Swimming Holes in Massachusetts — 26+ Berkshires & River Valley Pools

26 natural swimming destinations in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts has 26 swimming holes in our directory, including 7 river, 3 creek, 3 waterfall, 10 lake, 3 other. Those counts come from our live U.S. swimming holes dataset. Use GPS distance sorting or city nearby lists when you already know your starting point.

Massachusetts swimming holes cluster in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley — Westfield River spots like Cummington Beach, Mill River holes near Northampton and Leeds, and cooler forest pools farther west.

Use Amherst, Northampton, Greenfield, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Boston nearby lists to plan day trips. Confirm parking and water level after rain; many spots are free but informal.

Near major cities: Amherst · Boston · Cape Cod · Fitchburg · Great Barrington · Greenfield · Northampton · Pittsfield · Springfield · Western Massachusetts · Worcester

By water type: River (7) · Creek (3) · Waterfall (3) · Lake (10) · Other (3)

Guides: Hidden gems (10) · Family friendly (4)

Guides: Massachusetts swimming holes guide · Western Massachusetts swimming holes · Swimming holes near Boston

Popular swimming holes in Massachusetts

Most-searched spots — open each listing for directions, fees, and safety notes.

Cummington — natural swimming hole near MA, MA

MA

Cummington

Cummington Beach / Westfield River swimming near Cummington, Massachusetts is a free river swimming hole popular in the Hilltowns. Rocky bottom; check flow after storms.

Fee variesMassachusetts

Orange Dam — dam swimming hole near Northampton, MA

DamMA

Orange Dam

There are no entrance fees, no ticket booths, and no crowds of strangers in matching swimsuits. Just the river, the trees, and the unhurried rhythm of a summer afternoon in the Pioneer Valley.

FreeNorthampton

Bellevue Falls — river swimming hole near North Adams, MA

RiverMA

Bellevue Falls

Bellevue Falls near Belchertown / western Massachusetts is a free cascade swimming hole with rocky pools. Slippery rock and variable flow — no lifeguards; pack out trash.

FreeNorth Adams

Dean Pond — pond swimming hole near Springfield, MA

PondMA

Dean Pond

Dean Pond near western Massachusetts is a free pond swimming spot used by locals for summer cooling. Informal access — confirm local rules and water quality before swimming.

Fee variesSpringfield

Margaret Lindley Park — brook swimming hole near Williamstown, MA

BrookMA

Margaret Lindley Park

Margaret Lindley Park is a brook swimming spot on Hemlock Brook near Williamstown, Massachusetts. What people come for: Cool, clear waters of Hemlock Brook; Accessible location near cultural landmarks. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Summer. Always check water depth and current before entering.

FreeWilliamstown

Duck Pond — kettle pond swimming hole near Wellfleet, MA

Kettle PondMA

Duck Pond

Carved by retreating ice sheets thousands of years ago. Sits in an untouched natural setting where the loudest sounds you're likely to hear are birdsong and the soft lap of clear water against a sandy shore.

FreeWellfleet

Massachusetts swimming holes FAQ

Where are the best swimming holes in Massachusetts?

Western Mass favorites include Cummington Beach on the Westfield River, Orange Dam near Leeds/Northampton, Bellevue Falls, Dean Pond, and Margaret Lindley Park. Match the listing to your starting city with nearby metro pages.

Is Cummington Beach a swimming hole?

Yes — Cummington Beach is a popular Westfield River swimming hole in the Massachusetts hilltowns. Read the listing for access, parking, and seasonal flow before you go.

How do I find swimming holes near Amherst or Northampton?

Open the Amherst or Northampton nearby pages for distance-sorted spots, or use GPS near-me sorting. Orange Dam and Mill River pools are common Pioneer Valley searches.

All 26 listings

Bash Bish Falls — brook /falls swimming hole near MA, MA

Brook /FallsMAClosed

Bash Bish Falls

Bash Bish Falls in Mount Washington, Massachusetts is the state’s highest twin waterfall — a scenic hike and viewpoint in Bash Bish Falls State Park. Swimming and entering the water are prohibited; stay in designated viewing areas.

