Ignorance is bliss isn't it? Well I believe so, especially when you come across some scenic beauty such as this lake in Wakefield, Massachusetts. It is what it is. Lake Quannapowitt is one of those places. Very beautiful, placid, natural beauty that is a beautiful and also catches the eye of anyone who is willing to listen to her beauty. I came across this lady lake when staying at the Lakeside Inn nearby on a May 2022 visit in the area. It is located about an hour or so from downtown Boston, Massachusetts, so it's not really that far away. Since I had a flight cancellation, and subsequently rebooked, I had extra time on my hands. And so I got up Sunday morning, got dressed and put on my running shoes, and headed out of the hotel room. I learn through Google is about 3 miles around with biking past. I also learned that the area around the lake is or has been used for endurance events from local 5k's to ultramarathons in the past. Maybe one day I'll return here and I'll do an ultra marathon for my own personal goals and benefit. But for now, it was just me up on a Sunday morning getting in some exercise while killing some time here in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Most awesome thing that was here was the fact that it was basically calm and smooth. I think it was shallow too. The bike path was very walkable, and did not have any significant potholes or anything that can pause a minute to trip and fall. It was one of the more easier walks I've done in a while. In total I must have done three labs before heading back to the hotel for breakfast. I think I got up around 7 AM that morning and 9 miles around the lake three times took me about three hours, not caring about stuff and just focused on the beauty of the local area that I was in. The scenery of Lake Quannapowitt really called me to where I was not really thinking of anything important at the time, only the fact that the airline screwed me by canceling my flight but I ended up getting home earlier than planned but a day later. The overall experience here at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, MA was nice, quiet, and inspirational. While it was nice to have time to myself on a beautiful Sunday morning walking the circumference of the lake, I was supposed to be flying back home and not be here walking the lake, but it seems like the universe had other plans for me that May 2022 day. Natural green beauty is great here and it was nice to have this lake nearby where I was staying, so it was easy access all around. There is also a gazebo that seemed historic and a well known local place marker. I think the local community uses the gazebo for local events throughout the year. For the most part though, it was bittersweet to have this time with Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, Massachusetts. I enjoyed my time here trying to enjoy the area and enhance my spiritual self during my laps around the lake. At the same time, I should have been on that flight out of Boston when I was supposed to have been walking. If you are fond of nature and lakes, consider the lake front path at Lake Quannapowitt here in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Quite a majestic place really. Hidden gem. Definitely recommend it if you are in the area. Lake Quannapowitt is located in Wakefield, Massachusetts. I-95 passes thru the area and North Avenue crosses the area too. Lakeside Inn and Suites, where I stayed in May 2022, sits on the edge of the lake. As far as public access goes, it's open green space, so you can come and go as you please. There's no admission fee here, as all public parks and green spaces don't, which is usually expected and awesome. As far as parking goes, there is a small parking area while I was doing the loops. As a small town such as Wakefield, there's usually plenty of street parking in the immediate vicinity for anyone and everyone to park and enjoy the Lake and it's paved pathways. One of the best things about the area is that its away from any metro areas and it does have a suburban feel to Wakefield. Not really a small town vibe, since it's kind of attached to the city of Boston. As far as public transportation goes, there is a line that goes from Boston to Wakefield, but you'd have to depart from Boston's North End station. The entire experience was as good as it could have been if I did this on Saturday evening instead of Sunday morning. It is what it is. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Support local! A read more

I went on a walk here with a bunch of friends, but a dog peed on me halfway through. There's glass bottles broken throughout the sidewalk, and all around the area, it is dangerous especially to kids and animals. read more

Great place to walk or attend community gatherings. Local shops nearby to get food or drink too.

