Summer Like the Locals: Hamilton Reminds Residents of Boating, Fire Pits, and E-Bike Safety

This Wednesday is the last day of school. The Town of Hamilton reminds residents to enjoy the upcoming summer season responsibly. From swimming at the Patton Pool to riding an e-bike, outdoor recreational opportunities are everywhere in town. As we start the summer, it is a good time to share some local spots and safety FAQs. Following a few essential safety guidelines and staying informed about citizen responsibility helps ensure a safe summer for all.

We will continue to add to this information page throughout the summer. If you have an event to share, recommended changes or new suggestions, please email [email protected].

Local Lake Life

Hamilton has two treasured freshwater ponds — Chebacco Lake and Pleasant Pond — where you can enjoy the local lake life.

• Chebacco Lake is a 250-acre freshwater “great pond” that spans the towns of Hamilton and Essex. While you can find access points in both towns, much of the recreational activity, such as boat launching, happens on the Hamilton side. The Chebacco Lake Watershed Association monitors water quality and performs testing at three locations around Chebacco Lake. Some years, the group hosts a July 4th boat parade.
• Pleasant Pond is 43 acres and is a shared natural resource between the towns of Hamilton and Wenham, with its banks touching both communities. While some of the pond lies within Hamilton’s town boundaries, the public beach and main access point are on the Wenham side. This unique geographic layout means that although Hamilton residents enjoy partial ownership of the pond, they access it through Wenham’s beach area. Pleasant Pond’s beach water is tested weekly by the Wenham Board of Health, and reports are sent to the Wenham Police Department.

Boating Safety

A public paved boat ramp for accessing Chebacco Lake is at 340 Chebacco Road near the town line with Manchester-by-the-Sea. The ramp is operated under the Massachusetts Fishing and Boating Access Points program, which the state maintains. No person under 12 years of age may operate a motorboat unless accompanied on board and directly supervised by a competent person 18 years of age or older.

Chebacco Lake is 250 acre fresh water pond in Hamilton. 

Chebacco Lake

• All motorboats must be equipped with an anchor, manual bailer, and line
• A paddle or an oar is required on boats less than 16 feet in length
• Personal watercraft (aka “jet skis”) are prohibited on Chebacco Lake
• Boat like the locals
  • Follow the local tradition of traveling counterclockwise around this lake
  • “No Parking” along Chebacco Road is enforced by Hamilton Police. The parking lot at the ramp can hold about 17 vehicles with boat trailers.
• Hamilton Police Department and the Massachusetts Environmental Police patrol the Lake

All boaters are urged to:

• Wear a life jacket (PFD) that is properly fitted. In Massachusetts, life jackets are required for:
  • Canoeists and kayakers (from September 15 to May 15)
  • All youth under 12 years old
  • Water skiers
  • Stand-up paddleboard users
• Maintain a safe speed and remain vigilant
• Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Inspect your vessel before your first outing
  • Be sure it has functioning navigation lights, a whistle or horn, and an approved fire extinguisher
• Read the Massachusetts Boat Safety Guide online
  • Know who to call:
    • Massachusetts Environmental Police (800) 632-8075
    • Essex Harbormaster (978) 768-6628

Pleasant Pond

• Recreational access is provided by a town-owned boat ramp located on the northwestern shore
• No gas-powered Boats (paddles and oars only)
• Known by the locals as an excellent early-season and fall trout pond
• 43 acres in size
• MassWildlife stocks brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout in over 450 lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams in 264 towns across Massachusetts. Check the Trout Stocking Report online for the Pleasant Pond schedule. 
• Town of Wenham – Pleasant Pond Rules and Regulations

Ipswich River

• The Patton Homestead in Hamilton has a trail that leads to a small dock for kayaks to be launched into the Ipswich River
• Boats with an engine of five horsepower or less are permitted (away from swim areas) in the Ipswich River (but not at the Patton Homestead launch)
  • Town of Ipswich  – Boat regulations

