Posted in Connecticut Nature May 18, 2022 by

Here Are 10 Connecticut Swimming Holes That Will Make Your Summer Cool

Swimming holes in Connecticut are an amazing way to cool off in the summer. It’s all the fun of a pool, but you also get breathtaking views and wildlife. Plus, if you don’t have a pool of your own, going to a natural swimming hole in Connecticut is usually cheaper than signing up for community pool access. So — dive in — literally!

1. Enders Falls (Granby) Who wouldn't want to swim around these lovely waterfalls?
Enders State Forest, Granby, CT 06035, USA
Maurice V/TripAdvisor
Located in Enders State Forest, you'll experience a variety of wetlands and forests on this dedicated open space.
2. Salmon River (Colchester) In addition to swimming in this beautiful, wild river, enjoy a day of kayaking or fishing.
Salmon River, Colchester, CT 06415, USA
J.G. Coleman/Wkimedia
Or take a walk through history on one of Connecticut's covered bridges.
3. Riga Falls (Salisbury) This place is remote but can get a little busy on really hot days.
Undermountain Trail, Salisbury, CT 06068, USA
Decaseconds/Flickr
No jumping here though, as the rocks are super slippery.
4. Burr Pond State Park (Torrington) After you swim, enjoy your packed picnic at the park.
Burr Pond, Torrington, CT 06790, USA
Bethany Brush Zimnoch/Facebook
You could turn this trip into a whole weekend. That's what I would do! Hike the trails and search for Connecticut's historical role in the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution — the bronze tablet marking.
5. Bigelow Hollow State Park (Union) Splash around in all of these amazing options: the 18-acre Bigelow Pond, the 300-acre Mashapaug Pond, the 88-acre Breakneck Pond, and the 287-acre Mashapaug Lake.
Bigelow Hollow State Park, 298 Bigelow Hollow Rd, Union, CT 06076, USA
Siv T./Yelp
The Bigelow Hollow State Park adjoins the Nipmuck State Forest offering more than 9,000 acres of family fun, including miles and miles of hiking trails.
6. Lake Waramaug (New Preston) This lake was named for Chief Waramaug, who wintered in the area.
Wendy D./Yelp
This stunning spot offers all the allure of a lake, with the soft sandy shore of the beach. Access is available at the Lake Waramaug State Park, at 30 Lake Waramaug Road.
7. Diana's Pool (Chaplin) Crystal clear water flows through large boulders, creating a natural, refreshing pool.
Dianas Pool Road, Dianas Pool Rd, Chaplin, CT 06235, USA
Brian S./Yelp
With its multiple waterfalls and small caves, it's as fun to swim as it is to explore.
8. Satan’s Kingdom (New Hartford) This one-acre public state recreation area sits beside the Farmington River in the town of New Hartford, Connecticut.
Satans Kingdom Road, Satans Kingdom Rd, New Hartford, CT, USA
Satan’s Kingdom Tubing/Facebook
When you get tired of swimming, rent a tube and take a relaxing float.
9. Indian Well (Shelton) This perfect, natural swimming hole in Connecticut, offers a picturesque waterfall.
Indian Well Road, Indian Well Rd, Shelton, CT 06484, USA
Trenten Kelley/Flickr
Located in the park of the same name, this spot is perfect for adults who just want to soak up the sounds of nature.
10. Gardner Lake (Salem) Enjoy a day of swimming where the crowds are normally small.
Gardner Lake State Park, 208 Old Colchester Rd, Salem, CT 06420, USA
george pollock/Flickr
And then enjoy this beautiful sight before heading home.

I hope this has you packing a bag to try out one of the best swimming holes in Connecticut. Or head out to cool off in one of these other 10 swimming spots in Connecticut to visit this summer. If you’ve had a chance to dip in to one of these natural swimming holes in Connecticut, tell us about it! Are there any other ones we should know about?

Address: Burr Pond, Torrington, CT 06790, USA
Address: Enders State Forest, Granby, CT 06035, USA
Address: Undermountain Trail, Salisbury, CT 06068, USA
Address: Salmon River, Colchester, CT 06415, USA
Address: Bigelow Hollow State Park, 298 Bigelow Hollow Rd, Union, CT 06076, USA
Address: Dianas Pool Road, Dianas Pool Rd, Chaplin, CT 06235, USA
Address: Indian Well Road, Indian Well Rd, Shelton, CT 06484, USA
Address: Gardner Lake State Park, 208 Old Colchester Rd, Salem, CT 06420, USA
Address: Satans Kingdom Road, Satans Kingdom Rd, New Hartford, CT, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Here Are 10 Connecticut Swimming Holes That Will Make Your Summer Cool

May 23, 2022
Carolyn Harmon

Where is another awesome swimming spot in Connecticut?
Ocean Beach Park in New London offers a huge boardwalk, surrounded by white sand. The beach brings a variety of activities, such as an Olympic-sized pool, mini golf, waterslides, and rides. Different visiting and pricing options are available, from day-to-season passes.

Where is another natural swimming hole in Connecticut?
Black Rock Pond gives a variety of recreational options, while enjoying breathtaking scenic views. From swimming, hiking, to an Indian legend, all of this and more is awaiting your visit to Black Rock State Park in Watertown.

What is the best restaurant near a swimming hole in Connecticut?
The 440 Line is a convenient, rural restaurant for people visiting New Fairfield, near Squantz Pond State Park, the Pootatuck State Forest, and Candlewood Lake. Whether you’re in the mood for a full meal, snacks on the patio, or moseying up to the bar, enjoy the craft beer and delicious specials at this unique sports bar. Or try a Friday night event of Bonfire and Beer Buckets, where the friendly staff will make you feel welcome.

Address: Burr Pond, Torrington, CT 06790, USA
Address: Enders State Forest, Granby, CT 06035, USA
Address: Undermountain Trail, Salisbury, CT 06068, USA
Address: Salmon River, Colchester, CT 06415, USA
Address: Bigelow Hollow State Park, 298 Bigelow Hollow Rd, Union, CT 06076, USA
Address: Dianas Pool Road, Dianas Pool Rd, Chaplin, CT 06235, USA
Address: Indian Well Road, Indian Well Rd, Shelton, CT 06484, USA
Address: Gardner Lake State Park, 208 Old Colchester Rd, Salem, CT 06420, USA
Address: Satans Kingdom Road, Satans Kingdom Rd, New Hartford, CT, USA