Massachusetts Swimming Holes

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Houghton’s Pond

Hillside Street, Milton

617-698-1802

Houghton’s Pond is monitored by Department of Conservation and Recreation lifeguards in the summer, making it one of the safer swimming areas. It’s also quite popular. The 24-acre pond attracts picnickers and families with its wide variety of activities, from hiking to fishing.

Chapel Brook Falls

Williamsburg Road, Ashfield

413-532-1631

Beneath the majesty of Chapel Brook Falls, a cascade from three bedrock ledges, small pools develop that are perfect for a quick dip. The surrounding Berkshires beauty adds to the atmosphere of bathing beneath a waterfall or cooling off after a hike through Pony Mountain.

Chebacco Lake

Western Avenue, Essex

978-468-4547

Looking for an alternative to overcrowded beaches and expensive parking? The 209-acre Chebacco Lake provides that option, not far from Kettle Cove, Crane Beach, and the Misery Islands. In addition to swimming, the fishing’s good, too, thanks to a max depth of 22 feet.

Walden Pond

Walden Street, Concord

978-369-3254

Thanks to Henry David Thoreau and his book “Walden,’’ the legacy of Walden Pond has been written into the history books. The pond itself lives up to its fame, as an awe-inspiring 102-foot-deep glacial kettle-hole. But pick your date wisely: The park lets in only 1,000 people at a time.

Arlington Reservoir

Lowell Street, Arlington

781-316-3000

While this man-made reservoir has long been a popular swimming hole, a separate swimming area had to be constructed in 1981. Now, the water is well tended to and filtered. Nicer water and sand is tougher to come by.

Tully Lake

Athol-Richmond Road, Royalston

978-249-9150

If you’re on the lookout for a weekend getaway with a great swim, Tully Lake Campground is just right. The lake is a broad 200 acres, and welcomes swimmers, as well as canoes and kayaks. Visitors are invited to explore miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, including the 22-mile Tully Trail. This lake makes for a special retreat.

Benedict Pond

Blue Hill Road, Monterey

413-528-0904

Buried in Beartown State Forest’s deep Berkshire woods, this 35-acre lake gives swimmers a chance to immerse themselves in nature. Besides scenic views from the water, there is an abundance of wildlife in the area and top-notch fishing.

Great Misery Island

Salem Sound, Salem

978-526-8687

Don’t be fooled by the name. Misery Islands provides plenty of perks, from sweeping views of the ocean to great places to take a dip. Hike through Great Misery Island to the private beaches and you’re sure to find far more merriment than misery.

Lowell Holly

South Sandwich Road, Mashpee and Sandwich

508-636-4693

Cape Cod boasts many great secretive swimming spots, including the phenomenal Goose Pond in Chatham. But Lowell Holly has two all to itself: Mashpee Pond and Wakeby Pond. And while it’s somewhat secretive these days, its history suggests it was known for its bodies of water. According to its website, the area was “once called Conaumet, from the Wampanoag word ‘Kuwunut,’ meaning beach.’’

College Pond

Cranberry Road, S. Carver

508-866-2526

Nestled in Southeastern Massachusetts, Myles Standish State Forest is the region’s largest publicly owned recreation area. It boasts 16 ponds to dip into, four of which you can camp at. Over at College Pond, there’s a day-use area with picnicking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, or just lounging.