Puffers Pond
Swimming hole in Amherst, Massachusetts · Lake
Puffers Pond is a pond swimming hole. It is near Amherst, Massachusetts. Access is free. Best season: Summer months (June to August) for swimming.
Typical season: Summer months (June to August) for swimming
About Puffers Pond
Puffers Pond sits in Massachusetts. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
On a warm July afternoon, you'll find swimmers splashing in water so clear you can count the pebbles on the bottom, families spreading towels on the grassy banks, and the general sense that summer is unfolding exactly as it should. This is an unofficial . Just a kettle pond born from glacial geology and offered freely to anyone willing to seek it out.
The result is a remarkably pristine body of water ringed by mixed woodland. Tall trees arch overhead at the water's edge, dappling the surface with shifting patterns of light and shadow. In late September and October, those same trees ignite in shades of amber, crimson, and gold, making the pond one of the more scenic spots in the Pioneer Valley for fall foliage photography. Come spring, wildflowers push up through the leaf litter along the approach paths, and the pond feels almost entirely your own. Wildlife. Songbirds, turtles, the occasional great blue heron. Rewards those who pause and pay attention.
No lifeguards patrol Puffers Pond. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Pond
- Water body
- Puffers Pond
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Amherst
- State
- Massachusetts
- Coordinates
- 42.41536, -72.51726
- Best season
- Summer months (June to August) for swimming; autumn (late September to early November) for breathtaking fall foliage; spring (April to May) for wildflowers and fewer crowds.
- Access difficulty
- Easy to moderate access. Parking can be limited and requires a short walk from the roadside to the pond entrance.
- Parking
- Roadside / pull-off
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- No facilities available. You should bring their own water, snacks, and any necessary gear. Restrooms and trash bins are not provided.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer months (June to August) for swimming; autumn (late September to early November) for breathtaking fall foliage; spring (April to May) for wildflowers and fewer crowds.
- Access Easy to moderate access. Parking can be limited and requires a short walk from the roadside to the pond entrance.
- Facilities No facilities available. You should bring their own water, snacks, and any necessary gear. Restrooms and trash bins are not provided.
Highlights & features
- Crystal-clear water for swimming
- Seasonal foliage for stunning views
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
- Close proximity to Amherst
- Perfect for photography enthusiasts
- Unspoiled natural environment with no facilities
- Kettle pond formation with fascinating glacial history
- Proximity to a vibrant college town
How to get there
Puffers Pond lies in Massachusetts near Amherst, Springfield. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
-
Starting Point: Intersection of Route 9 (RT 9) and Route 116 (RT 116) in Amherst, MA.
From the intersection of RT 9 and RT 116 in Amherst, head north on RT 116. Continue on RT 116, passing the University of Massachusetts Amherst on your right. After passing the university, turn right onto Meadow Street. Proceed on Meadow Street. At the second traffic light, Meadow Street will become Pine Street. Continue straight on Pine Street. Drive about 1/3 mile on Pine Street and turn left onto State Street. Follow State Street. After passing the next stop sign, you will see Puffers Pond on your left.
-
Parking Information
Parking is available along State Street. Please park responsibly and avoid blocking driveways or access points. Once parked, walk toward the gated entrance on the north side of the pond. The entrance is marked with a sign that says "North Side."
-
Additional Notes
Puffers Pond is a busy spot, so parking may be limited during peak times. Arrive early to secure a spot. Be mindful of local regulations and respect the natural environment. Have a safe visit to Puffers Pond!
Plan your visit
Puffers Pond works well as a day trip from Amherst or Springfield. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Nearby options include Hawks Nest State Park and Micahs Pond. For the full list in Massachusetts, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is unofficial with no facilities. Parking is roadside on State Street and can be limited. No fee is required, but this is not a formally maintained public recreation area.
Top picks for this trip
Willit Rashguard Swim Shirt UPF 50+
The best all-around sun shirt for swimming holes — light enough to swim in, dry enough to hike out in.
Check price on
Outward Hound Granby Splash Life Jacket
The best all-around dog swim float for natural water — as long as the hole is calm and you stay hands-on.
Check price onDisclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
What to pack for Puffers Pond
Gear we compare side by side for lake swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Puffers Pond?
Yes. Puffers Pond near Amherst and Springfield in MA is a pond swimming spot on Puffers Pond. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
Is Puffers Pond free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “No”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Puffers Pond?
Puffers Pond is in MA within day-trip range of Amherst and Springfield. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
Located near Amherst, a town known for its rich literary and academic history, Puffers Pond is a beloved local landmark and a popular spot for students and families alike.
Conservation
Visitors should adhere to Leave No Trace principles to protect the ecosystem. Avoid littering and respect the wildlife in and around the pond.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.