It would be a treat to board an inner tube and spend some time floating across the countryside. Do you know of any other pristine swimming spots in Massachusetts that we didnt cover? Learn More, Put our locations on your website We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. You can rent a canoe from the small dock, or simply enjoy the sparkling water from a blanket laid out on the shore. For now, here are our picks for some of the very best pristine swimming spots in Massachusetts: 1. Nestled in Southeastern Massachusetts, Myles Standish State Forest is the region's largest publicly owned recreation area. Half Moon Beach in Gloucester, on the other hand, boasts some of the clearest water in Massachusetts. Signs for the Town Forest on Rte. The 24-acre pond attracts picnickers and families with its wide variety of activities, from hiking to fishing. Visitors can leap off the floating dock and paddle around the designated swim area. The shore is not usually crowded (the image above is from a boating event on the lake), and the waters are quite warm and clean. Are there any pristine lakes in Massachusetts? By recording your visit on FreeArenas.com, you'll have a collection of all the great places you've been and provide valuable information for yourself and others in the future. Bring the whole family for a dip in the warm waters and spend some time relaxing on the soft sand beach. The water is deep, clear, and refreshing. This spot is definitely on the secluded side, so you'll likely be the only one around. This gorgeous beach has plenty of shallow areas that absolutely glimmer in the sunshine. You will receive your first email soon. 34 Free Swimming Holes near Westfield, Massachusetts - Free Arenas, 34 Free Swimming Holes near Westfield, Massachusetts. Are there a lot of waterfalls in Massachusetts? After your day at the beach, stop by downtown Hyannis for a bit of shopping and a meal. However, there are plenty of beaches here that go criminally under-appreciated ones tourists seem to forget about, and only the locals know of. What are the most beautiful beaches in Massachusetts? We love this easy list of ones that are a definite must-see! Visitors are invited to explore miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, including the 22-mile Tully Trail. One of the best natural waterfall swimming holes in Massachusetts can be found at Sages Ravine. The pond itself lives up to its fame, as an awe-inspiring 102-foot-deep glacial kettle-hole. Take A Slide Down Chapel Brook Falls, A Unique Natural Waterfall Slide In Massachusetts. You can do that at Deerfield River Portage. This Easy, 1.2-Mile Trail Leads To Danforth Falls, One Of Massachusetts Most Underrated Waterfalls, The Hike In Massachusetts That Takes You To Not One, But TWO Insanely Beautiful Waterfalls, Few People Know One Of Massachusetts Most Popular Waterfalls Is Hiding A Dark And Terrifying Secret, Marvel Over Frozen Waterfalls And Snow-Frosted Rock Formations On This Winter Hike In Massachusetts, The Breathtaking Waterfall Restaurant In Massachusetts Where The View Is As Good As The Food, Race Brook Falls Trail In Massachusetts Leads To Waterfalls With Unparalleled Views, Discover One Of Massachusetts Most Majestic Waterfalls No Hiking Necessary, With Gorgeous Waterfalls, Ponds, And More, Douglas Forest Wallis Pond Loop Trail In Massachusetts Has It All. Swimming Holes In Massachusetts: Benedict Pond A shallow, 35-acre artificial lake, Benedict Pond, is located at a surface elevation of 1,580 feet. It is one of the most popular of the holes, due to the fact that it is located mere feet from the busiest highway in the area, Route 2. Amherst, MassachusettsOpen with limited capacity, Puffers Pond is a refreshing getaway if youre looking to take a dip not too far from the city. The inner tubes and everything else are supplied by Deerfield River Portage. For more awesome places to take a dip in Massachusetts, check out these little-known places to swim that will make your summer epic. The pool at the base of these cascades is wide and not too deep, but definitely deep enough for a good swim. 2023 Group Nine Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Want a classic beach day experience but don't feel like traveling all the way to the coast? Freshwater Swimming Holes Near Boston 1. Otis Reservoir is a full-featured swimming spot, including a sandy beach, hiking trails, biking trails, and even equestrian trails. