Hampton Ponds State Park
State park
4.3 (445)
1048 N Rd, Westfield, MA 01085
Familiar hub for recreation, with boating, fishing & swimming areas, plus picnic facilities.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Regional Historical River And Waterfall ApproachesMA
Huntington Region Swimming Holes
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Huntington River Stops: Gardner Rules, Knightville and Legal Trails. Current access, parking and manager-specific services for planning a responsible visit.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
Gardner walking, picnicking, fishing and paddle launch without swimming. Knightville recreation and legal Keystone Arch hiking; exact informal pool permission unresolved. C.M. Gardner summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no swimming. Confirm each park or project calendar and flood conditions independently.
Water type
Regional Historical River And Waterfall Approaches
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
C.M. Gardner seasonal parking May 23 to September 7: $5 Massachusetts vehicles, $20 nonresident vehicles. Other current charges and group bookings must be checked with the relevant manager.
Best season
C.M. Gardner summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no swimming. Confirm each park or project calendar and flood conditions independently
Nearby towns
Springfield, Westfield, Huntington, Chester
Water body
Westfield River Branches And Goldmine Brook
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Springfield, Westfield, Huntington, Chester
Access location not verified
CHESTER, MA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Five historical stops require different rules and approaches
The Huntington regional archive combines Moltenbrey's Market, C.M. Gardner State Park, Knightville Dam, Goldmine Brook and the Arches. Current manager rules contradict parts of the old swimming advice. Keep each destination's permission and facilities separate rather than treating the region as five open swimming holes.
C.M. Gardner is for river recreation without swimming
DCR explicitly says no swimming at C.M. Gardner State Park. Its current activities include walking, picnicking, fishing and canoeing or kayaking. The park has a canoe launch, grills, picnic area and restrooms. Its old roped beach and lifeguard description is withdrawn.
Knightville is a flood-control project with scoped services
USACE confirms a dam-site picnic area and group facilities at Indian Hollow, including showers and drinking water at the group campground. Those services contradict the archive's blanket no-facilities claim but do not establish bathing permission at every upstream pool. Check project conditions and booking requirements; flood-control operations can affect access.
Use waterfall and arch trails for their lawful purpose
Chester-Blandford State Forest supports hiking and picnicking; DCR's no-swimming restriction specifically names Sanderson Brook Falls, not a blanket prohibition for every regional waterway. Current swimming permission at the archived Goldmine potholes is not established. The Keystone Arch trail steward says the trail ends before the active CSX line and entering that railway is illegal and dangerous. The archive's instructions to walk active tracks are withdrawn.
Do not assume permission at the market riverbank
The archived Moltenbrey route crosses an informal lot and an old mill reach with submerged debris. Current lot permission, maintained water entry and lifeguard service are unresolved. Do not use shop parking or descend unknown banks based on an old river-pool description.
Plan with the responsible manager
Getting There
Use each manager's current entrance and route. Do not follow the archive onto active railroad tracks, use unapproved market parking or descend unsigned banks. C.M. Gardner's river access is not swimming access.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use each manager's current entrance and route. Do not follow the archive onto active railroad tracks, use unapproved market parking or descend unsigned banks. C.M. Gardner's river access is not swimming access.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Gardner walking, picnicking, fishing and paddle launch without swimming. Knightville recreation and legal Keystone Arch hiking; exact informal pool permission unresolved. C.M. Gardner summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no swimming. Confirm each park or project calendar and flood conditions independently. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Hampton Pond Car Park Area
Park
4 (2)
168 New Apremont Way, Westfield, MA 01085
Westfield River Esplanade
Park
4.9 (39)
Westfield, MA 01085
Granville Gorge
Hiking area
4.6 (201)
Southwick, MA 01077
Chesterfield Gorge
Nature preserve
4.8 (225)
River Rd, West Chesterfield, MA 01084
Public restroom
Robinson State Park
State park
4.6 (499)
428 North St, Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Natural area with a river & multi-use trails, plus activities such as fishing, canoeing & swimming.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomSwings
Pioneer Valley RV Campground
Campground
4.1 (246)
233 S Loomis St, Southwick, MA 01077
Southwick Acres Campgrounds
Campground
4.4 (101)
264 College Hwy, Southwick, MA 01077
Public restroomRestroomTent sitesWi-Fi
Frequently Asked Questions About Huntington Region Swimming Holes
Can we swim at C.M. Gardner State Park?
No. DCR's current restrictions explicitly prohibit swimming. The archived roped beach and lifeguard description is no longer visitor guidance.
Is it legal to walk the railroad to the Arches pool?
No. The Keystone Arch trail steward says entering the active CSX rail line is illegal and dangerous. Stay on the legal trail and return where it ends.
Does Knightville have toilets or camping?
USACE identifies dam-site picnic facilities and a separate Indian Hollow group campground with bathrooms, showers and drinking water. Confirm group booking; these amenities are not available at every riverbank.
Does the forest ban swimming at Goldmine Brook?
The current Chester-Blandford page specifically prohibits swimming at Sanderson Brook Falls. That cannot be transferred as a blanket ban to Goldmine Brook, but current permission at the archived Goldmine potholes remains unverified.
Can we use Moltenbrey's lot to reach the river?
Current visitor parking permission is unresolved. Obtain approval rather than treating an old informal lot description as an invitation, and avoid the mill debris reach.
What does Gardner parking cost?
DCR publishes $5 for Massachusetts vehicles and $20 for nonresident vehicles during its May 23 to September 7 parking-fee period. This is not swimming admission.
Highlights
Historical Moltenbrey Market swimming spot
Family-friendly Gardner State Park
Exploratory Knightville Dam pools
Secluded Goldmine Brook Potholes
Architectural wonder at The Arches
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid jumping, diving, natural slides and high or rising flow
- A recreation listing or clear appearance is not a water-quality or depth guarantee
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical directions are retained separately; use current manager instructions for travel.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from currently lawful viewpoints; no exact water-entry photograph is approved here.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow current manager routes and fire restrictions, respect private parcels and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
C.M. Gardner summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no swimming. Confirm each park or project calendar and flood conditions independently.
Difficulty Level
Use the intended legal route and confirm mobility needs; no surveyed accessible bathing entry established.
Fee
C.M. Gardner seasonal parking May 23 to September 7: $5 Massachusetts vehicles, $20 nonresident vehicles. Other current charges and group bookings must be checked with the relevant manager.
Facilities
C.M. Gardner: canoe launch, grills, picnic area and restrooms. Knightville dam-site picnic facilities; Indian Hollow group campground has bathrooms, showers and water. These services do not belong to all five archived banks.
Activities
Gardner walking, picnicking, fishing and paddle launch without swimming. Knightville recreation and legal Keystone Arch hiking; exact informal pool permission unresolved.
Phone
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Chester-Blandford prohibits camping. Knightville has separately managed group camping; confirm reservations and terms. No general overnight permission at informal pools or the railway.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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