Fee requiredMassachusetts

Bellevue Falls — river swimming hole near North Adams, MA

RiverMA

Bellevue Falls

Bellevue Falls near Belchertown / western Massachusetts is a free cascade swimming hole with rocky pools. Slippery rock and variable flow — no lifeguards; pack out trash.

FreeNorth Adams

Buck River — river swimming hole near Springfield, MA

RiverMA

Buck River

Buck River near Springfield, Massachusetts is a river swimming spot on Buck River. What people come for: Natural rock slide; Clear, refreshing water. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Always enter water feet-first.

FreeSpringfield

Cummington — natural swimming hole near MA, MA

MA

Cummington

Cummington Beach / Westfield River swimming near Cummington, Massachusetts is a free river swimming hole popular in the Hilltowns. Rocky bottom; check flow after storms.

Fee variesMassachusetts

Dean Pond — pond swimming hole near Springfield, MA

PondMA

Dean Pond

Dean Pond near western Massachusetts is a free pond swimming spot used by locals for summer cooling. Informal access — confirm local rules and water quality before swimming.

Fee variesSpringfield

Duck Pond — kettle pond swimming hole near Wellfleet, MA

Kettle PondMA

Duck Pond

Carved by retreating ice sheets thousands of years ago. Sits in an untouched natural setting where the loudest sounds you're likely to hear are birdsong and the soft lap of clear water against a sandy shore.

FreeWellfleet

Glendale Falls — creek swimming hole near Pittsfield, MA

CreekMA

Glendale Falls

Glendale Falls near Middlefield, Massachusetts is a free cascade swimming hole with dramatic waterfall pools in the Hilltowns. Slippery rock and strong flow after rain — no lifeguards.

FreePittsfield

Granville Gorge — brook swimming hole near Springfield, MA

BrookMA

Granville Gorge

Granville Gorge in western Massachusetts near Southwick and Granville has brook-fed gorge pools and cascades with free roadside access. Rocks are slippery; check flow after storms before swimming.

Fee requiredSpringfield

Greenfield Area — river swimming hole near Greenfield, MA

RiverMA

Greenfield Area

Greenfield Area is a river swimming spot on Green River near Greenfield, Massachusetts. What people come for: Crystal-clear water; Accessible location. Access is free. Best visited in June to August. No lifeguard service is indicated.

FreeGreenfield

Green River Swimming Spots In Great Barrington — river swimming hole near Great Barrington, MA

RiverMA

Green River Swimming Spots In Great Barrington

Green River Swimming Spots In Great Barrington lies in Massachusetts. Flowing quietly through the pastoral farmland of Great Barrington in the southern Berkshires, the Green River is one of those places that feels like a genuine secret.

FreeGreat Barrington

Hawks Nest State Park — pond swimming hole near Harwich, MA

PondMA

Hawks Nest State Park

Hawks Nest State Park lies in Massachusetts, where Hawksnest Pond moves through a wooded corridor. This completely undeveloped wild spot surrounds Hawksnest Pond, a serene freshwater pond cradled by dense forest.

FreeHarwich

Huntington Region Swimming Holes — varies-see below swimming hole near Springfield, MA

Varies-see belowMA

Huntington Region Swimming Holes

The Westfield River and its tributaries carve through forested hillsides and ancient rock formations, creating a spectrum of spots that range from a welcoming family beach at a managed state park to wild, hidden gorge pools that reward the adventurous.

Fee variesSpringfield

Ipswich River — river swimming hole near Topsfield, MA

RiverMA

Ipswich River

No crowds, no lifeguards, no snack bars. Just the soft murmur of a river moving through a wooded landscape that hasn't changed much in centuries.

FreeTopsfield

Leominster State Forest — pond swimming hole near Boston, MA

PondMA

Leominster State Forest

Here, a natural freshwater pond sits cradled by dense forest, offering a cool, shaded retreat that feels worlds away from the bustle of nearby cities.