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. very popular with families and small children, although some of the pools are extremely slippery; some picnic tables are found here, but they get scooped up fast, huge pool below small set of cascades; generally considered much safer than nearby Upper Ammonoosuc Falls; accessed via a short, easy hike; in low water, there is a neat little cave behind one of the cascades that you can duck into, probably the most popular swimming hole in New England, and for good reason; hundreds will visit this place off the Kancamagus Highway (NH 112 west of Conway) on summer weekends; $5 parking fee (bring cash); while you are in the area, you should also visit nearby Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge (although you can't swim at either of those), several potholes and pools for wading and swimming; more wading than swimming, you'll undoubtedly enjoy this huge & relatively warm pool below a long wooden covered bridge; two waterfalls found on site; this is beautiful spot where you could easily spend an entire day; easy access from a large parking lot; 30 minutes west of Lincoln/Woodstock and the Kancamagus Highway, requires a hike of 16-miles round trip, so it's best visited as part of a backpacking trip (the AMC has tentsites if you do want to backpack); visit only on 80-degree plus days as pools are typically quite frigid; probably the finest backpacking swimming hole destination in New England, notoriously dangerous swimming hole near the Cog Railway that's only safe under low water conditions; cliff-jumping is extremely popular here, but do NOT attempt in high water as many people have died here over the years; has a few excellent pools for swimming immediately downstream of the falls, features a huge pool; it's a bit slippery to get there, but you can get behind this waterfall; one of the biggest and best swimming holes in New England, absolutely gorgeous waterfall with a small pool; the water color is exquisite; a short but steep hike is required; do not swim here unless the water levels are low, set of three waterfalls, two of which have excellent swimming opportunities; easy access; popular with families since kids absolutely cherish this place, unique falls with a small pool below them; hike required, also called Four Corners, this swimming hole has good cliff jumping and is just off the side of the road, locally popular set of two swimming pools below an impressive segmented waterfall; short hike required, nice alternative to nearby Hamilton Falls, which is typically dangerous and overcrowded; easy access via short hike, less crowded than many other VT swimming holes since it's a bit tough to find; highlights include a reall neat gorge; can be cold as the swimming hole doesn't seem to get much sun, set of three shallow swimming holes; always check depth first before doing any jumping here, especially since Hurricane Irene significantly reduced the depth found here (cliff jumping was once very popular here, but it is dangerous here now), one of the premier swimming holes of VT. Outstandingly fun, but this place is also very popular; we've heard that water quality can be iffy from time to time, but we've never had a problem; there is now a well-marked parking area off VT 100 on the west side of the road, Top 10 Hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire =, Top 25 Family-Friendly Hikes in New England =, Hiking New Hampshire's 52 Peaks With A View List =, Hiking the North Shore of Massachusetts / North of Boston =. Several smaller beaches nearby on river. Freelance writer and strawberry eater. You can find Nickerson State Park at: Address: 3488 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631 Click here to see it on a map and get directions. Luckily, Massachusetts is peppered with plenty of delightful places to spend some time in the water. And if youre lucky, that means gorgeous swimming holes in Massachusetts for you to enjoy! Looking for more ideas? Dont be fooled by the name. If you don't mind a touch of grass and some reeds, this place is an incredibly private and peaceful place to take a dip. This pond includes a campground, just in case you enjoy the spot so much that you can't bear to leave. Take a peek at the fun that awaits at, Finding the best swimming lakes in Massachusetts isn't too difficult. You will receive your first email soon. This place has exceptionally clear and blue water. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Youll genuinely feel as though youre flying over the countryside as the river passes through a gorgeous canyon devoid of buildings. You will receive your first email soon. There isnt a designated parking lot, and the beach is virtually in a private neighborhood. A shallow, 35-acre artificial lake, Benedict Pond, is located at a surface elevation of 1,580 feet. Theres plenty of parking to go around and a nice swathe of grassy lawn where you can relax after a swim. Theres just something about waterfalls that makes a swimming hole extra-special, we think. (159 Walker Pond Road), Located in Lake Wyola State Park, this lovely swimming hole is clean and great for families. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This area is open seasonally, so make sure to. This spot is definitely a hidden gem of the Berkshires. You can even rent a cooler tube so you can stay refreshed all day. With A Historical Site And A River, The Little-Known October Farm Loop In Massachusetts Is Unexpectedly Magical, 4 Lazy Rivers In Massachusetts That Are Ideal For Tubing On A Hot Day, Theres Something Magical About These 12 Massachusetts Lakes, This Tiered Waterfall And Swimming Hole In Massachusetts Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List, Cool Off At The Hidden Finerty Pond In Massachusetts October Mountain State Forest, The Ipswich River Might Just Be The Best Place For Beginner Kayakers In Massachusetts, The Whole Family Will Love A Visit To This Adorable Lakeside Cabin In Massachusetts, The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Massachusetts Like Never Before. Get a glimpse of this. But its totally worth it. This pond is a hidden gem. Some have easy access, like Long Pond, and others take a little bit of a hike to get to. The sandy beach is monitored by lifeguards, and there is a small boat launch area for those looking to do a bit of kayaking or canoeing. Still looking for more beaches to check out? A stunning undiscovered gem near Nahant, Massachusetts, is 40 Steps Beach. Nestled in Southeastern Massachusetts, Myles Standish State Forest is the regions largest publicly owned recreation area. The official parking lot for Umpachene Falls Park is restricted to New Marlborough residents. Recreational vehicles up to 30 ft. are permitted on designated sites. The Mystic Lakes, in fact, are popular swimming spots due to their sandy beaches and calm waters. The surrounding Berkshires beauty adds to the atmosphere of bathing beneath a waterfall or cooling off after a hike through Pony Mountain. As always, dont forget to pack your mask. What are you waiting for? At low tide, you can walk to nearby Salt Island. This is a nice place to bring the entire family for a bit of splashing around. In addition to swimming, the fishings good, too, thanks to a max depth of 22 feet. Massachusetts Swimming Holes BUCK RIVER | Sandisfield, MA. To reach the falls, you'll need to hike about 1.7 miles. The water is warm enough to swim even in the early morning and you can also kayak, canoe, paddle board, and fish here. For the more intrepid explorers, Chapel Ledge is a granite cliff with a sheer face thats perfect for rock-climbing, and you canTake A Slide Down Chapel Brook Falls, A Unique Natural Waterfall Slide In Massachusetts. this is a classic swimming hole and cliff jumping hotspot near the Sunday River ski resort; partially viewable from the road; do not swim here if the river is running high as it is very dangerous; additional swimming holes above and below the main falls, there are many great swimming holes along the "Grand Canyon of Maine", the most popular of which is at the base of Screw Auger Falls; moderately difficult and long hike to visit all swimming holes; the road access fee is steep for out-of-state visitors (bring cash), this is a popular attraction that is adjacent to the Baxter State Park park road; located on the west side of the park and is clearly visible along the main park road; bring river tubes to enjoy the natural waterslides here, the trail to this beautiful spot passes through private property, but access is currently allowed to the general public (for now at least - please pick up trash left by others to keep it that way); this is a stunning pool, but it is small & very cold (we would only swim if the outdoor temperature is greater than 80 degrees); an easy, nearly flat hike is required to get here, but make sure you bring good directions; you'll love the tropical-ish feeling this place has, but be ready for some seriously chilly water, a fun and crowded set of waterfalls and pools near Rangeley Lake; easy access off ME 26, tons of small pools for wading; several small natural waterslides; a child's dream; no pool is deep enough for actual swimming though; don't miss nearby Screw Auguer Falls (Grafton) and perhaps also a day hike to Table Rock or the Baldplates; take note that parking here is extremely limited and it is highly unlikely that you will obtain one of the coveted spots unless you go off-hours, an extremely popular series of wading pools and small waterfalls near North Conway; $5 parking fee; this is a very easy 1.2 mile round-trip hike through some very attractive woods; avoid on nice-weather summer weekends as crowds can be atrocious; make sure to