Love Lake Q! It's a great spot in Wakefield to walk/run/bike or sit out in the sun. The trail is a little over 3 miles around - For me, it's not too big or small, kind of perfect for a light-medium walk. There are two "lots" available for parking as well as the street which depending on when you go, is not too bad. (Do not park in the church lot to the left of the spots by the playground). Can't say that I have seen the sunrise, but the sunsets are beautiful. In the summer sometimes you can rent out kayaks or pedal boats. There are two playgrounds for kids (one by church lot, other by honeydew side). Really pretty to see during the different seasons. Definitely recommend if you're looking for somewhere outdoors to exercise, sit in the sun, enjoy a picnic, etc. read more

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Beautiful lake with stunning views! I went for the first time with a friend and we had a picnic dinner by the lake. It was so peaceful and a gorgeous summer night. read more

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It's always a great place for a brisk walk in the fresh air. It got a tad creepy after my neighbors son drowned of a drug overdose in it. Great place to keep your head clear on a sunny afternoon or morning. read more

May I just say the up keep of the luxurious pee-palaces were breathtaking enough to make up for the wailing screams of the EVIL children overrunning the beautiful park. The geese are very friendly, allowing me to live amongst them flapping my wings, quacking, and floating around the shallow ends of the lake carelessly. May I just say I HATE the hideous yellow duck sitting amuck in the water, and I can't think of a punishment more fitting than a quick popping death (I've tried before but onlookers restrained me). Shame on the park's architects for creating such baby-like swings, a man of my stature about 6'3 1/3, 138 lbs, gets really stuck in those diaper-like swings, as I did I was stuck for hours until the firefighters were able to wiggle me out, not cool Lake Q! Andy signing out read more

If you quanna find a nice relaxing lake in the Boston area, then you quanna visit Lake Quannapowitt. At least give it a try and see powitt goes. Walking around this lake is lovely, a lot of people cycle and take pictures. It's peaceful and serene and you wouldn't know you were in suburban Boston. It will be a bit nicer once the building work is done, and I think it's a shame that they're building more and more things around the lakeshore. I guess nothing lasts forever. The best time is sunset, when it's absolutely gorgeous, despite a few mosquitoes. It takes less than an hour to walk around the entire lake if that's your thing. If you quanna know more, private message me. read more

Lake Quannapowitt - Quanna go here with me? - Parks Near Me - Wakefield, Massachusetts

This is such a fantastic spot for a walk, bike or run! We came on a sunny but mild day in December and did a loop around the lake. I believe it is 3.1 miles around and it is beautiful, clean and well marked. If you are looking for a solid non-woods type walk, this is a great place. There are many park benches and picnic benches around and there are a few playgrounds too. There are plenty of parking options around the lake and it didn't feel very crowded when we were there. It was good to see the majority of people wearing masks and keeping their distances. Lots of dog walkers too so it was nice to get a dog fix too. There were ducks and swans around too. There are some really lovely picture spots too. A gem of a place! read more

Stopped in with the kids one night, Played at the park. Its great for both boys, not too big for the little,not babyish for the big one! The lake is soo pretty & it was around sunset & the skyline was gorgeous & made for great pics. Walking trails and lots of parking. Will def come back some time to hang at the park! read more

Lake Quannapowitt - Parks Near Me - Wakefield, Massachusetts

lovely lake close to boston. long walking paths with variety in scenery. cute benches and little beaches throughout read more

Lake Quannapowitt - early spring - Parks Near Me - Wakefield, Massachusetts

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Wonderful two-mile stretch in one great big circle, like Nascar only instead of race cars you have joggers and moms with strollers and kids with dogs on leashes. Earlier this year I would make it down for Sunday morning runs. My favorite place to sit is a tall lifeguard chair overlooking the water. read more

Beautiful lake great atmosphere there's a sidewalk that u can walk or jog the lake there park space for picnics or just hanging out. Lots of people and dogs all ages real nice friendly vibe to it. There's an area that has swings and stuff for kids u can also rent kayaks paddle boards and other things unfortunately the rental place is seasonal Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Still a great spot for a nice walk or hang out eat ur lunch and watch the wildlife read more

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Aaaaaah this is the best find ever from a random google of "lake" and "boston". Not only is this lake not mega-crowded, it's got the most adorable peddle boats for rent, and a huge grass lawn surrounding it that make it perfect for an afternoon of picnicking, chilling on the water, or better yet -- PICNICKING ON THE WATER. This place, which I still can't pronounce properly, is top notch nature in my books. read more

Reviewing a lake feels so odd, but it's worth the review! This is my favorite walking spot around! Its a great walk (about 3 miles I think) and the scenery is gorgeous. Only thing that stinks is that it gets super crowded on gorgeous weather. But if you love doggies, this is a great place to get a walk in and see all the cute doggies. read more

