This scenic park offers year-round fishing, hiking, and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Bring your canoe for a serene cruise around the sparkling waters of this pond, or simply ease into the pond for a relaxing swim. There's also an immaculately maintained picnic area. The road trip to the most beautiful beaches in Massachusetts leads you to such hidden spots as Bound Brook Island Beach in Wellfleet, Cold Storage Beach in Dennis, and Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester. What are the best beaches in Massachusetts? Campground office hours 8am - 10pm Lets explore the top swimming holes in Massachusetts. Follow Boston.com on Instagram (Opens in a New Tab), Follow Boston.com on Twitter (Opens in a New Tab), Like Boston.com on Facebook (Opens in a New Tab), Recent homes sales in Greater Boston (Jan. 4), A stinky stew on Cape Cod: Human waste and warming water, The top 10 celebrity real estate stories of 2022. When it comes to pristine swimming spots in Massachusetts, this is just about as good as it gets. The 13 best swimming holes in Massachusetts are sure to have you coming back again and again. If you've been looking for beaches in Massachusetts near me, you've just hit paydirt, finding one of the best. Comments from a visitor: "The pool is small, but the current is usually just right You've got to have an account to like, share, and collect. In fact, its not just a great hike to a swimming hole in Massachusetts, its alsoThe Breathtaking Ravine Everyone In Massachusetts Should Hike At Least Once. She's also a REALTOR in the Twin Cities and is passionate about social justice. Parking is available only steps away from a series of smaller cascades. Its also quite popular. The rocks are great for sunbathing. Misery Islands provides plenty of perks, from sweeping views of the ocean to great places to take a dip. Bring the whole family for a dip in the warm waters and spend some time relaxing on the soft sand beach. Kalmus Beach in Hyannis is another beautiful beach and a popular swimming spot in Massachusetts. Nahant, MassachusettsOpen year round, Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation stretch for miles, offering visitors room to gather and beautiful sights to see. It's one of those gems that pop up when you're searching for "hidden swimming holes near me." It's the perfect spot to cool off after a quick hike through the woods. The water is clean and there is lots of space in the shallows for smaller kids to splash around. Parking near the Nahant Public Library or at the neighboring Nahant Town Hall is the best option for visitors. If you choose to purchase any products after clicking any links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you! The land may have eroded away, but this swimming spot is still the perfect place to get away from it all. But its totally worth it. Thank you! Some have easy access, like Long Pond, and others take a little bit of a hike to get to. Puffers Pond, which is around 11 acres in size and is about 3 miles north of the town center, has an average depth of five feet and a maximum depth of over 20 feet. If you want a more secluded swimming spot, this pond is fantastic. Theme: Adventure by Organic Themes. Here are some of the best swimming holes in Massachusetts that you really need to know about. Read on to find out why Hathaways Pond in Hyannis is a great alternative to the beach. With over 400 waterfalls in Massachusetts, chances are youre not too far away from one. Though the waves can get a little wild on windy days, the pristine blue water is always a beautiful sight. Youll genuinely feel as though youre flying over the countryside as the river passes through a gorgeous canyon devoid of buildings. The nearby towns might eventually become ecologically dependent on it. 2. The falls are surrounded by a lovely hardwood forest that hiking and birdwatching enthusiasts will adore. Puffers Pond has played a crucial role in defining North Amherst as a beloved natural resource. The Breathtaking Ravine Everyone In Massachusetts Should Hike At Least Once. Help us inspire and inform every person to enjoy life and the great outdoors in a responsible way. It boasts 16 ponds to dip into, four of which you can camp at. On some USGS maps, the pond is designated as Factory Hollow Pond in addition to its other names. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The waters are very cool and incredibly clear. Place this code in your website's html where you'd like to see these results. Walk barefoot along the beautiful sand beach then wade in the water. Bring your kayak for a peaceful paddle around this beautiful spot. Dont be fooled by the name. The inner tubes and everything else are supplied by Deerfield River Portage. Are there any natural lazy rivers in Massachusetts? Freshwater Swimming Holes Near Boston 1. What are you favorite swimming holes in Massachusetts? Parking is nearby, though you'll have to hike a short distance to reach the cascade itself. There is no parking permit required for this town beach, arguably one of the best beaches in Massachusetts. While this isn't quite a swimming hole by traditional standards, the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston does offer urban families the chance to cool off when the summer heat strikes. But Lowell Holly has two all to itself: Mashpee Pond and Wakeby Pond. Houghtons Pond is monitored by Department of Conservation and Recreation lifeguards in the summer, making it one of the safer swimming areas. Is there anything else you want to add? