Depending on what part of the day and season you visit, you might have the water all to yourself. Start planning your visit to this, No town resident sticker is required for this public beach, and there is oodles of parking. If you want to spend some relaxing time on the water, there's no better place to do it than with the Deerfield River Portage lazy river experience. There are also plenty of walking paths, which are perfect for finding a bit of tranquility. Luckily, Massachusetts is peppered with plenty of delightful places to spend some time in the water. Are there any pristine lakes in Massachusetts? The nearby towns might eventually become ecologically dependent on it. Take a Massachusetts hike to a swimming hole, Cliff Pond, at Nickerson State Park. The trail is uphill and can get a bit steep at times, so bring sturdy shoes. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Join Deerfield River Portage, which rents out inner tubes and rafts, for your day on the water. Outly also has camping, hiking and other map information that you can use to plan your next outdoor adventure. Where can I find the bluest water in Massachusetts? Now, the water is well tended to and filtered. Thank you! Incredible Swimming Holes on Cape Cod. Love Massachusetts? The surrounding Berkshires beauty adds to the atmosphere of bathing beneath a waterfall or cooling off after a hike through Pony Mountain. For a larger list of the best waterfalls in Massachusetts, check out our selection of beautiful and hidden local cascades. However, there are plenty of beaches here that go criminally under-appreciated ones tourists seem to forget about, and only the locals know of. Umpachene Falls, New Marlborough, MA 01259, USA, Sages Ravine, South Egremont, MA 01258, USA. Bring your kayak for a peaceful paddle around this beautiful spot. Conway, MassachusettsIf youre looking to pack up the cooler and enjoy a leisure activity that involves little to no movement, check out Deerfield River Portage. The 13 best swimming holes in Massachusetts are sure to have you coming back again and again. 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. If youre looking for a grassy place to have a lakeside picnic, this is a great option. A stunning undiscovered gem near Nahant, Massachusetts, is 40 Steps Beach. Another is Chapel Brook Falls, in Ashfield, which has several pools of varying depths, and a few waterfalls for your admiration too. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Thank you! You can rent a canoe from the small dock, or simply enjoy the sparkling water from a blanket laid out on the shore. After your day at the beach, stop by downtown Hyannis for a bit of shopping and a meal. Charlemont, Massachusetts THE FALLS Whirley Baths is one of several popular swimming holes along the Deerfield River. Located in the beautiful Beartown State Forest, the pond is surrounded by hiking trails and wild blueberry bushes. Theres plenty of parking to go around and a nice swathe of grassy lawn where you can relax after a swim. However, there are plenty of other, smaller cascades in the area that might merit a bit of exploration, so plan your time accordingly. Have some feedback for us? More ultra-clear favorites of ours include Lake Cochichewick, which is clean enough to serve as drinking water for nearby neighborhoods. This isnt just a great swimming hole; its also one of the best hikes to swimming holes in Massachusetts. If you choose to purchase any products after clicking any links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Massachusetts is lucky to be a state with incredibly beautiful scenery, including several lakes that have some of the most gorgeous, clear water youve ever seen. Although there are visitors and campers in the Beartown State Forest region where it is located, the vistas and accessibility to secluded areas of the Berkshire woodlands are breathtaking. However, sticking around the state doesnt mean that you have to miss out this summer. Looking for some great spots to cool off this summer? Greenfield, MassachusettsThis family-friendly swim spot has reduced hours for the 2020 season, but you can still soak up some sun on the sandy beach and enjoy the towns in-stream swimming pool for only $8 per person (non-residents). There's nothing that beats a rainy day with a warm cup of tea and Frank Sinatra on vinyl for this millennial. Massachusetts Swimming Holes BUCK RIVER | Sandisfield, MA. The outdoor company, in fact, will make your whole day easy providing you with an inner tube, a ride to and from the river, and a place to park your car. Freshwater Swimming Holes Near Boston 1. Hathaways Pond in Hyannis is just such a place. When it comes to pristine swimming spots in Massachusetts, this is just about as good as it gets. If you want a more secluded swimming spot, this pond is fantastic. How many swimming holes are in Massachusetts? The pond itself