If you’re looking for a perfect spot to enjoy a day trip kayaking, Nickerson State Park in Brewster, MA, is the place to be. Nickerson offers crystal clear kettle ponds with beautiful scenery across miles of shoreline, and is an ideal setting for both beginners and seasoned kayakers.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know for a fantastic kayaking adventure here!
Kayak Launch Points and Routes
Nickerson State Park is home to several ponds, each offering unique experiences for kayakers. Here are the key launch points and some beginner-friendly routes to get you started. Later we will provide more details and tips we’ve learned over the years for each of the ponds.
Access to parking lots at these ponds is free if you are camping. Day-trippers can buy a daily parking pass which is sold from kiosks located in the parking lot to the right of the main entrance as you enter the campground.
Popular Launch Sites
- Big Cliff Pond: The largest pond in the park, Cliff Pond is a favorite among kayakers and trout fishermen. You’ll find ample parking and facilities here, making it a convenient starting point. There are multiple launch points where you can drop off a kayak and park.
- Little Cliff Pond: Little Cliff shares a parking lot with Big Cliff, and there’s a small boat ramp with raised concrete sides where you can back your vehicle in to make launching kayaks a breeze.
- Flax Pond: Flax is perfect for those looking for a more peaceful launch. It’s easily accessible and offers calm waters. Flax offers kayak rentals, perfect for campers and vacationers. The water is very shallow, perfect for families with small children.
- Higgins Pond: Known for its tranquility, Higgins Pond is ideal for beginners. The calm waters and minimal currents make it a great place to start your kayaking journey. The most serene pond for Kayaking at Nickerson.
Beginner-Friendly Kayaking Routes
- Big Cliff Pond Loop: Paddle around the 2.6 mile perimeter of Cliff Pond for a scenic and enjoyable route. The loop offers stunning views and plenty of beach spots to take a break.
- Cliff Pond to Little Cliff Pond: This short and peaceful route is perfect for beginners. Enjoy the serene environment as you paddle between these two beautiful ponds. Starting from the boat launch at Little Cliff counterclockwise, about 1/4 way in you’ll find a path leading across to a small beach on big cliff which is a great spot for trout fishing.
- Higgins Pond Circuit: A relaxing paddle around Higgins Pond will provide you with beautiful views and a calming experience. It’s a bit more out of the way, but your reward is less people to interrupt nature.
- Flax Pond Kayak Rentals: If you’re new to kayaking or stand up paddle boarding, consider renting at Flax Pond. It’s an easy place to learn and a perfect place for a kayak/beach day trip for families on Cape Cod.
The Ponds of Nickerson State Park
Let’s take a closer look at each pond in Nickerson State Park and what they have to offer for kayakers. If you want more info, check out our visitor’s guide to Nickerson State Park.
Cliff Pond (aka Big Cliff Pond)
- Size and Depth: Cliff Pond is the largest pond in the park, offering plenty of space for exploration. There are 2.6 miles of shoreline. Reaches 96 feet deep, perfect for keeping large holdover fish.
- Kayak Fishing: A great place to fish for trout. Well stocked with rainbow, brown, brook, and tiger trout. Some salmon lurk about. There is a very deep section of the pond that is reachable by casting from shore, but it’s even easier by kayak. To get there paddle to the left of the launch point at the end of Flax Pond Road to access the long, sandy beach. Fishing pressure at Cliff Pond can be heavy from shore in this area in the summer, compounded by kids splashing about on the beaches. Kayak fishermen can go a bit further offshore to access the deepest portions during hot summer days. Study the depth chart for Big Cliff Pond and look for quick drop-off on banks.
- Key Features: Enjoy scenic spots and popular fishing areas. The clear waters are perfect for spotting fish, turtles, and other aquatic life. The pond is undeveloped and surrounded by several sandy beaches which are a great place to pull up your kayak and explore.
- Wildlife: Keep an eye out for birds, turtles, and fish. It’s a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Watch out for poison ivy on the trails – it is everywhere! Especially on the trails and beach connecting Big and Little Cliff ponds.
Flax Pond
- Accessibility: Flax Pond has an easy access point in a small lot off of Flax Pond Road. It’s a quieter spot ideal for a peaceful paddle.
- Size and Depth: Flax pond is a short trip with around 1.1 miles of shoreline. The main beach area starts off gradually, but Flax reaches 76 feet with an average depth of 36 feet.
- Tranquil Routes: A smaller parking lot means less people, allowing you to paddle away from the noise of the main beach. Like all of the Nickerson State Park ponds, the shoreline is undeveloped.
- Kayak Fishing: Flax Pond is stocked with trout throughout the year, and is a great place to fish from your kayak at an area with minimal pressure. In spring and fall the shorelines are productive. Mid summer the trout may go deeper to depths of 25-36 feet to stay cool. Flax is deep enough to keep holdover trout, particularly brown trout, so you have the potential to catch a big one here. View depth chart
- Kayak Rentals: If you need to rent a kayak on Flax Pond check out Paddle Cape Cod’s website. Hourly and daily rates apply for single, tandem, and fishing kayaks as well as stand up paddle boards.
