing, and fishing…read morehere. The lakes fish are pretty impressive. We've caught small and large mouth bass, catfish, and tons of sunfish here. It has lifeguards during the summer season and bathrooms. Parking is for residents only. If you're a Littleton resident this place is a gem!!

I have hiked A LOT of mountains in New England but I had never hiked the mountain it seemed like…read moreeveryone I knew had hiked. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to change that and now I can see what all the hubbub is about. What a great mountain with fantastic views. After doing a bit of homework, I realized it was in my best interest to make a park reservation so that I could secure a parking space for the day at the start of the trailheads I was eyeing for the next day. As one of the most hiked mountains (in the world?), this park reports hosting a massive number of visitors each year and from first hand experience, I can attest that it is a busy one. The $15 was worth the peace of mind and my ability to pull right in and hop onto the trail. I had a hard time locating their "opening hours" but I arrived shortly after 8am with about 20 cars there ahead of me. I really appreciated the park ranger that checked me in for my reservation at the Poole Road entrance. Incredibly welcoming, inquisitive about plans, quick to offer advice for the best experience, and even shared a weather update (30 mph+ winds at the summit that day) before I was on my way. Supplied with a paper map and an idea which trails would be least busy and most scenic, I felt well-prepared for an enjoyable morning on the mountain. I opted to start out on the White Dot Trail. For less crowds, I branched off to the Cascade Link, then hooked a left onto the Red Spot Trail which delivered me to the summit. Gaining elevation at a slow and steady pace, I found the whole climb quite enjoyable. I rejoined the crowd at the summit but still with plenty of room for photos of the scenery and some quiet time to enjoy a snack. Wide open, bald summit with views for days. I would have stayed longer if not for the strong winds. After nestling in between the rocks away from the air currents to enjoy a brief snack, I was on my way down the mountain via the White Cross Trail. There were even glimpses of Boston in the distance! Each trail was clearly marked by it namesake (literally white dots, red dots, and white crosses) which made wayfinding a breeze. That said, I still came across a party or two that had gotten turned around. Do your homework, connect to a trail app if you have the means, practice your map reading skills, and heed the recommendations of the rangers and you should have the basic tools you need to keep you on track and still smiling. So many trails and options that can keep you coming back for more. The visitor center at this entrance was a welcome amenity, restrooms, and all. I cannot comment on the park store because it was closed for lunch when I was finishing up. All in all I got in just under 5 miles using the route that I did. Beautiful peak, beautiful day. Highly recommend.

Great day hike and not for those with weak ankles! Took the white dot trail up and used the white…read morecross trail to come down. Forgot the bug spray which would have kept the critters at bay with much of the trail having slow or puddled water. Parking wasn't too crowded, $15 for access to park. Snack and gift shop in the lot and the headquarters building just up the trail. Great restroom facility to use prior to starting the hike as well. Very rocky terrain all the way up, clearly marked with white dots (crosses as well for the return). Enjoyed the fact there were multiple volunteer guides hiking or positioned at locations (one steady at fork for dot/cross) if needed. Had low reception all through the hike for emergencies as well. Beautiful views towards the top and of course 360 once on the summit. Definitely worth the time spent. Pack in pack out, bring water and snacks along with the spray (both bug and sun)! Enjoyed a quick snack on the top with the views and a quick tsp of the marker before heading back down. Time to get up to the peak, what are you waiting for?!

Beautiful! Clean. Lovely, white sand. Playground…read more Lighthouse with a Pokemon stop. Covered bridges.

Beautiful clear water. Serene. White sand. Clean…read more Lifeguards on duty during the summer season, which has its pros and cons. Lifeguards pros are obvious. Cons are that, no floaties are allowed, only coast guard approved PFDs are allowed, no skipping stones, no horseplay, etc. there also porta-potties in season. Did I say picture perfect? Idyllic. This is the best New England has to offer. Yes it is residents only but you can bring guests.

Our friend group went kayaking during the long weekend and everything went smoothly…read more They have different kind of rentals and a large number - we did not have rental bookings in advance. Life jackets are provided of course and we have to sign waivers. The river route is so long and scenic and will definitely take hours. The staff are really helpful as well. My only complaint is that they only have fixed full day rental rate. I wish they also have half day rate for people who only wanna spend a short time. - 7.5/10

Spent the day on the river with some friends and had the best time! With more than five rentals you…read morereceive a discount if you call - they made that super easy! Check in was smooth, gear was great and everyone was super friendly. We had a beautiful day!

A lovely park to take your family on a short day trip, especially in the summer. Plenty of space…read morefor kids to run and play, bathrooms are kept clean, and the people working are always friendly and helpful.

Elm Brook is a very nice day use family park. It has a lovely beach on a small country lake created…read moreby the US Army Corp of Engineers for flood control. There's plenty of picnic areas with bathroom facilities, a large field for baseball or other group sports & a small boat launch for canoes & kayaks. They do have a few covered sites but you must reserve them in advance on line. This is a federally run park, NOT a State Park. Pack it in & pack it out. It's a nice clean park, help keep it that way. NO PETS Memorial Day - Labor Day weekend only

Lovely pond and adjacent park. There is a looped one mile walk around it with benches.read more

Was looking for a nice late afternoon walk while on vacation. Came across this spot that was around…read more10 minutes from our hotel. Lots of fast food restaurants nearby if you are looking to have a picnic or eat in the park. So many benches you relax on and there is a nice 1 mile walking path around the lake. This park has a lot you can do. Soccer and football areas, play structure, fishing - can even launch a boat, small hikes and a pool. It was so lovely we actually ended up coming back to take some graduation photos. Lovely spot!