About this site

This 82-acre natural lake boasts the Lake Dennison Recreation Area, offering picnic areas, hunting, hiking, campgrounds and a swimming beach managed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Tent campers, RV'ers and day use visitors make the area a popular summer destination. Winter activities include snowmobiling and cros

USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Birch Hill Dam

PASSLANDS ✦ AMBIGUOUS SEE THE SOURCE CHECK

Maybe — confirm before you go.

Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.

Where it is
42.6317, -72.1233
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Common questions

Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Birch Hill Dam — always confirm with the managing site before you go.

Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?

Maybe — Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate. Check with the managing agency before you go.

Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?

Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Birch Hill Dam. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.

Yes Can you swim here?

Yes — swimming is available at Birch Hill Dam. There are typically no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk and check conditions.

Yes Can you camp at Birch Hill Dam?

Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.

Depends Can you have a campfire?

Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.

Yes Are there hiking trails?

Yes — trails here include Elm Street, Old Royalston Road, Dennison Street, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.

Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?

Yes — Birch Hill Dam is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.

Depends Is there winter recreation?

Yes — snow and winter activities are available seasonally. Check conditions and closures before you head out.

Yes Can you bring a dog?

Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.

Nearby sites

Tully Lake John Phelan / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Tully Lake

Check

Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.

BoatingPicnickingWater Sports
MA · Fee unknown
Barre Falls Dam en:User:LymanSchool (Richard B. Johnson) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Barre Falls Dam

Check

Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.

BoatingHorseback RidingPicnicking
MA · Fee unknown
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Edward MacDowell Lake

Check

Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.

BoatingHikingPicnicking
NH · Fee unknown
Wapack National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Wapack National Wildlife Refuge

Check

This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.

HikingWildlife ViewingPhotography
NH · Fee unknown