Freshwater Fishing

• If you are 15 years of age or older, you need a license to fish. Licenses are free for Massachusetts residents 15-17 years of age, and those 70 and over
• Keep a copy of your license with you when fishing, either a paper copy or on your smartphone
• Licenses expire each year on Dec. 31. You can renew your license online
• Learn about Catch and Release and help preserve the natural genetic diversity of fish populations
• Pleasant Pond – Fishing from lake banks only (no casting from the beach)

Bike Safety

With increased interest in electric bicycles (e-bikes), it’s important for riders to understand local and state laws governing their use.

E-Bike Classifications

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only; max speed 20 mph.
• Class 2: Throttle or pedal-assist; max speed 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only; max speed 28 mph; must have a speedometer; riders must be 16 or older.

Important: E-bikes with motors over 750 watts or capable of exceeding 20 mph are considered Out of Class Electric Vehicles (OCEVs) and are treated like Off-Highway Recreational Vehicles (OHRVs). These:

• Are prohibited on roads, rail trails, and mountain bike paths
• May only be used on private lands where OHRVs are explicitly allowed
• E-bikes without pedals fall into this category and are also restricted

Helmet Requirements

• Class 3: Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18
• Class 1 and 2: Helmets are required for riders under 16
• Helmets must be properly fitted with the chin strap fastened
• Also applies to riders of scooters, skateboards, and in-line skates

A Walk in the Woods

Hamilton offers extensive trail systems.

• The Chebacco Woods are accessible from Chebacco Road and on the campus of Gordon College in Wenham. The trails go through woodlands and around ponds (see trail map)
• Bradley Palmer State Park also has great trails for walking, and there is a Hamilton parking lot on Highland Street. (see trail map).
• Patton Park (see Regulations Governing Patton Park)
• Willowdale Mill Reservation
  • Winthrop Street, Hamilton (see trail map)
• Appleton Farms Grass Rides (see trail map)
  • Open sunrise to sunset 
  • 259 acres in Hamilton
  • Regulations

Fire Safety

Essex County regularly monitors drought conditions, heightening the risk of wildfires and outdoor fire hazards.

• Recreational fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces are prohibited in the Town of Hamilton
• Residents seeking to burn debris or conduct controlled outdoor fires must obtain an Open Burning Permit from the Hamilton Fire Department
  • Permitting is only from January 15 to May 1, 2025 (no summer burning)

Cool Off This Summer and Swim 

• Patton Park Pool 
  • Memberships are ONLY available for sale to residents of Hamilton or Wenham
  • Patrons need to be at least 11 years old to visit the pool without an accompanying adult
  • Guest Passes can be purchased for members to bring non-resident family members and friends to the pool
    • Passes are $12 each, or you can purchase three passes for $30
• Pleasant Pond 
  • Beach Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day
  • No residents under the age of 12 may be at Pleasant Pond without the supervision of someone 18 or older
  • Hamilton residents can purchase a sticker for $100 (Hamilton seniors 65+ are $20) – Parking gate attendants are on duty daily
  • Two acres of the pond and underground springs are in Hamilton
  • Learn about Pleasant Pond’s history 
• Bradley Palmer Splash Pad
  • Swim attire required
  • No flotation devices other than properly-fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets
  • Map >>
  • Hamilton parking location – Highland Street
  • The daily parking fee charged from June 21 weekend through Labor Day for Massachusetts residents is $5
• Crane Beach
  • Hamilton residents may purchase a beach sticker with a Trustees of the Reservation membership.
  • Beach Hours are 8 a.m. to sunset daily (gate closes 20 minutes before sunset)

Recreation Programs

From field trips, camps, family nights and sport rental connections with many community organizations (including Riding lessons at Castle Neck Farm), visit the Hamilton Wenham Recreation Department website for brochure and contact details. 

Fireworks

Music Scene