Greenfield Beach
Greenfield, Massachusetts · on Green River · Green River Swimming Area
Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- river
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $5
- SEASON
- June
About Greenfield Beach
Greenfield Beach, officially the Green River Swimming & Recreation Area, is a city-run swimming hole on the Green River at Nash's Mill Road in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The town has operated a dammed, in-stream swimming pool with a sand beach here since the 1930s, making this a lifeguarded stretch of river to swim in, complete with concessions and a large riverside park.
The facility sits on a 22-acre municipal parcel along the Green River, split into a south side (developed with the swim area, pavilion, and playground) and a north side (large grassy picnic area with about 35 numbered tables, water access via concrete stairs, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the two banks). It is reachable via the Riverside Community Bike Path, and the property was acquired by the town between 1929 and 1933, with WPA crews adding a bathhouse, tennis courts, and softball diamond in 1936-1937.
Swimming at Greenfield Beach
Swimming takes place in an in-stream section of the Green River that has been developed into a lifeguarded swimming pool with an adjoining sand beach, plus a separate toddler play/wading area for young children. This is a supervised, family-oriented river swim area rather than an unimproved natural hole, with concessions, restrooms, and showers on site.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located on Nash's Mill Road in Greenfield, MA; the official site provides a Google Maps link to that address. The park is also accessible on foot/bike via the Riverside Community Bike Path.
Parking: Gravel parking lot on site per the official recreation department page.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Drive-up municipal facility with an on-site gravel parking lot directly adjacent to the swim area; no hike or trail is involved. The site is also reachable on foot or bike via the Riverside Community Bike Path. Land manager pages do not give a specific lot-to-water walk distance, but the developed park is small (22 acres) and the walk from parking to the beach is short.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
Good for kids
Purpose-built as a family swim facility: lifeguarded in-stream pool with a sand beach plus a separate toddler play/wading area. Official rules require anyone under 9 to be accompanied by a person 16 or older, and posted signage reminds parents that 'lifeguards cannot babysit,' so supervision is still expected even with guards present.
Parking
Free
On-site gravel parking lot; the official site does not describe a separate parking fee. Note that a per-person daily admission fee (or season pass) is required to enter the swim area itself, distinct from parking.
Restrooms
Yes
Restrooms and showers are located in the concession building on the south side of the park, near the main swim area and pavilion.
Hours
2026 season: daily operation June 20-Aug 23 (plus partial-opening weekends June 6-7, June 13-14, and closing weekends Aug 29-30, Sept 5-7); weekday hours 11am-7pm, weekend hours 10am-8pm, July 4th 7am-8pm.
On the water
Restrictions: Official park rules state only 'Coast Guard approved flotation devices' are permitted in the swim area; no mention of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or boats being allowed.
This is a small, dammed in-stream municipal swimming pool on the Green River, not a boating destination -- no boat launch, paddling access, or watercraft rentals are advertised by the land manager.
Backstory
Land acquired by the Town of Greenfield 1929-1933; WPA (Works Progress Administration) crews built a bathhouse, tennis courts, and softball diamond in 1936-1937. The swim area won the 'Franklin Favorites' Outdoor Recreation Area award in 2018.
Greenfield Beach: FAQ
Does Greenfield Beach charge a fee?
2026 daily admission: residents $5 adults/$4 youth (3-18)/$3 seniors (55+)/free under 3; non-residents $10/$8/$6. Season passes: resident family $65, individual $40, senior $30; non-resident family $95, individual $55, senior $40. Veterans get $1 off daily rates; twilight rate (5pm-close) is half price.
Is Greenfield Beach kid friendly?
Purpose-built as a family swim facility: lifeguarded in-stream pool with a sand beach plus a separate toddler play/wading area. Official rules require anyone under 9 to be accompanied by a person 16 or older, and posted signage reminds parents that 'lifeguards cannot babysit,' so supervision is still expected even with guards present.
Do I need to hike to reach Greenfield Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Greenfield Beach?
On-site gravel parking lot; the official site does not describe a separate parking fee. Note that a per-person daily admission fee (or season pass) is required to enter the swim area itself, distinct from parking.
When is the best time to visit Greenfield Beach?
Officially operating daily June 20 through August 23 (2026 season), with partial opening/closing weekends June 6-7, June 13-14, August 29-30, and September 5-7.
What are the rules at Greenfield Beach?
Children younger than 9 must be accompanied by someone 16 or older; dogs prohibited June 1 through November 1; weekly water quality testing is conducted per state health regulations; no refunds on season passes after May 31.
What water body is Greenfield Beach on?
Greenfield Beach is on Green River, a natural river verified in USGS hydrography data.
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