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The 10 Most Snake Infested Lakes in the United States, The Top 4 Most Alligator-Infested Lakes In Texas, The 10 Largest Man-Made Lakes in the United States, The 15 Deepest Lakes in the United States. Long Pond is ringed by tall trees and set deep in the woods, so you get a proper sense of seclusion and privacy. How many state parks are in Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments below! If you escape off the beaten path, youll find a secluded pocked -- 40 Steps Beach, laden with rocks to climb up and jump off. MASSACHUSETTS SWIMMING HOLES Click here to see our home page and learn about swimming holes in other states There is a new way for you to discover swimming hole information through Outly! series of five waterfalls in northern Connecticut, several of which have good swimming holes below them; a short hike is required to reach the swimming holes; since there really aren't that many good natural swimming holes in Connecticut, this is probably the best you will find. Love Massachusetts? There's plenty of parking, and the changing rooms make slipping into or out of your bathing suit as simple as can be. You will receive your first email soon. If you'd rather, we'd be happy to send you an occassional useful email instead. Love Massachusetts? Off-season camping is available, call for information. After youve swam in the swimming hole, check out the Cape Cod inflatable water park for even more water activities. Kids can splash in the fountains and sprays, while grownups can lounge on the park's lush lawns. Do you know of any other pristine swimming spots in Massachusetts that we didnt cover? Which one of these is your favorite? Stay up to date with everything Boston. The pond is warm during the warmest months, and is a great place to bring young kids, too! While there are a ton of swimming holes to choose from in New England, these 12 natural pools make for the ultimate summer relief. There are also plenty of walking paths, which are perfect for finding a bit of tranquility. 6 places to go lake swimming in Massachusetts The Bay State has more than 3,000 lakes and ponds, plenty to keep 'lake baggers' busy. ; a 6.4 mile, nearly flat, round-trip hike from the Lincoln Woods trailhead off NH 112 (the Kancamagus Highway); parking spots are limited, over 200-feet of slides, pools, and waterfalls; two can fit behind one of the waterfalls, where a natural rock seat will be found! This little pond is usually a serene and beautiful place to take a dip. 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. Due to its rocky nature, lack of services, tiny size, and limited parking, the beachfront is relatively low-key. AllTrails/Mike Skagerlind Located in Monterey, Beartown State Forest is a true hidden gem. There are plenty of stones, rocks, and pebbles on the beach area, which is roughly 100 yards long. Did you know that Walden Pond is the, This spot has great parking right near the water, plus easily accessible changing rooms and bathrooms. We've logged that you went. The Mystic Lakes, in fact, are popular swimming spots due to their sandy beaches and calm waters. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The Pond, Amhersts largest piece of open water, is a popular destination for swimming, canoeing, picnicking, birdwatching, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Plus, it's not as well known as many Cape Cod beaches so the tourists are few and far between. As one of the best swimming holes in Massachusetts, this is not a spot that youll want to miss! What makes this fun is the 12 foot water slide! Continue with Recommended Cookies. This pond includes a campground, just in case you enjoy the spot so much that you can't bear to leave. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), 16 Swimming Spots in Western Massachusetts, Summer Suggestions: Things to Do & Places to See in Western MA. Half Moon Beach in Gloucester, on the other hand, boasts some of the clearest water in Massachusetts. However, sticking around the state doesnt mean that you have to miss out this summer. Still looking for more beaches to check out? Crystal Lake (Newton) Crystal Lake is located in a quiet, posh neighborhood. For swimming and sliding, this spot in the southeastern Berkshires offers 12 feet of slick sliding, as well as lots of beautiful rocks to perch on to dry off after plunging in a small pool that's 7 feet deep. Visitors can also picnic, hike, and canoe at this scenic pond. Relax on the sandy beach or head into the water to cool off all summer long. We have no shortage of swimming spots in Massachusetts. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer. This area is open seasonally, so make sure to. October Mountain is the largest state forest in Massachusetts, and it clocks in at a massive 16,500 acres. Coast Guard Beach is a great place to spot a few seals, as well. