Lake Garfield Boat Launch
Monterey, MA
Motorized Boating | Canoe/Kayak/SUP
Monterey Town Beach 78 Tyringham Rd, Monterey, MA
Managed by
Town of Monterey
Allowed Uses & Features
Information
- Family Friendly
- Free
- Parking
- Picnicking
- Restroom
- Scenic View
- Water Access
- Water Views
Monterey Town Beach.
Lake Garfield.
A picnic area at Monterey Town Beach, overlooking Lake Garfield.
The nearby Brewer Pond trail, accessible via crosswalk to Monterey Town Beach.
Parking area for Monterey Town Beach and the Lake Garfield Boat Ramp
- Public Land
- Private Land
- Bus Route
- Trail
- Major Trail
About Monterey Town Beach
The Monterey Town Beach is a popular swimming area in Lake Garfield, the town's largest lake. Up-close parking along Tyringham Road is reserved only for Monterey residents with a valid parking sticker. However, there is typically a grassy parking area north of the beach that non-residents can use. This beach is heavily used in the summer as residents gather at the sandy shore, relax on the grass, or utilize one of the many picnic tables for an outdoor lunch. Lake Garfield is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Berkshires, making the beach an excellent spot to take in the natural beauty of Western Massachusetts in a relaxed environment.
The swimming area is guarded by a certified lifeguard in the summer, typically from noon to 6pm. Docks are occasionally placed about 50 feet from the beach, perfect for jumping or taking a quick break from swimming. For those looking to explore more of the lake, the Lake Garfield Boat Launch is adjacent to the beach, where visitors can begin a kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or motorized boating excursion into the lake. While the lake appears small from the beach, traveling around the inlet seen from the shore will reveal a large, beautiful open water space.
Additionally, a small pond called Brewer Lake is across the street from the beach. While the swampy water is unideal for swimming, a woodsy trail loop around the pond allows visitors to stretch their legs on a mellow walk through a charming forest. Kayakers enjoy boating into the pond through a small culvert that connects it to Lake Garfield under Tyringham Road.
Visitors should review signage at the beach to familiarize themselves with regulations and safety requirements, including parking information.
Town of Monterey
Manage this location?
Share
Tell others about this place
Accessibility Assessment
Features- Accessible Parking
- Accessible Picnic Tables
- Accessible Restroom
Parking for the Lake Garfield boat ramp is in a compact, flat area comprised of gravel off Tyringham Road. The space holds room for at least 15 vehicles, with two accessible parking spaces which have close access to the beach. Narrow, dirt paths lead from the parking lot to the beach area, connecting to an accessible portable restroom. Between the parking area and the beach is a flat picnic area, featuring accessible picnic tables. The picnic area sits over grass and features maximum grades of 5-10%. The beach is comprised of fine, mostly level sand, and is on a 10-15% grade down to the water.
Two accessible parking spaces located in front of the Monterey Town Beach and Lake Garfield Boat Ramp.
An accessible restroom located adjacent to the parking area at Monterey Town Beach.
Accessible picnic tables overlook Lake Garfield at Monterey Town Beach.
Clubs, Retail & Rentals
Looking to meet up with others for team sports or group activities? Check out our list of clubs, guides and leagues in the Berkshires on the Resources page. Our list of summer camps will help you plan an overnight or day camp adventure for your young ones.
We also link to an array of outdoor recreation retail shops for gear and rental facilities for equipment on the Gear page.