Lake Quannapowitt - Parks Near Me - Wakefield, Massachusetts

It don't get 5 stars cuz ya can't swim in it... well, you can, but let's just say it's strongly suggested you don't. While people fish in Lake Quannapowitt, I'm only writing about it from the "pretty walk while exercising" point of view. And, it's truly perfect for that. The walk around Lake Quannapowitt can be separated into 5 sections: 1. The gentle, scenic side that hugs the lake; 2. The noisier, busier side that does not hug the lake; 3. The North End, near the Wakefield/Reading Exit on Rt128; 4. The South End, near the center of town.; and, 5. The Business Park (Quannapowitt Parkway) 1. The gentle scenic side that hugs the lake has plenty of parking the whole 1 mile length. Whether walking or jogging, it affords a great view of the lake the whole way and, whichever way you are walking, it ends up at a park. You can walk up and back for a nice 2 mile walk and while most walk AROUND the whole lake, read on to see some reasons why you might not want to... 2. The noiser, busier side is also about 1 mile. This side, however, has a constant stream of cars, trucks and motorcycles with their noise and air pollution. You WILL get blasts of exhaust fumes, both regular and diesel, and it will be just pure irony as you walk by a lovely cemetary. There are also trees overhanging this side, some not too high, and, in spring, and summer, you could find yourself wearing some of those tiny, green, worms that drop from a strand of webbing. If you like being squished between noisey, fumey vehicles and little, green worms and cemetaries. This side is for you. 3. The North End. There's a parking lot down here and, before 4pm, some of the best hotdogs on earth at "Freds Franks" from spring to fall. There's also a Honeydews for water and/or iced coffee after/during your walk. There's a pleasant park down this end, not too big but nice... and a little beach that no one's actually sunning at. Traffic is continuous but not noisey, or full of fumes. 4. The South End. There's plenty of parking down here at the church parking lot. There's also a large park, a playground for kids and a bunch of beachfront usually dotted with geese (but no one suns or swims on it). During seasonable days, there's usually a slush cart at this end with water, if you need it. This end also allows a decision to take a minor shortcut through a small cemetery and walk along the water's edge by a ball park and, yet another (very nice) park, (if you're heading clock-wise, that is...) 5. The Business Park. You don't actually walk through buildings... but you walk by a few. The first stretch is a loooong road/driveway, but then it's nicely land-scaped to the left and lake beach and scrub to the right. This area is ideal for fishing and is very nice during the day, however, personally, I would not recommend people walking through here at night. Even if it's lightly lit, it's the perfect place for weirdos to lurk. Remember, the scenic side is the best side and you can get a good 2 mile walk if you start at the parking lot on either the south or north end, and then just turn back once you reach the opposite side. It's up to you. The last thing I'd say is to probably avoid going at high-noon. There's not much cover from the sun. And, if you like the feel of walking around with all kinds of people and pets and bikers and so on, you'll want to go right after dinnertime.. lots of people walk the lake around 6pm-ish on nice nights. Happy Walking! read more

The lake you say? What is it? Duh only anybody who's anybody goes to the lake to do the following; - walk - run - bike - blade - lay out in the sun - two playgrounds - walk dogs - drive around it - softball - whatever else you can think of It's a perfect 3.4ish mile (5K) walk and plenty of parking at the designated areas. You know where you started and where you'll be ending, so it's an excellent way to time out and judge your cardio workout. read more

I can't think of much more to add other than to say that it is probably one of the main reasons we bought our house in Wakefield. I remember coming into town on a Saturday in June and thought that there was a road race of some sort going on but discovered it was just a sunny Saturday! We love walking our dogs (and yes, we pick up after them and yes, we move them aside so people can get by) around the lake. And we love the community spirit! There is a gentleman who routinely walks the lake with a bucket and tongs and he picks up litter to keep the lake a nice place to walk. (We always wave and say hello and thanks.) Also, as a dog owner and walker, it is nice that there are trash cans placed around the lake as well as water fountains at both the top and bottom of the lake. What other people have said is true though - no bathrooms. read more

Beautiful place! I love it here! They have 2 playgrounds for the kids and the scenery is gorgeous!

