Mohawk Trail Sightseeing Parking
Public parking space
5 (5)
J2RR+FF, Drury, MA 01343
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Dcr Inland Designated Swimming Area Within A State ForestMA
Mohawk State Forest Swimming Holes In Western Massachusetts
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Mohawk Trail State Forest: Cold River Pool and Seasonal Services. Current access, parking and manager-specific services for planning a responsible visit.
Swimming restriction
Designated seasonal swimming at Cold River Pool, unguarded in 2026; hiking, camping, fishing and paddling according to forest rules. Cold River Pool's published 2026 swimming season May 23 to September 7, unguarded. General forest day use sunrise to sunset; check the next waterfront schedule and current notices.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Dcr Inland Designated Swimming Area Within A State Forest
Access
Informal
Fee
Manager lists parking available without a current daily amount here. Tent camping $17 per night Massachusetts residents, $54 nonresidents; group and cabin rates differ and require reservations.
Best season
Cold River Pool's published 2026 swimming season May 23 to September 7, unguarded. General forest day use sunrise to sunset
Nearby towns
Greenfield, Williamstown, Charlemont
Water body
Designated Cold River Pool
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Greenfield, Williamstown, Charlemont
Access location not verified
CHARLEMONT, MA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Mohawk State Forest Swimming Holes In Western Massachusetts
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
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
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- 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.
Use the designated Cold River Pool, not an invented pair of wild pools
Mohawk Trail State Forest in Charlemont has a DCR-designated swimming area at Cold River Pool. The legacy two-place URL is preserved, but no original directions survive in this record and two current independent bathing entrances are not established. Use the manager's named swim area and camping-area map.
The 2026 swimming season has ended
DCR's current waterfront table lists Cold River Pool's 2026 season as May 23 through September 7 and labels it unguarded. October 14 is outside that published swimming-service season. This does not mean the whole forest is closed; the manager lists general day-use hours from sunrise to sunset.
Match your route to Cold River Road
The manager's address is Cold River Road, Charlemont. Its camping-area map labels the Cold River pool and nearby campground routes. Check current posted access rather than parking on an arbitrary shoulder or looking for hidden pools from a general forest pin.
Book camping separately from a swimming visit
The forest advertises 53 wooded campsites, six overnight log cabins, grills, picnic areas, a pavilion and restrooms. Campsites are offered mid-May through mid-October with reservations required. Tent camping is listed at $17 per night for Massachusetts residents and $54 for nonresidents; cabin and group rates differ. Pets are prohibited in cabins, and alcohol and littering are prohibited in the forest.
Plan with the responsible manager
Autumn river scenery in the gallery
The historical photograph shows exposed boulders, moving river water and autumn-colored hills. It adds forest scenery but does not establish the designated Cold River Pool entrance, a wading route or today's water level. The published 2026 unguarded swimming season ended September 7; autumn colors in a photograph are not authorization to enter any pictured river section. Check the specific seasonal swim area and current DCR notices separately from a woodland outing.
Getting There
Use DCR's Cold River Road, Charlemont address and camping-area map for the named Cold River Pool. Confirm current access with the forest; no second pool or arbitrary roadside entrance is established.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use DCR's Cold River Road, Charlemont address and camping-area map for the named Cold River Pool. Confirm current access with the forest; no second pool or arbitrary roadside entrance is established.
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
Designated seasonal swimming at Cold River Pool, unguarded in 2026; hiking, camping, fishing and paddling according to forest rules. Cold River Pool's published 2026 swimming season May 23 to September 7, unguarded. General forest day use sunrise to sunset; check the next waterfront schedule and current notices. 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.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
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
Mohawk Trail Campground HQ
Campground
4.2 (21)
Cold River Rd, Charlemont, MA 01339
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Shunpike Rest Area
Picnic ground
4.6 (118)
1359 Mohawk Trail, Charlemont, MA 01339
Mohawk Trail State Forest
State park
4.6 (259)
Cold River Rd, Charlemont, MA 01339
6,000+ acres of woodland for hiking, rivers & streams for fishing, plus cabins & multiple campsites.
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
Mohican Trail Multi-Use Path: Eastern Trailhead
Hiking area
3.5 (2)
Williamstown, MA 01267
Wahconah Falls State Park
State park
4.7 (480)
68 Wahconah Falls Rd, Dalton, MA 01226
48-acre wooded state park with waterfalls, picnic areas & hiking trails, plus fishing & restrooms.
Barbecue grillPicnic tables
Privacy Campground
Campground
4.8 (65)
2458 Hancock Rd, Williamstown, MA 01267
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Historic Valley Park
Park
4.5 (267)
200 Windsor Lake Rd, North Adams, MA 01247
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomSlides
Frequently Asked Questions About Mohawk State Forest Swimming Holes In Western Massachusetts
Where is the designated swimming area?
DCR identifies Cold River Pool at Mohawk Trail State Forest in Charlemont. Use the manager's camping-area map, not an assumed pair of wild river pools.
Are lifeguards provided?
DCR's 2026 waterfront schedule labels Cold River Pool unguarded. Do not expect a lifeguard when planning your visit.
Is the swimming season still open in October?
The published 2026 Cold River Pool season ends September 7. October is outside that swimming-service calendar, though the forest's general day-use hours are sunrise to sunset.
How do I find the entrance?
The forest manager lists Cold River Road, Charlemont. Follow the current DCR map and posted routes to Cold River Pool, rather than parking at an arbitrary roadside shoulder.
Can we reserve a campsite or cabin?
Yes. The forest advertises 53 campsites and six cabins, with reservations required. Campsites are offered mid-May through mid-October; check availability and separate cabin or group rates.
Are dogs and alcohol allowed?
The forest prohibits alcohol and littering, and pets are prohibited in cabins. General dogs-allowed information is not permission to take a pet into the swimming area; check its posted waterfront rules.
Highlights
Clear waters
Scenic forest trails
Diverse wildlife
Historical towns nearby
Rock ledge diving spots
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
The reviewed historical gallery shows rocky river and autumn woodland scenery in the state-forest collection. It does not establish the designated Cold River Pool entrance or current swimming-season availability.
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
Cold River Pool's published 2026 swimming season May 23 to September 7, unguarded. General forest day use sunrise to sunset; check the next waterfront schedule and current notices.
Difficulty Level
Use the intended legal route and confirm mobility needs; no surveyed accessible bathing entry established.
Fee
Manager lists parking available without a current daily amount here. Tent camping $17 per night Massachusetts residents, $54 nonresidents; group and cabin rates differ and require reservations.
Facilities
Forest grills, pavilion, picnic areas and restrooms; designated swim area on camping map. Accessible cabins, picnic facilities and restrooms do not establish an accessible water-entry route. Cold River Pool unguarded in 2026.
Activities
Designated seasonal swimming at Cold River Pool, unguarded in 2026; hiking, camping, fishing and paddling according to forest rules.
Phone
413-339-5504
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
53 wooded campsites and six overnight cabins advertised. Campsites available mid-May through mid-October with reservations required. Pets prohibited in cabins.
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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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