explore all levels of falls and pools as there are some cool nooks and crannies to be found, including a pothole near the top that is over your head; parking is VERY limited, and so you may not be able to score a spot. This state park is a hidden jewel. Hathaways Pond in Massachusetts is a true gem, and one of the best swimming holes in Massachusetts for a hot summer day. Best swimming lakes in Massachusetts parking lot for Umpachene Falls Park is restricted to New Marlborough.... Invited to explore miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, biking trails and... That means gorgeous swimming Holes near Westfield, Massachusetts - Free Arenas, 34 Free swimming Holes in Massachusetts peppered! Across the countryside as the River passes through a gorgeous swimming holes massachusetts devoid of buildings data processed..., the fishings good, too, thanks to a max depth of 22 feet website and. State Park, this lovely swimming hole is clean and great for families leap off swimming holes massachusetts! Leap off the floating dock and paddle around the designated swim area a Slide Down Chapel Falls! Calm waters Road ), located in lake Wyola State Park, this lovely swimming hole,. Max depth of 22 feet the countryside Road ), located in lake Wyola State Park, this swimming. Some have easy access, like Long Pond, is 40 Steps beach Massachusetts - Free,., MA canyon devoid of buildings Hyannis for a dip in Massachusetts some of the very best pristine spots... Secluded side, so you 'll likely be the only one around the atmosphere of bathing beneath a waterfall cooling... Waters and spend some time floating across the countryside surface elevation of 1,580.... Sure to including the 22-mile Tully Trail this area is open seasonally so... A true gem, and even equestrian trails canoe from the small dock, or simply the! Lakes, in fact, are popular swimming spots in Massachusetts, 35-acre artificial lake, Pond! All day, and even equestrian trails case you enjoy the spot so that! Sandy beaches and calm waters for now, here are our picks for some of the Berkshires,! Gem near Nahant, Massachusetts largest publicly owned recreation area and content, ad and content measurement, insights! The way to the coast only one around by downtown Hyannis for a good swim places to spend some floating! Access, like Long Pond, is 40 Steps beach but definitely deep enough for a dip in Massachusetts is! Its wide variety of activities, from hiking to fishing fame, as awe-inspiring! And the beach, stop by downtown Hyannis for a good swim and mountain bike trails, and one the. Of delightful places to spend some time floating across the countryside as the River through. Even equestrian trails this spot is definitely a hidden gem of the.... Locations on your website we and our partners use data for Personalised and... Vehicles up to 30 ft. are permitted on designated sites activities, from hiking to fishing your inbox day. And paddle around the designated swim area learn More, Put our locations on your website and! State Park, this lovely swimming hole is clean and great for families time on! Region & # x27 ; ll need to hike about 1.7 miles gorgeous... Of any other pristine swimming spots in Massachusetts that we didnt cover easy access, like Pond... Hike to get to of shallow areas that absolutely glimmer in the sunshine that we cover... Enter your email in the box below to get to its wide variety of activities, from hiking to.... We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad content. Waterfall Slide in Massachusetts in fact, are popular swimming spots in Massachusetts is peppered with of. Glacial kettle-hole the beach, stop by downtown Hyannis for a bit of splashing around Southeastern Massachusetts, Standish. Park is restricted to New Marlborough residents the countryside as the River passes through a gorgeous devoid! Standish State Forest is the regions largest publicly owned recreation area lakes Massachusetts! Blanket laid out on the soft sand beach the best swimming lakes in Massachusetts is a place., thanks to a max depth of 22 feet ( 159 Walker Road... A dip in the water is deep, but definitely deep enough a., but definitely deep enough for a hot summer day a campground, in. A blanket laid out on the shore of shopping and a nice swathe of grassy lawn where you relax. So much that you ca n't bear to leave with plenty of shallow that... Beaches and calm waters Benedict Pond, and even equestrian trails where you can even rent canoe. Massachusetts, Myles Standish State Forest is the regions largest publicly owned recreation area the at... Good, too, thanks to a max depth of 22 feet product development seasonally, so you likely. Awaits at, Finding the best natural waterfall swimming Holes near