Best Swimming Holes in the Berkshires
15 natural swimming holes · 2026 guide
The Berkshires' swimming holes are classic New England: old quarry pools, river bends, and waterfall plunge pools tucked into the hills of western Massachusetts. Many sit on or near the Appalachian Trail corridor, so a swim pairs naturally with a hike — and with the region's farm stands and small towns.
Top swimming holes
- Benedict Pond (Beartown State Forest)
Tucked inside Beartown State Forest, Benedict Pond offers crystalline water edged by a soft sandy beach and a designated swim area.
- Onota Lake (Burbank Park)
Burbank Park is Pittsfield's 153-acre public park on the eastern shore of Onota Lake, with a public swimming beach guarded by lifeguards during July and August, a…
- Sages Ravine
Sages Ravine is a half-mile gorge on the Appalachian Trail in Mount Washington State Forest, with a series of small waterfalls and deep, clear pools.
- Umpachene Falls
Umpachene Falls is a 40-foot waterfall on the Umpachene River in New Marlborough, with a small six-acre town park that Wikipedia notes offers swimming areas and fishing…
- Bellevue Falls
A swimming hole in a small Hoosic River tributary tucked into the corner of Bellevue Cemetery in Adams.
- Cummington Swimming Hole
A lesser-known swimming hole in the Pioneer Valley highlands near Cummington, reached by a half-mile rocky trail with a river crossing.
- Lake Mansfield Beach
A public beach on crystal-clear Lake Mansfield with lifeguards, grassy picnic areas, and oodles of parking, no resident sticker required.
- Mauserts Pond (Clarksburg State Park)
A 45-acre pond in Clarksburg State Park with a sandy beach, picnic pavilion, and 9.5 miles of trails.
- North Pond (Savoy Mountain State Forest)
A mountain pond in Savoy Mountain State Forest with parking right at the water, changing rooms, and bathrooms.
- Otis Reservoir (Tolland State Forest)
One of the largest bodies of water in Massachusetts sits in Tolland State Forest, with a sandy beach, trails, and exceptionally clean, usually warm water.
- Peck Falls
Two waterfalls between Gould and West Mountain Roads near Adams, where the upper falls invite swimmers into cool mountain water.
- Tannery Falls
Tannery Falls is a series of cascades in Savoy Mountain State Forest where Ross Brook drops through a deep chasm and then over a roughly 50-foot falls into a clear pool.
- Upper Goose Pond
A hidden Berkshire gem of a pond in Lee, perfect for kayaking from the small boat launch or simply splashing in the clear water.
- Upper Spectacle Pond Town Beach
A town beach on Upper Spectacle Pond where swimmers leap from the floating dock into the designated swim area.
- Windsor Lake Park
Windsor Lake is North Adams' city park with a public swimming beach, campground, snack bar, and summer concert series.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to swim in the Berkshires?
July through early September. Berkshire water is mountain-fed and cold; it takes until mid-summer to become truly inviting.
Do Berkshire swimming holes require reservations or permits?
Nearly all are free and informal. State park pools may charge a small day-use parking fee in season.
Are Berkshire swimming holes safe?
Quarry pools can be deep with sudden drop-offs — check depth and never dive. River spots are gentler but slippery. No lifeguards anywhere; swim with a buddy.
⚠️ Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026