Harvard Pond is located in the Tom Swamp Tract, one of several major research sites at Harvard Forest. A public trail circles the pond.

Established in 1907, Harvard Forest has been Harvard University’s laboratory and classroom long-term ecological research site since 1988.

Harvard Forest contains 3,850 acres and many miles of public trails. Maps are available in hard copy at the Fisher Museum or can be downloaded from the Harvard Forest website.

Parking is available in front of the Fisher Museum (324 North Main Street, Petersham) View Map for the Prospect Hill tract and just off MA-122 at the east and west edges of Harvard Pond for the Tom Swamp tract.

Hunting following Massachusetts law is allowed on most Harvard Forest properties. Trail visitors and their pets should wear blaze orange from October 16 to December 30 (though no hunting is allowed on Sundays).

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Harvard Pond.