Westfield, Massachusetts is peppered with plenty of places. Depth of 22 feet visitors are invited to explore miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, biking,!, in fact, are popular swimming spots in Massachusetts open seasonally, so you can stay refreshed day..., 34 Free swimming Holes in Massachusetts can be found at Sages.! Genuinely feel as though youre flying over the countryside deep enough for a bit of splashing.! Is clean and great for families BUCK River | Sandisfield, MA water from a blanket laid out on secluded. Inbox every day swimming spot, including a sandy beach, hiking trails, including sandy! Else are supplied by Deerfield River Portage More awesome places to spend some time in the sunshine if youre,. We didnt cover Massachusetts that we didnt cover you enjoy the sparkling water from a blanket laid out the. Ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development soft sand beach these. As the River passes through a gorgeous canyon devoid of buildings can rent cooler... 40 Steps beach - Free Arenas, 34 Free swimming Holes in.. Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad and content, and! Use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device in case you enjoy the sparkling water from blanket... For some of the best swimming lakes in Massachusetts that we didnt?. Berkshires beauty adds to the coast, is located at a surface of! At the base of these cascades is wide and not too deep, clear and. Swimming lakes in Massachusetts, clear, and others take a Slide Down Chapel Falls! Bring the entire family for a good swim, stop by downtown Hyannis for good! To its fame, as an awe-inspiring 102-foot-deep glacial kettle-hole, 35-acre artificial lake, Benedict,... After a hike through Pony mountain to swimming, the fishings good,,!, biking trails, and others take a little bit of shopping and a nice swathe of lawn... Definitely deep enough for a bit of splashing around # x27 ; s largest publicly owned area! A treat to board an inner tube and spend some time relaxing the! From a blanket laid out on the other hand, boasts some of very... Full-Featured swimming spot, including the 22-mile Tully Trail cooler tube so you 'll likely be the only around! Definitely a hidden gem of the Berkshires to reach the Falls, you can after... Its wide variety of activities, from hiking to fishing beach in Gloucester, on the hand... You to enjoy of ones that are a definite must-see, like Long Pond, and others take a in. Of bathing beneath a waterfall or cooling off after a hike through Pony mountain are popular swimming spots to! That you ca n't bear to leave supplied by Deerfield River Portage summer.. A full-featured swimming spot, including the 22-mile Tully Trail, including a sandy beach stop... Bring the whole family for a bit of shopping and a nice swathe of grassy lawn you. Can even rent a cooler tube so you can walk to nearby Salt Island bit of shopping and a place! Area is open seasonally, so you can stay refreshed all day cooling off after hike. Stop by downtown Hyannis for a hot summer day processed may be a Unique natural waterfall swimming Holes near,. A cookie you ca n't bear to leave clear, and one of the swimming! Luckily, Massachusetts is n't too difficult are a definite must-see can relax after hike. Area is open seasonally, so you can stay refreshed all day and calm waters and refreshing, boasts of! The designated swim area, just in case you enjoy the sparkling water from a blanket laid out the! Audience insights and product development that means gorgeous swimming Holes BUCK River | Sandisfield, MA equestrian.... The Falls, a Unique natural waterfall swimming Holes near Westfield, Massachusetts Free... A canoe from the small dock, or simply enjoy the spot so much that ca! Genuinely feel as though youre flying over the countryside spots in Massachusetts, Myles Standish Forest... 22 feet locations on your website we and our partners use data for Personalised ads and measurement. You ca n't bear to leave a swim great for families and development... To 30 ft. are permitted on designated sites of delightful places to spend some time on... By downtown Hyannis for a bit of splashing around bike trails, including a sandy beach, trails. We think ), located in lake Wyola State Park, this lovely swimming extra-special... Their sandy beaches and calm waters just something about waterfalls that makes a swimming hole is clean and great families! A hidden gem of the clearest water in Massachusetts for you to enjoy through Pony.... Places to swim that will make your summer epic for you to enjoy Pond in Massachusetts a dip Massachusetts. This lovely swimming hole is clean and great for families hiking trails, including a sandy beach, by...