Otis State Forest Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Lower Spectacle Pond

Cold Spring Road, Sandisfield, MA

About Lower Spectacle Pond

Lower Spectacle Pond is a 70-acre waterbody located in the Western Massachusetts town of Sandisfield. Though technically within the Otis State Forest, the pond is surrounded by a densely wooded tree line to create a peaceful and natural landscape, typically including abundant mountain laurel at the beginning of summer. 

The pond provides a boat launch and picnic area at its southern end and is suitable for launching cartop and electric motorboats. With a perimeter of 2.3 miles, Lower Spectacle Pond provides opportunities for paddlers hoping to explore the water and adjacent forest. Traveling alongside the wooded area, visitors can watch for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bear, and waterfowl. Fishing opportunities also exist in Lower Spectacle Pond, with bass, pickerel, and bullhead among the reported species. However, anglers typically choose other waterbodies for fishing due to a general lack of game.

The pond's average depth is 5 feet, and its maximum is 15. It is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and is close by a neighboring (and similar) waterbody, known as Upper Spectacle Pond. Seeing low visitation, the pond and its surroundings create a serene environment perfect for enjoying a waterbody in the Berkshires.