It’s August, and summer is still in full swing! The weather is perfect for getting in some swimming time before the busy fall season sweeps in.
Are you looking for a way to stay cool but don’t want to deal with all the traffic and crowds at the big beaches? Want something a little more adventurous?
Check out this list of 16 ‘swimming holes’ - all in Massachusetts! Whether you want to wade next to a waterfall, take a dip in a world-famous pond, or just plan a great family outing, we’ve got you covered!
Ashfield - Chapel Brook Falls
Williamsburg Road, Ashfield, MA 01330
There’s nothing like taking a dip right next to the white spray of a waterfall. This is a beautiful natural setting with several deep pools at different levels. The water is ice-cold and there is a short hike from the parking area.
Ashland - Ashland State Park
156 West Union Street, Ashland, MA 01721
Ashland State Park has 470 acres including a 157 acre reservoir. The park operates seasonally and offers hiking, biking, boating, swimming, and fishing.
Chelmsford - Heart Pond Beach
37-99 Pond Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824
A gorgeous spot to take a late summer swim (or even an autumnal dip if you’re feeling brave), Heart Pond offers clear water that is usually pretty warm up through the early fall. Take a dip in the water, explore the woodlands by the water, or set up a picnic on one of the smooth stones by the shore. Parking is available.
Concord - Walden Pond
915 Walden Street, Concord, MA 01742
Though the rest of the world may know Walden Pond as Henry David Thoreau’s favorite haunt, Massachusetts natives know it as a great place to cool off during the hot summer months. Visitors can also picnic, hike, and canoe at this scenic pond.
Florida - North Pond
North Pond, Florida, MA 01256
This spot has great parking right near the water, plus easily accessible changing rooms and bathrooms. North Pond is the perfect place to cool off if you are camping in the Savoy Mountain State Forest, or just passing through. There is a daily fee to park in the state forest.
Great Barrington - Lake Mansfield
Lake Mansfield Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
No town resident sticker is required for this public beach, and there is oodles of parking. If you’re looking for a grassy place to have a lakeside picnic, this is a great option. 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.
Hopkinton - Hopkinton State Park
164 Cedar Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
Hopkinton State Park includes a little bit of everything: 1,500 acres of forest crisscrossed by hiking trails, beaches, stocked fishing, first-come-first-served picnic areas, and a reservable group picnic site.
Lee - Upper Goose Pond
2120 Cape Street, Lee, MA 01238
This spot is definitely a hidden gem of the Berkshires. Perfect for kayaking (there is a small boat launch) or just splashing around in the water. Depending on what part of the day and season you visit, you might have the water all to yourself. Well, besides the ducks.
Monterey - Benedict Pond
65 Blue Hill Road, Monterey, MA 01230
This swimming hole offers clear blue waters, a sandy beach, and a clearly designated swimming area. Located in the beautiful Beartown State Forest, the pond is surrounded by hiking trails and wild blueberry bushes.
Natick - Cochituate State Park
43 Commonwealth Road, Natick, MA 01760 (Park Entrance)
Cochituate State Park's main feature is Lake Cochituate, which is made up of three linked ponds.
New Marlborough - Umpachene Falls
Umpachene Falls, New Marlborough, MA 01259
Located in the Konkapot River, this gentle waterfall is surrounded with rocks that are perfect for laying out on and drying off. The swimming area closes in the evening, but the park is open all year round.
Newton - Crystal Lake
30 Rogers Street, Newton, MA 02459
A local treasure, Crystal Lake is in the middle of the City of Newton! You’ll see swimmers, paddle boarders, kayakers, and canoeing!
Otis - Otis Reservoir
410 Tolland Road, Otis, MA 01253
Located in the Tolland State Forest, this spot is actually one of the largest bodies of water in Massachusetts. Otis Reservoir is a full-featured swimming spot, including a sandy beach, hiking trails, biking trails, and even equestrian trails. The water is usually pretty warm, and exceptionally clean.
Shelburne - Shelburne Falls
75 Bridge Street, Shelburne, MA 01370
Part of the Deerfield River, this swimming hole is easy to reach and a real summer treat. The gentle swirling water collects in shallow pools that are perfect for wading, and there are deeper areas for those looking to swim.
Wellesley - Morses Pond
13 Turner Road, Wellesley, MA 02482
This is an ideal family outing destination. The pond features a long floating dock with a ladder that is perfect for getting in and out of the water. The water is clean and there is lots of space in the shallows for smaller kids to splash around.
Wrentham - Lake Pearl
11 Woolford Road, Wrentham, MA 02093
Sweatt Beach on Lake Pearl off Woolford Road welcomes residents and non-residents for swimming and recreation. A hidden gem, the beach has undergone several renovations in the last few years, thanks in part to various Eagle Scout projects by local Boy Scouts.
Article source: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/swimming-holes-ma/
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