This is just a fantastic part of Wakefield. I run the lake since moving there about 3-4 times a week. I will truly miss it when winter hits. People walking dogs, walking kids, walking hand in hand-- it's suburbia at its finest. The only downside- pee before you run! there are no bathrooms at the lake! read more

I agree with the other 2 posts! A great place for running, jogging, walking and people watching. On Wednesdays in the summer there are Wednesday Fun Runs that leave from the Lord Wakefield: http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=22032#null There's also a Yacht Club believe it or not: http://www.sailqyc.com/ I don't know much about about it except that I always see lots of little sailboats out there. There are also tennis courts near the baseball field. The Forth of July fireworks and parade are an annual event that have gone on for as many years as I can remember. There are usually tons of different events happening on the lower common (that's the one wit the gazebo) all summer. I'm not sure how you find out about the schedules though. There's also a weekly movie shown in the summer. Maybe on Wednesdays? Update: Re Heather's comment about contaminated sediments... I live very close to this lake and I got a thing in the mail from the Town that they are going to be dredging (or something) part of the lake in order to remove said contaminated sediments. I think it is going to happen in Spring '08. Also, about the bathrooms, as far as I know there are no permanent ones... but on Spaulding Street across from the large playground there are usually port-o-potties brought in any time there is an event on the commons. This doesn't help you if there isn't, but if you see hoards of people on the lower common (gazebo park) you can at least hope for the blue port-o-potties. If they bring them in early, that's usually when they are locked... but they do forget sometimes!! read more

I am torn....The lake itself is nice, but can be crowded and the Canadian goose poo is disgusting. And the Jordan's furniture castle overlooking the Reading side is just gross.... And what is with the McMansion mess going up there now...STOP IT ALREADY! Can't we leave a scenic place alone? read more

This lake is the perfect distance for somebody trying to get into shape. Around the long way without cutting corners the sidewalk gives you a 3.2 mile trek. If you take the short cuts through the dirt paths it is 2.8 miles via my GPS program on my phone. The lake is constantly surrounded by beautiful people to remind your fat ass exactly why you are exercising to begin with! Keep up the hotties in yoga pants, sports bras and other skin tight clothing and I will keep running, rollerblading and biking the lake to get myself into shape. It beats the hell out of acting like a gerbil on an exercise wheel at the gym staring at a spot on the wall with your ipod playing music. read more

Oh, "the lake," how I love to walk 'round you with my very poopy dogs. --Haiku review read more

When the weather's nice and the wind's not too gusty, Lake Quannapowitt is a great place for runners, walkers, rollerbladers, etc. With a circumference just over 3 miles, the run length is just right and actually kind of scenic...except for the back view of the Comverse office park and Jordan's. But whatev. There is also a huge playground for kids, and plenty of grass and benches for tanning in the summer. The only downside is the parking shortage, but people usually don't stay for more than one lap around the lake. read more

I heart cute boys that walk big dogs. Keeps my kid busy too on the HUGE playground. read more

Great place for a walk/jog/run! (Rollerblading is slightly tougher since the sidewalks are not as wide and you don't want to get in anybody's way.) There are water fountains along the way, a nice big gazebo structure, and plenty of interesting things/people to see along the way. Even if you opt to do a nice relaxing evening stroll around the entire lake, you feel good knowing you've gone over 3 miles! I did a Light the Night walk around the lake once and it was really magical and serene with all of the lit and moving balloons. They show movies in the summer and have fireworks over the lake on July 4th. You can probably picnic on the grass too. It's like the quintessential American summer experience. I would move to Wakefield primarily just to be near this lake! read more

Wakefield IS Lake Quannapowitt. I grew up there, go there all the time, and am taking pictures there on my wedding day. It's a perfect place for a long walk catching up with a friend, relaxing with a book, having a picnic (the goose poop situation is better than it's ever been), and people watching. Even the drive around isn't bad, unless there's a walk of some sort. Nice to take the long way home if there's a good song on the radio. There are lots of events going on spring to fall, and the fireworks are great on the Fourth of July. read more

