Swimming Holes Near Amherst & Northampton
This hub is built for quick summer stops around Amherst and Northampton — mostly ponds, reservoir edges, and short river walks, with a few waterfall stops mixed in when you want more than a swim beach.
Compare the map, then open each page for fees, algae notices, and where swimming is actually posted. For a wider Pioneer Valley waterfall-and-river mix, see Shelburne Falls & Pioneer Valley.
#1 Puffers Pond — Amherst
Puffers Pond is a freshwater pond access point in Amherst, Springfield with separate parking and shoreline pins (Amherst, Springfield, Massachusetts).
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 5 min
#2 Mill River Dam — Northampton
Mill River Dam is a freshwater river swim spot in Northampton with separate parking and water pins.
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 5 min
#3 Mineral Hills Loop Trail — Northampton
Swim: allowed. Mineral Hills Loop Trail (Mineral Hills Conservation Area) is a public lake access point in Northampton with…
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 5 min
#4 Knightville Dam — Huntington
Swim: allowed. Knightville Dam is a public lake access point in Huntington with separate parking and shoreline pins, plus…
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 10 min
#5 Chapel Falls (Chapel Brook Reservation) — Ashfield
Chapel Falls Trail (Chapel Brook Reservation) is a waterfall stop in Ashfield with separate arrival and falls pins.
- Swim
- Waterfall first
- Walk
- 10 min
#6 Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary Loop Trail — Easthampton
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary Loop Trail is a freshwater swim spot in Easthampton with separate parking and water pins.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5 min
#7 Holland Glen — Belchertown
Holland Glen is a waterfall stop in Belchertown with separate arrival and falls pins.
- Swim
- Waterfall first
- Walk
- 5-30 min
#8 Lithia Spring Reservoir Trail — South Hadley
Swim: allowed. Lithia Spring Reservoir Trail is a public lake access point in South Hadley with separate parking and…
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 10 min