Higgins Pond
- Ideal for Beginners: The calm waters and minimal currents make Higgins Pond perfect for first-time kayakers.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy stunning views and take plenty of photos. It’s a beautiful spot to relax and unwind. Higgins is hard to reach by vehicle, so there’s a lot less people than at the other Nickerson Ponds.
- Picnic Spots: There are several nearby areas where you can stop for a picnic and enjoy the surroundings.
- Parking at Higgins Pond: There is a dirt road leading up to the shoreline that is suitable for trucks or vehicles with rooftop kayak racks. If you’re looking to tow in a large kayak or small boat, you’re much better off with the paved roads to Cliff and Little Cliff.
Little Cliff Pond
- Perfect Place to Learn to Kayak: The paddle around 36-acre Little Cliff Pond is a short and peaceful route. There is a nice sandy beach at the opposite end from the boat launch that makes a great halfway-point destination. There are also several spots to the right as you paddle out from the boat launch where you can stop off and access the beach at Big Cliff. Watch for poison ivy on these trails, it is everywhere.
- Quiet Escape: This pond offers a more secluded and tranquil experience. Other than a few fishermen and the beach by camping area 5, most of the shoreline remains as nature. It’s much smaller than Big Cliff, so the impact of wind is much less on your kayak.
- Kayak Fishing: Little Cliff Pond is a popular spot for fishing, but the shoreline has a few limited places to cast out. So it’s perfect for kayak fishermen! Most of the pond is surrounded by grass which hides a lot of bass. Try tossing power worms or lures from your kayak right up to the grass and you can entice them to strike. Little Cliff is also stocked with trout throughout the year. Live worm fishermen can also hit the usual small fish like pumpkinseeds, perch, and bullhead. Great to keep young kids busy! This pond gets less wind than neighboring Big Cliff, but having an anchor is helpful.
- Great Kayak and Hike Opportunity: if you want to add a hike to your kayak trip at Nickerson, you pull off at the beach between Big and Little Cliff ponds. The trail around Little Cliff Pond will give you a new perspective above where you were just kayaking. If you want to see a third pond you can access Higgins pond from the trail as well. Learn more about this trail and other dog-friendly hiking trails on cape cod.
Dog-Friendly Kayaking Tips
Kayaking with your dog can be a wonderful experience. Here’s how to make sure your furry friend has a great time too.
Bringing Your Dog Along
- Preparation: Start by getting your dog comfortable with the kayak on dry land. Use treats and positive reinforcement to create a positive association.
- Safety Gear: Equip your dog with a life jacket. Look for one with a handle on the back to make it easier to lift your dog in and out of the kayak.
- Keep Cool! Make sure to provide plenty of fresh water (never let dogs drink pond water!). On hot days provide shade and watch for pets overheating. As long as there are no cyanobacteria warnings the ponds are great places for dogs to swim and play fetch!
Dog-Friendly Launch Sites
- Recommendations: All of the ponds are suitable to launch with pets.
- Beach Access: Keep in mind that pets are not allowed on the main beaches of Nickerson State Park’s ponds. But they are allowed on the trails and in the water.
Safety Considerations
- Keeping Your Dog Safe: Monitor your dog’s comfort and safety at all times. Make sure they have a comfortable spot to sit or lie down in the kayak. Make sure to watch for blue-green algae blooms which are toxic to pets.
- Hydration and Rest: Bring water and a bowl for your dog, and take breaks to let them stretch and relax. On hot days provide shade.
Dog-Friendly Places to Visit Nearby
- Nearby Dog Parks: After a long day of watching you paddle, reward your pup with a visit to a nearby dog-friendly park. It’s a great way to let them run off some energy. Get info on dog parks on cape cod.
- Pet-Friendly Restaurants: Check out local eateries that welcome dogs. Enjoy a meal or a treat with your furry friend by your side. View dog-friendly restaurants in Brewster or throughout Cape Cod.
Kayaking Safety Tips
- Weather Check: Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Avoid kayaking in strong winds or storms. In general the water conditions at the ponds of Nickerson are gentle. Big Cliff gets the strongest winds, so on really windy days you may want to try one of the smaller ponds.
- Water Safety: Know basic water safety and emergency procedures. If you’re new to kayaking, consider taking a quick safety course. Also be sure to look for cyanobacteria warnings.
- Avoid Cyanobacteria: Cyanobacteria is a blue green algae that is very dangerous to pets and humans when ingested, so make sure to stay out of the water and avoid letting pets drink pond water. Warning signs will tell you if a beach is closed. But even if it’s open and you see signs of blue green algae, beware!
Summary: Kayaking at Nickerson State Park
Kayaking in Nickerson State Park is an adventure you and your dog will love. The calm waters, beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife make it an ideal destination for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. So grab your kayak, pack your gear, and head out to Nickerson for a day of fun on the water!