The 5 Best Massachusetts Lakes For Swimming

Fans of lakes, take note: a new fad called “lake bagging” has emerged. Lake baggers are “wild swimmers” who attempt to dip their toes into as many ponds and lakes as possible, much like “peak baggers” keep a tally of all the peaks they’ve climbed. People do it for a sort of friendly competition, or simply for kicks. It appears that the sole requirement is that you swim in a body of water with a specific name and that you do it completely. Toe dipping doesn’t count!

More than 3,000 lakes and ponds can be found throughout the Bay State. Not all of them allow swimming, but among those that do, there are some stunning options that are ideal for a day at the water’s edge. You may extend your stay at most of them by taking advantage of their picnic areas, trails, and boat rentals. Let’s check out five of the best Massachusetts lakes for swimming.

1. Lake Cochituate

Lake Cochituate is one of the best Massachusetts lakes for swimming. The majority of the lake’s shoreline is protected within Cochituate State Park, despite the lake’s formal classification as a 635-acre great pond. You may find it near the crossroads of Routes 9 and 30.  North, Middle, and South Ponds are the three main sections of the lake, all of which are linked by boatable culverts. Roped off from motorboat traffic, Middle Pond is the official bathing area. There are some sandy patches among the muck and gravel at the bottom of the pond, particularly in the southern basin.   Usually, you can see 5 to 7 feet into the water.

This urban haven features a variety of recreational opportunities, including the use of rental equipment like canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and even sailing dinghies. There are trout in the pond. Plan to spend some time wandering the park’s hiking trails, eating at picnic tables, and visiting facilities. If you wish to avoid crowds or find a parking spot, you should visit the lake before or after peak hours on hot days, especially on weekends.

2. Onota Lake

Onata Lake is a 617-acre big pond controlled and operated by the city of Pittsfield that is located just outside the city borders. Burbank Park is a public park on the lake’s eastern coast that features picnic areas, a park, and free parking. Within the park’s boundaries, almost a quarter of the coastline is safeguarded. It’s a lovely spot to have a picnic and relax while gazing at Mount Greylock in the distance. There’s a nice lakeside trail near the park, too. All of the amenities make it one of the best Massachusetts lakes for swimming.

In the summer, though, the lake fills up with fishermen, swimmers, jet skiers, and boat lovers.  There is a 75-foot angling pier and trout are supplied in the lake twice a year. The lake has an average depth of 21 feet and a maximum depth of 66 feet; visibility is at 17 feet. In the months of July and August, lifeguards are on duty. Unfortunately, the bathrooms are still closed, but temporary ones are available.

3. Lake Quinsigamond

When considering the best Massachusetts lakes for swimming, add Lake Quinsigamond to your list of options. One of the top rowing courses in the world is located on Lake Quinsigamond, and it is a 2,000-meter course. The area is also fantastic for swimmers. Located in the middle of Worcester County between the cities of Worcester and Shrewsbury, this large pond covers 800 acres and is roughly 4 miles long and almost a mile wide throughout most areas. The lake is divided into a more shallow southern basin bordered by bays and eight islands, and a deeper, narrow northern basin where local universities practice rowing and organize rowing contests. The only one that isn’t privately owned is Drake Island.

Flint Pond is a big, shallow pond in Shrewsbury to which the southern side provides access. At its deepest point, the northern basin is ninety feet below sea level, whereas the southern basin is only twenty-one feet deep on average.  Lake Park and Regatta Point are two of the lake’s bathing spots. At the lake’s western shore is Lake Quinsigamond State Park. With its lifeguard towers, picnic area, and clean facilities, this beach is perfect for families.

4. Breakheart Reservation

Breakheart Reserve, stretching over 640 acres, is a verdant haven from the summer heat. It is among the few freshwater swimming areas north of Boston, making it one of the best Massachusetts lakes for swimming. Acres of hardwood woods set against a backdrop of rocky hills 200 feet or higher frame two freshwater lakes, Pearce and Silver Lake. Pearce Lake, which is guarded by lifeguards, is a great place to go swimming. However, if you want to make a day of it, the reservation has dozens of hiking trails. This includes one that leads to Eagle Rock (with fantastic views of the lake) and another that is a 3-mile paved loop that is popular with parents pushing strollers and kids riding bikes. There is also a restroom, a playground, and even an ice cream truck on occasion!

5. Lake Dennison State Recreation Area

This lake’s 83.5 acres of lake and forested, unimproved shoreline make it superior to many other lakes in the area. This is one of the best Massachusetts lakes for swimming. The DCR and the staff at Otter River State Park are responsible for the recreational use of Lake Dennison. It is part of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Birch Hill Flood Control Project. The lake has a sandy bottom and is clear with a slightly brownish tint. It’s an average of 8 feet deep. There are facilities for toilets and picnicking.

Lake Dennison Recreation Area is a 121-acre park. It has a 150-site campsite that stands out even more than the lake itself. Several of the campsites are right by the water, which is great! The lake is calm, and non-motorized boats are welcome. Powerful outboard motors are banned in this area. This park is popular among sporty people since it has more than 50 kilometers of paths for hiking and mountain riding. You may combine a swim, a hike, and a bike ride by making use of the trails that lead to the Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area. You’ll feel like you’ve found a hidden gem even if you only stop in for a swim.

Summary Of The 5 Best Massachusetts Lakes For Swimming

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