SWIMMING

SWIMMING

Something about swimming in a river is so memorable that both children and adults can often recall the images for the rest of their lives. The ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and ocean beaches of the Ipswich River Watershed provide some great places to swim. Our mission, in part, is to ensure the river keeps flowing with clean, reliable, swimmable water.

Here are a few suggestions of places to swim in the Ipswich River watershed.


IN THE RIVER

The Ipswich River in summer is typically warm and slow-moving, and has some wonderful places to have lots of fun. One of the best things about the Ipswich River is that it is much less polluted than many other rivers in Massachusetts, and typically bacterial contamination is not a big problem in dry weather. After heavy rains, however, there are areas of the watershed where pollution has been a problem in the past. 

Be aware that in flood conditions, the Ipswich River is very powerful and is not safe for swimming or even wading. If the current is swift the river can be especially dangerous. Other potential hazards include slippery rocks, drop offs from shallow sections to deep pools, underwater snags, etc. Diving is not advised. Swimmers should be aware of possible risks, use common sense, observe all safety precautions and have fun!

  • Thunder Bridge East Street, Middleton a small sandy town beach and a round “scour hole” type pond below the bridge. During the summer season there is parking for residents only – cars parked along East Street will be ticketed and possibly towed.
  • Ipswich River Park, North Reading while a wonderful place to walk, paddle and enjoy the river, swimming is unsanctioned.
  • Many other spots along the river lend themselves to a dip during a leisurely paddle down river on a summer’s day, or sliding down a riffle (with life jacket on) when the current is slow.

ALONG THE COAST

The Ipswich River Watershed has a very small coastal area, but it is located amidst some of the most wonderful beaches in Massachusetts including Crane Beach, Sandy Point State Reservation and Pavilion Beach.

  • Crane Beach/Steep Hill Beach, Ipswich is one of the premier beaches in Massachusetts. The beach and adjoining properties are owned by the Trustees of Reservations, with entrance and parking fees. In addition to miles of wonderful sandy beach, the Crane Reservation includes a great self-guided trail leading from the parking area, over around and through the back dunes all the way to to the mouth of the Essex River. Stay to the trail! You’ll see how the dunes migrate away from the sea, covering trees as they move.
  • Sandy Point State Reservation located at the southern end of Plum Island, this is a lovely spot. Sandy Point adjoins the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, one of the ecological treasures of the North Shore. While the beach at PRNWR is closed in the spring/early summer to protect nests of endangered plovers and terns, the Sandy Point State Park beach is open at the end of the island. Sandy Point is not subject to the entrance fee for the refuge – though consider paying the fee or buying a year pass to the refuge anyway, to support this outstanding national ecological resource.
  • Pavilion Beach, Little Neck Road, Ipswich is a small barrier beach connecting Great Neck and Little Neck, two drumlins (glacially-formed hills) bounding the Ipswich River estuary.  There is no charge for parking/access to Pavilion Beach.

LAKES & PONDS

While there are many places in the watershed where swimming is permitted, only some are open to the public-at-large, while others have restrictions regarding parking or access.

  • Berry Pond Harold Parker State Forest, Andover a tiny sandy beach with terraced lawn and picnicking areas, handicapped-accessible trails, bathroom facilities and a gazebo. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day; parking fee charged.
  • Frye Pond Harold Parker State Forest, Andover this campground has a small beach open to the public, except during busy periods when it is open only to campers. Call Harold Parker for more info at 978-686-3391. Swimming is not authorized at other locations in the state forest.
  • Silver Lake in Wilmington a sandy beach with a basic bathhouse facility. Canoes can also be rented here.
  • Martin’s Pond in North Reading a small sandy beach, but check the Town website before swimming as there have been poor water quality issues in the past.
  • Hoods Pond in Topsfield and Ipswich a lake located at the junction of the towns of Topsfield, Boxford and Ipswich. Most of the shoreline is part of Willowdale State Forest or the John Nutter Town Forest. There is a small beach at the southwestern end, with parking off Route 97. There is a fee for non-Topsfield-residents, and a limit is set on the number of people at the beach, with priority on busy days for residents/members of the beach association. Contact the Topsfield Town Clerk at 978-887-3799 for more information.
  • Stiles Pond, Boxford a town beach for Boxford residents only; must have an identification tag for entry.