Swimming Holes in CT

Discover 12 amazing natural swimming destinations across CT. From pristine lakes to refreshing rivers, find your perfect swimming spot.

12
Swimming Holes
6
Types
3
Free Access
9
Fee Required
12 locations found
River
Fee

Chaplin Natchaug River Swimming Spots

HARTFORD

Explore Diana's Pool on the Natchaug River. Find directions, safety tips, and key info for visiting this scenic but unofficial swimming area in Chaplin, Connecticut.

Natchaug River
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Brook
Fee

COTTON HOLLOW

GLASTONBURY

A guide to the unofficial Cotton Hollow swimming hole on Roaring Brook in Glastonbury, CT. Find directions, safety tips, and what to know before you visit.

Roaring Brook
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Stream
Fee

HOTCH**KISSVILLE BRIDGE

WOODBURY

Unofficial swimming hole on the Weekeepeemee River in Connecticut. Find directions, parking info, and safety tips for swimming and rope swings.

Weekeepeemee River
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Falls/River
Fee

INDIAN WELL STATE PARK

BRIDGEPORT

Visit Indian Well State Park in Shelton, CT for a waterfall and river beach. Find directions, fees, and safety tips for swimming and hiking.

Unknown creek and Housatonic River
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Lake
Fee

LAKE MASHAPAUG

STAFFORD SPRINGS

A guide to swimming at Lake Mashapaug in CT's Bigelow Hollow State Park. Find directions, trail info to Rock Island, and essential safety tips.

Lake Mashapaug
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Lake
Free

MILLER POND

MIDDLETOWN

Plan your visit to Miller Pond in CT. Get driving directions, parking tips, and safety advice for this scenic swimming spot in Middletown and Durham.

Miller Pond State Park
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Brook
Fee

MOUNT HOPE BROOK

HARTFORD

Guide to the unofficial Mount Hope Brook swimming hole in Mansfield, CT. Find directions, parking info, safety tips, and what to know before you go.

Mount Hope Brook
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Creek
Fee

RIGA FALLS

SALISBURY

A guide to Riga Falls in Salisbury, CT. Find directions, safety tips, and access details for this unofficial swimming and wading spot on Wachocastinook Creek.

Wachocastinook Creek
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River
Fee

SALMON RIVER

HARTFORD

Find the unofficial Salmon River swimming area near the Comstock Covered Bridge. Get directions, safety tips, and what to know before you visit.

Salmon River and tributary
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River
Free

SCANTIC RAPIDS

HAZARDVILLE

Find directions and visitor tips for Scantic Rapids, an unofficial swimming and sliding spot on the Scantic River in Hazardville, CT.

Scantic River
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River
Fee

SATANS KINGDOM

HARTFORD

Visit Satan's Kingdom in New Hartford, CT for tubing on the Farmington River, swimming, and picnics. Find directions, fees, and safety tips.

West Branch Farmington River
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River
Free

SAUGATUCK RIVER

NORWALK

A guide to the unofficial Saugatuck River swimming hole near Norwalk, CT. Includes directions, safety tips, and essential visitor information.

Saugatuck River
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Safety & Responsibility

  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, and hazards change quickly.
  • Follow posted signs and local regulations. Do not trespass.
  • Never jump or dive without checking depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for non‑swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

Overview

CT features 12 natural swimming spots across 6 water types. Expect varying access and conditions by season; arrive early on weekends, pack out trash, and always verify current rules and water levels before you go.

Explore More Swimming Adventures

Ready to discover more? Check out swimming holes in other states or browse our complete directory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many swimming holes are in CT?
Our directory lists 12 natural swimming destinations in CT, spanning 4 water types: Rivers (5), Brooks (2), Lakes (2), Streams (1). Of these, 3 (25%) are free to access and 9 require an entry fee or parking pass.
What types of swimming spots does CT have?
CT's 12 listed swimming destinations include rivers and creeks with natural swimming access, lakes and reservoirs, and waterfall plunge pools. Notable water bodies include Natchaug River, Roaring Brook, Weekeepeemee River, Unknown creek and Housatonic River, Lake Mashapaug.
Which swimming holes in CT are free?
3 of the 12 swimming holes in CT (25%) are listed as free to access. The remaining 9 are in managed areas such as state parks or national forests that charge a day-use or parking fee — typically $5–$10 per vehicle. Always verify current fee information with the managing agency before your visit, as prices change.
Where are the best areas to find swimming holes in CT?
Swimming destinations in CT are clustered around HARTFORD, WILLIMANTIC, CHAPLIN, GLASTONBURY. 11 of the listed sites are officially sanctioned swimming areas, typically in state or national parks with better access and signage. 1 are informal or unofficial access points — these require more research before visiting.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in CT?
Based on the conditions reported across CT's listed sites, spring tends to offer the best swimming conditions — warm enough water with manageable crowds. Late spring is ideal for waterfall flows; check USGS streamflow data before visiting any river site after rainfall. Always check current weather and water conditions before heading out.
Are swimming holes in CT safe for families and children?
Safety varies significantly by location. 11 officially managed sites in CT typically have clearer access, signage, and in some cases lifeguard coverage — these are generally the best starting points for families. Unofficial or backcountry swimming holes require more caution: always check water depth before letting children enter, watch for currents — even slow-looking rivers can have strong undertow, and avoid swimming during or after heavy rain. Supervise children closely at all times.
Do I need a permit or reservation to swim in CT?
Most swimming holes in CT do not require advance permits, but some high-traffic locations within national forests and popular state parks have moved to timed-entry reservation systems, especially on summer weekends. 9 sites charge a day-use or parking fee. Check the official website of the land management agency — US Forest Service (fs.usda.gov), BLM (blm.gov), or your state parks authority — for the most current access rules before your trip.