Fee requiredBoston

Margaret Lindley Park — brook swimming hole near Williamstown, MA

BrookMA

Margaret Lindley Park

Margaret Lindley Park is a brook swimming spot on Hemlock Brook near Williamstown, Massachusetts. What people come for: Cool, clear waters of Hemlock Brook; Accessible location near cultural landmarks. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Summer. Always check water depth and current before entering.

FreeWilliamstown

Micahs Pond — pond swimming hole near Hyannis, MA

PondMA

Micahs Pond

Micahs Pond is a pond swimming spot on Micah's Pond near Hyannis, Massachusetts. What people come for: Refreshing rope swing experience; Crystal-clear freshwater. Access is free. Best visited in Summer. There are no lifeguards.

FreeHyannis

Mount Hope Park — river swimming hole near North Adams, MA

RiverMA

Mount Hope Park

Mount Hope Park lies in Massachusetts, where Green River At Hopper Brook moves through a wooded corridor. Situated where the Green River meets Hopper Brook, this unofficial .

FreeNorth Adams

Mohawk State Forest Swimming Holes In Western Massachusetts — river swimming hole near Greenfield, MA

RiverMA

Mohawk State Forest Swimming Holes In Western Massachusetts

Mohawk State Forest Swimming Holes in Western Massachusetts is a river swimming spot near Greenfield, Massachusetts. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Scenic forest trails. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. Always check water conditions.

FreeGreenfield

Orange Dam — dam swimming hole near Northampton, MA

DamMA

Orange Dam

There are no entrance fees, no ticket booths, and no crowds of strangers in matching swimsuits. Just the river, the trees, and the unhurried rhythm of a summer afternoon in the Pioneer Valley.

FreeNorthampton

Puffers Pond — pond swimming hole near Amherst, MA

PondMA

Puffers Pond

Puffers Pond near Amherst, Massachusetts is a pond swimming spot on Puffers Pond. What people come for: Crystal-clear water for swimming; Seasonal foliage for stunning views. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June to August. Check water conditions yourself before entering.

FreeAmherst

Punchbowl — lake swimming hole near Falmouth, MA

LakeMA

Punchbowl

Punchbowl is a lake swimming spot on Punchbowl Lake near Falmouth, Massachusetts. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Rope swing adventure. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Inspect the rope swing and landing area for safety before each use.

FreeFalmouth

Royalston Falls — falls swimming hole near Greenfield, MA

FallsMA

Royalston Falls

Royalston Falls lies in Massachusetts, where Falls Brook moves through a wooded corridor. A dramatic 50-foot waterfall plunges through a granite gorge carved by Falls Brook, sending up a cool mist that hangs in the air and clings to the moss-covered walls around it.

FreeGreenfield

Umpachene Falls — falls swimming hole near Sheffield, MA

FallsMA

Umpachene Falls

Umpachene Falls on the Mill River in New Marlborough / Southfield, Massachusetts is a free cascading waterfall swim with clear pools. Family-friendly Berkshire Hilltowns spot — rocks are slippery.

FreeSheffield

Upper Goose Pond — pond swimming hole near Lenox, MA

PondMA

Upper Goose Pond

This unofficial freshwater gem sits along one of America's most beloved long-distance trails, offering a rare combination of athletic purpose and pure, unhurried relaxation.

FreeLenox

Walden Pond State Reservation — pond swimming hole near Boston, MA

PondMA

Walden Pond State Reservation

Walden Pond State Resreve is a pond swimming spot on Walden Pond near Boston, Massachusetts. What people come for: Historical significance tied to Henry David Thoreau; Crystal-clear waters. Expect a fee of about $5.00, and you will find restrooms, camping and parking. Best visited in Summer. Swim only in designated areas and be aware of your surroundings in the water.

Fee requiredBoston

Windsor State Forest — creek and lake swimming hole near Pittsfield, MA

Creek and LakeMA

Windsor State Forest

Windsor State Forest lies in Massachusetts, where Westfield River/Steep Bank Brook moves through a wooded corridor. Ancient hemlocks crowd the ridgelines, ferns carpet the forest floor, and the sound of rushing water follows you down nearly every trail.

Fee variesPittsfield