The Cummington swimming hole is a well-known spot on the Westfield River in the hilltowns of western Massachusetts, just off Route 9 near the small town of Cummington. It's a deep, clear river pool — cool but not frigid — with a wide sandy beach and several smaller beaches nearby, a scenic, low-key place to swim in the Berkshire foothills that has drawn river-lovers for decades.

One distinctive feature makes the swimming here especially fun: the pool is fairly small, but the current runs at just about swimming speed, so you can stroke steadily upstream and effectively swim in place for as long as you like — a natural endless pool. The water is deep on the far side and shallow near the beach, and the whole setting, framed by forest along a classic New England river, is genuinely lovely.

A few practical notes on getting in. From Northampton, take Route 9 west; about a mile past the Cummington town sign you'll find a rest area on the left. There are two parking areas: the first has a 30-minute limit (and swimming is discouraged there), while a second lot about half a mile further west has no time limit but fills up on nice days. Final access requires wading across the river at a shallow, sometimes rope-marked crossing — the water isn't deep, but it moves quickly and the small stones on the bottom are unstable and slippery with algae, so step carefully and consider water shoes.

It's worth knowing the character of the place: Cummington is a popular, long-established clothing-optional swimming hole with a predominantly gay crowd. It's a welcoming, easygoing spot, but visitors — especially families — should simply come knowing what to expect. Be respectful of others, and note that parking rules along Route 9 are enforced, so follow the posted limits to help keep the access open for everyone.

The setting adds to the charm. The Westfield River is one of Massachusetts' designated Wild and Scenic rivers, tumbling clear and cold out of the Berkshire hills, and the quiet hilltowns around Cummington — former home of the poet William Cullen Bryant — are classic rural New England: covered bridges, old farms, and forest. A swim here pairs naturally with a scenic drive through some of western Massachusetts' prettiest countryside.

Come prepared for a natural river spot with no formal facilities: bring water shoes for the crossing and rocky areas, drinking water, sun protection, and whatever else you'll need, and pack out all your trash to keep this beautiful stretch of the Westfield clean. Summer is prime, when the water is warm and the beach is inviting. For a scenic, swim-against-the-current dip in the western Massachusetts hills, the Cummington swimming hole is a longtime local favorite.