Upper Goose Pond

About Upper Goose Pond

Tucked into the forested hills of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, Upper Goose Pond rewards those willing to earn their swim. This unofficial freshwater gem sits along one of America's most beloved long-distance trails, offering a rare combination of athletic purpose and pure, unhurried relaxation. The pond's clear water shimmers through a canopy of hemlock and hardwood, and the sense of stillness here feels genuinely earned — a world away from crowded beaches and chlorinated pools.

The Setting and Landscape

The journey to Upper Goose Pond is part of the experience. You'll follow the Appalachian Trail for 1.7 miles through terrain that shifts between root-threaded footpaths and gently rolling forest floor, with some uneven sections that keep your attention engaged. In summer, the woods are dense and cathedral-quiet, with dappled light filtering through the leaves. Come autumn, those same trees erupt in brilliant gold, amber, and crimson, turning the hike into a color-soaked spectacle. Spring brings wildflowers pushing up along the trail margins and the sounds of wildlife — birdsong, the rustle of unseen creatures — at their most active and vocal. The pond itself sits in a natural bowl of the landscape, its edges softened by vegetation and its surface open to the sky.

Swimming in Upper Goose Pond

When you finally reach the water's edge, the payoff is immediate. Upper Goose Pond is a classic New England freshwater pond — cool even in July, clear enough to see beneath the surface, and ringed by the kind of undisturbed natural shoreline that has largely disappeared from more accessible destinations. You can wade in gradually from the shore or slip into deeper water where the bottom drops away. The water carries that characteristic mineral coolness of a spring-fed pond, a shock to the skin on a hot summer afternoon that quickly gives way to pure relief. Because the site is unofficial and requires a hike to reach, the crowds that descend on more developed swimming areas rarely materialize here. On weekdays especially, you may find yourself nearly alone.

Plan Your Visit

Upper Goose Pond is accessible only on foot via the Appalachian Trail, so plan accordingly. Wear sturdy footwear suited to uneven terrain, and bring water, a towel, and anything else you need for a self-sufficient outing — facilities at the site are unknown, so do not rely on finding restrooms or amenities. The swim itself is free of charge. Because this is an unofficial swimming spot, there are no lifeguards or safety staff on site; swim at your own judgment and ability. The site is best visited in summer for swimming, though hikers return year-round for the seasonal beauty. The nearest towns — Lenox, Stockbridge, and Lee — offer a full range of dining, lodging, and cultural options in the heart of the Berkshires, making Upper Goose Pond an ideal anchor for a longer regional getaway.