I stumbled on Lake Quannapowitt completely by accident yesterday while looking for a Honeydew Donuts. I like their coffee and the dew drops- don't judge me. Anyway, this lake is gorgeous. It's perfect for taking a leisurely stroll and daydreaming about owning a sailboat. The next time I come here, it won't be by accident. read more

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I will never be able to properly pronounce the name so I just stick to Lake Q! This place is amazing, its beautiful, easy to get to and has something for EVERYONE! The lake itself is great for walking, or running. There are kayaks and such to rent on hot summer days or you can just hang out by the lake. There is also a wonderful kids playground and port a potties! so great. Parking is however somewhat of a pain especially when its busy, to avoid this just come on off peak times and you'll be fine! read more

Avoid between January-March!!! I ran over last weekend to do a lap of the lake. The sidewalks have not been plowed since early January from my vantage point. I was forced to run on the road for the entire loop of the lake. Unfortunate. I live in nearby Reading, and the town does a much better job at keeping sidewalks plowed, even in this record breaking snow of 2015! read more

Kind of can't believe I'm reviewing an act of nature but hey, why not? I love this lake. It's large and perfect for walking, jogging, etc. It's kept very clean and is a popular spot at any time of day/ night. I've gone for walks by myself at 10:30/ 11:00 and never felt like I could be in danger. Also a reunion spot since if you live in a 10 mile radius your bound to bump into at least (and usually more) one person you know. Lots of parking around the lake and a playground for the kids. Nice park also with a gazebo that I see people tanning, reading, playing frisbee, etc at. Great place to go clear your head, exercise, take a stroll with friends or even have a romantic walk outside. read more

Lake Q is da best. Great for roller blading, walking, running, dog walking ,etc. there's a playground for the kids on the north side, and the south side as well near the church and the parking area for the lake. (a larger playground) Not far from the Wakefield T station (commuter rail) read more

Randomly stopped here with my boys & we had a great time! Such a beautiful peaceful place! read more

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it's great area to walk...my coworker recommended to me recently...I took a walk on memorial day weekend...it's a beautiful lake....entire circle around the the lake is 3.725 miles....I watched a beautiful sunset.....highly recommended...easy parking too... I am surprised that people followed the rules..."it is law to pick up after your pets"....the street walks are so clean....every one picked up after their pets..... read more

I love coming here. It's really pretty and fun to hang out at. Really nice spot to take pictures at. I love taking pictures here. read more

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I thought this was a pretty good lake, calm and peaceful. During the only I visited, I saw quite a few people jogging alongside the lake. The view at night was pretty too. read more

Lake Quannapowitt - Parks Near Me - Wakefield, Massachusetts

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Lake Quannapowitt is great, although I sometimes wish there was a bit more parkland on the eastern side so that we could have a leisurely stroll around the lake without motor vehicles polluting our ears. I also wish the local authorities would stop trying to drive away the geese, which represent the last vestige of Wakefield's natural wildlife. Sure, the geese poop on the common, but that's part of the reason why the grass there is so nice. It's really frustrating that we have a beautiful lake and all people seem to want to do is make it less natural and more urban. Anyway, enough bitching - the lake is beautiful. See it soon, because in a couple of years the geese will be gone, they'll probably bung in another mall development along the lines of the Jordan's furniture monstrosity that now overshadows it, and it will be nothing more than a sterile municipal pond. read more

The marked trail is a 5K run that is run every Wednesday night when weather conditions permit. If you run Quannapowitt Parkway *behind* 100 and 200 Quannapowitt Parkway, you can stretch the 3.2 mile run into a 3.45 mile run. I run twice around the lake following this path (a 6.9 mile run, but I give myself credit for 7 miles :) ) six days a week -- unless it is cold or snowy. The lake offers breathtaking natural scenery. The people around the lake are beautiful and friendly. If you run after dark, lighting is a bit sketchy in some spots (North Ave., Quannapowitt Pkwy I'm looking at you). The walkways are not well cleared of snow and ice during the winter months. read more

I am in a seriously committed relationship with this lake. I visit it at least once a day - it's a great 3.2 mile run (or walk, on those lazy days). This summer I've taken up just sitting by the lake with a good book. The only down side of that is that it gets super hot and I would love to be able to jump in the water, but don't want to contract a fungus. read more