Great Pond is the central lake of the Belgrade chain, around eight miles long and four wide, with deep blue water, a deeply indented shoreline, and a constellation of small wooded islands. It is the lake that gave the region its identity as a summer retreat in the late 19th century, and it remains the most popular for fishing — largemouth and smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon, brook trout, white perch.
The public boat ramp in Belgrade Lakes village is the easiest access point; rental kayaks, canoes and small powerboats are available across the road. Hen Island and Pine Island are popular destinations for a paddle and a picnic. The lake is large enough to feel remote ten minutes from the village, and small enough to circumnavigate by motorboat in a long afternoon.