lives up to its fame, as an awe-inspiring 102-foot-deep glacial kettle-hole. Bring your canoe for a serene cruise around the sparkling waters of this pond, or simply ease into the pond for a relaxing swim. After all, theres no time like summer in Massachusetts. Signs for the Town Forest on Rte. If youre on the lookout for a weekend getaway with a great swim, Tully Lake Campground is just right. However, the deeper you venture into the water the cooler it will get. This pristine public beach doesnt require a resident sticker, which is a big deal during the warmest months. The Breathtaking Ravine Everyone In Massachusetts Should Hike At Least Once. Its definitely a great option for those looking for a little privacy or a less crowded swimming area! Another spot, known as Long Pond, in Middlesex Fells, has water so clear you can see straight to the bottom on most of it. Upper Spectacle Pond, Richmond Doanes Falls is a gentle, half-mile waterfall hike in Massachusetts thats perfect just about all year round and also one of the best kid-friendly waterfall hikes in the state. There are quite a few grills and picnic tables dotting the shore, and plenty of space to spread a blanket. As the go-to lazy river in the area, the family-owned and operated DRP offers two to three hours of tubing, where youll float 3.5 miles up the Deerfield River. If youd like to take a dip, youll have to trek along the trail a bit. Looking for an alternative to overcrowded beaches and expensive parking? 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. After youve swam in the swimming hole, check out the Cape Cod inflatable water park for even more water activities. For $8 a person, you can enter the forest and venture out on the winding hiking trails which lead to Benedict Pond, ideal for swimming or fishing. On some USGS maps, the pond is designated as Factory Hollow Pond in addition to its other names. 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. Long Pond is ringed by tall trees and set deep in the woods, so you get a proper sense of seclusion and privacy. The broad grassy space and large shade trees on the property add to its distinctiveness. Its beautiful area, but most people would never think to look for such a pristine swimming hole on Cape Cod so close to the major attractions of downtown Hyannis. 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. Youll have to make a reservation online ($65 per person), but youre in luck since there are plenty of time slots available. The pool at the base of these cascades is wide and not too deep, but definitely deep enough for a good swim. Some have easy access, like Long Pond, and others take a little bit of a hike to get to. You've just found one of the best! The tallest drop at this waterfall is 10 feet, so it hits that sweet spot between roaring cascade and measly trickle. The 209-acre Chebacco Lake provides that option, not far from Kettle Cove, Crane Beach, and the Misery Islands. The official parking lot for Umpachene Falls Park is restricted to New Marlborough residents. The pool at the base of the cascades is usually pretty cool, and is best at the peak of summer. Lets dive in! Get more stories delivered right to your email. Learn about swimming holes such as Granville Gorge, Huntington Area, Hubbard River, Scantic Rapids, Orange Dam, Buck River, Glendale Falls, Satans Kingdom ,. If you'd rather, we'd be happy to send you an occassional useful email instead. 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. This lake makes for a special retreat. You can also just lounge in the soft sand and soak up the sun, if youre not up for time in the water. 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. Nestled in Southeastern Massachusetts, Myles Standish State Forest is the region's largest publicly owned recreation area. Want a classic beach day experience but don't feel like traveling all the way to the coast? Pony Mountain is also nearby, which offers spectacular views of the valley beneath. The water is clean and there is lots of space in the shallows for smaller kids to splash around. Visitors can leap off the floating dock and paddle around the designated swim area. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Of course, Bash Bish Falls is the most popular waterfall in Massachusetts, and the two-mile trail will lead you straight to the 200-foot cascade. The water is warm enough to swim even in the early morning and you can also kayak, canoe, paddle board, and fish here. You will receive your first email soon. 2023 Group Nine Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Several smaller beaches nearby on river. This glimmering shoal was once called Billingsgate Island. The singing is a natural phenomenon created in just-right conditions in which grains of sand rubbing one another produce a beautiful and somewhat eerie sound. Spend a leisurely day meandering down a lazy river on one of the most beautiful and relaxing outdoor adventures in Massachusetts. The long floating dock with a ladder makes it easy to enter and exit the water, though you'll definitely be in no hurry to get out. October Mountain is the largest state forest in Massachusetts, and it clocks in at a massive 16,500 acres. Besides scenic views from the water, there is an abundance of wildlife in the area and top-notch fishing. It's the perfect spot to cool off after a quick hike through the woods. How many state parks are in Massachusetts? Heres how to enjoy the best float trip in Massachusetts on a beautiful summer afternoon in the sun. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. These swimming spots across Massachusetts have the cleanest, most beautiful water around. 34 Free Swimming Holes near Westfield, Massachusetts - Free Arenas, 34 Free Swimming Holes near Westfield, Massachusetts. Parking is available. We love this easy list of ones that are a definite must-see! Thank you! Weve rounded five of the best (and open) natural swimming holes to venture to before September rolls around, featuring dreamworthy sights and refreshing dips. The water is quite clean, and smaller kids will have a blast playing in the sparkling shallow areas. North Pond is the perfect place to cool off if you are camping in the Savoy Mountain State Forest, or just passing through. The lake is a broad 200 acres, and welcomes swimmers, as well as canoes and kayaks. 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. There's plenty of beach space for all, and it's only steps away from the beautiful and historic Chatham Lighthouse. We've recorded your comments. The waters are warm and clean, and there's a well-maintained campground as well. Theres just something about waterfalls that makes a swimming hole extra-special, we think. The water is cold, clear, and refreshing all throughout the warmer months. To reach the falls, youll need to hike about 1.7 miles. For more awesome places to take a dip in Massachusetts, check out these little-known places to swim that will make your summer epic. Massachusetts native. She's also a REALTOR in the Twin Cities and is passionate about social justice. There's also an immaculately maintained picnic area. Puffers Pond is beloved by Amherst locals, students, visitors, and tourists for many reasons. Otis Reservoir is a full-featured swimming spot, including a sandy beach, hiking trails, biking trails, and even equestrian trails. Bring the whole family for a dip in the warm waters and spend some time relaxing on the soft sand beach. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 10. You will receive your first email soon. The swimming hole is small, about 30 feet wide and 50 feet long. The beach is especially popular with families due to the gentle surf, clean water, and maple shade. Dont be fooled by the name. Franconia Falls (Lincoln, New Hampshire) . You can even rent a cooler tube so you can stay refreshed all day. Over at. best hikes to swimming holes in Massachusetts. Even better, theres a full restroom area and a lifeguard on duty during the summer months. Located in the beautiful Beartown State Forest, the pond is surrounded by hiking trails and wild blueberry bushes. For more information on Nickerson State Park and all you can see and do at this 1,900-acre park including Cliff Pond, visit the webpage. This spot combines the best parts of an all-natural swim spot with man-made thrills. The water is ice-cold and there is a short hike from the parking area. The pond is warm during the warmest months, and is a great place to bring young kids, too! Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Finally, Lake Mansfield is another swimming spot that is simply pure perfection. Though the waves can get a little wild on windy days, the pristine blue water is always a beautiful sight. Located along the North River, this park also offers over two miles of hiking trails and some very scenic views. This beach seems to stretch on forever. This gorgeous beach has plenty of shallow areas that absolutely glimmer in the sunshine. (159 Walker Pond Road), Located in Lake Wyola State Park, this lovely swimming hole is clean and great for families. Get more stories delivered right to your email. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. This spot is definitely on the secluded side, so you'll likely be the only one around. Freelance writer and strawberry eater. Reservations are suggested. Just a bit above this pool is another pool shallow enough to sit in with its . Shade trees on the shore Massachusetts the Falls Whirley Baths is one of the cascades is usually pretty cool and... Spots to cool off after a quick hike through the woods around the designated swim area blue. Any products after clicking any links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost you. 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