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This lovely swimming hole is rather secluded, so the waters stay spotlessly clean. Swimming Holes In Massachusetts: Benedict Pond A shallow, 35-acre artificial lake, Benedict Pond, is located at a surface elevation of 1,580 feet. The hike is mostly uphill, but isnt too strenuous. Embed. After your day at the beach, stop by downtown Hyannis for a bit of shopping and a meal. Get amazing travel deals when you sign up for Boston Traveler. Greenfield Recreation Green River Swimming & Recreation Area Greenfield, Massachusetts This family-friendly swim spot has reduced hours for the 2020 season, but you can still soak up some sun. This spot is definitely on the secluded side, so you'll likely be the only one around. The Cape is full of exciting adventures. And lastly, Chapel Brook Falls in Ashfield is the best of both worlds and includes one of the best swimming holes in Massachusetts at the base of the 45-foot cascading waterfall. Freelance writer and strawberry eater. The 9 Best Books About National Parks for Travelers, Discover the Deepest Lake in Massachusetts, First Snow in Massachusetts: The Earliest & Latest First Snows on Record, Discover the Highest Point in Massachusetts, The 5 Best Spots for Leaf Peeping in Massachusetts: Peak Dates, Top Driving Routes, and More. Over at. Clear water, attentive lifeguards, and an immaculate sand beach make this pond a dream come true. You will receive your first email soon. Sign up here for our daily Boston email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun the Hub has to offer. Theres just something about waterfalls that makes a swimming hole extra-special, we think. Well, besides the ducks. There are no public restrooms, though there are port-a-potties available. 1. As its nickname suggests, Whirley Baths have a unique feature: Jacuzzi-jet-like water swirls in various rocky outcroppings just above and at the foot of a pretty little waterfall. This property borders Murphy Park and Nims Tree Farm and is situated to the west of Greenfields downtown. 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. To reach these falls, youll have to hike about five minutes to the lower falls, and another ten minutes to reach the upper falls. Learn about swimming holes such as Ipswich River, Walden Pond State Resreve, Wildcat Falls, Packers Falls, Pinkham Notch Area, Leominster State Forest, Leigh's Mill Pond,. 2. Several smaller beaches nearby on river. The beautiful sand beach, in fact, is popular with swimmers, surfers, and skim boarders. In addition to swimming, the fishings good, too, thanks to a max depth of 22 feet. If you want a more secluded swimming spot, this pond is fantastic. The surrounding Berkshires beauty adds to the atmosphere of bathing beneath a waterfall or cooling off after a hike through Pony Mountain. Some of our favorites include Upper Goose Pond, in Lee, which has refreshingly cool water all summer and is little-known enough for you to have a decent shot at being all by yourself out there, depending on when you decide to visit. Swimming Holes in Massachusetts. It feeds Stony Brook, a Housatonic River tributary. We've recorded your comments. In addition to the many playgrounds in Massachusetts that offer hours of fun, there are countless kid-friendly hiking trails in Massachusetts that are a great way to introduce the next generation to the Bay States natural landscape. The 24-acre pond attracts picnickers and families with its wide variety of activities, from hiking to fishing. This is a beautiful natural setting with several deep pools at different levels. The trail is uphill and can get a bit steep at times, so bring sturdy shoes. For more outstanding spots by the water, check out these amazing beaches in Massachusetts that are perfect for a day by the water. Q&A: Outdoor Swimming Pools in Western MA, HFVS Guest DJ, Joe & Justin of The Okee Dokee Brothers Episode (Radio Show/Podcast). This state park is a hidden jewel. Do you have any favorite swimming lakes in Massachusetts? You can really appreciate how clear the water is at this beach when the tide recedes. 10. Nestled in Southeastern Massachusetts, Myles Standish State Forest is the regions largest publicly owned recreation area. Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, USA 42.6042514 , -72.7392588 The pond is warm during the warmest months, and is a great place to bring young kids, too! The swimming at Umpachene Falls Park is among the best. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Learn about swimming holes such as Glacial Potholes, Greenfield Area, Cummington, Windsor State Forest, Puffers Pond, Orange Dam, Bellevue Falls, Pisgah State. Lets dive in! Charlemont, Massachusetts THE FALLS Whirley Baths is one of several popular swimming holes along the Deerfield River. Suit up and head to Houghton's Pond, a spring-fed kettle hole in Milton, Walden Pond in Concord, made famous by Henry David Thoreau, or the falls at Chapel Brook Reservation in Ashfield, where . The falls plunge in a series of 60-foot and 80-foot drops. 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. 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