Haviland Pond

Ludlow, Massachusetts · on Haviland Pond

Verified · 4 independent sources · top-verified

WATER: pond
ACCESS: Designated swim area
FEE: No fee found
SEASON: Best in summer

About Haviland Pond

Haviland Pond, also known locally as Chapin Pond, is a 28-acre pond in Ludlow, Massachusetts, off Center Street (Route 21), roughly 1.2 miles from downtown, making it one of the closest places to swim to town. The Town of Ludlow maintains a small beach and boat ramp that serve as the local summer swimming hole and a fishing and paddling spot, while the pond itself is stocked and managed by the state's Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

The pond sits in a mostly wooded, semi-residential part of Hampden County near Ludlow's town center. One first-hand paddling account describes the shoreline as surrounded by mixed hardwood forest with minimal development, while another describes the shore as developed with homes; the two accounts conflict on how built-up the immediate shoreline is.

Swimming at Haviland Pond

Swimming happens at a small town-managed beach on the pond's shore rather than out in open water; the pond averages about 13 feet deep with a maximum of 33 feet, and is described by one aggregator as a small, family-friendly, low-key spot rather than a destination for long swims. It is a calm, flat-water pond with no current or waves, suited to casual local swimmers and families rather than swimmers seeking a dramatic natural feature.

How to get to this swimming hole

Located off Center Street (Route 21) in Ludlow, MA; one source gives the boat ramp address as 507 Center Street, while another describes access via Chapin Street just minutes from downtown Ludlow.

Parking: A town-managed lot at the boat ramp holds about 3 trailers and 6 cars per the state's official pond page; a paddling directory instead describes parking for roughly a dozen vehicles.

The walk in

No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up pond access, not a hike-in spot. A paved/concrete boat ramp and the adjacent town beach sit right at the edge of the parking lot, with no trail involved.

Plan your visit

Bringing kids

OK with supervision

A paddling directory rates the pond 'beginner difficulty' with calm, flat water and no significant current or wave hazards, making the physical setting good for kids. Caution is warranted because the town has issued periodic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) advisories (most recently effective July 24, 2026) that prohibit swimming and pet/water contact until testing clears the water, so conditions should be checked before a visit.

Parking

Free

Town-managed lot at the boat ramp; a paddling directory describes room for about a dozen vehicles (an official state source separately describes roughly 3 trailer spots plus 6 car spots). No entrance fee is charged, but the lot can fill on nice weekend days in peak summer season.

Water clarity

Clear

A first-hand paddling account (thepaddlinghub.com) describes 'crystal clear water' at the pond, consistent with the prior dossier's note of 'notably clear water' for a pond reaching 33 ft deep.

Swim smart

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms occur periodically and trigger town health advisories that ban swimming, boating, and pet/water contact until toxin testing shows safe levels; check current advisory status before visiting.

Rules: Only electric boat motors are permitted (no gas motors). Shore fishing is allowed at the adjacent town beach once it opens for the season around Memorial Day. Swimming, boating, water contact, and pet access are prohibited during periodic cyanobacteria (harmful algae bloom) advisories issued by the town with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, most recently effective July 24, 2026.

This is an informational listing, not an invitation. Conditions and access change; verify locally before you go. Visiting any swimming hole is at your own risk. See our Terms of Use.

On the water

KayaksCanoesPaddleboards

Restrictions: Electric motors only, gas outboard motors are prohibited (per Mass.gov's official pond page, carried over from prior research). A paddling directory separately corroborates that no motorboats are referenced for the pond and rates it beginner-friendly flat water with no significant current or wave hazards.

Paddling season runs roughly ice-out in March through late November per thepaddlinghub.com; the concrete boat ramp gives easy carry-in/launch access with space to gear up. No rental concession operates on site.

What regulars say

One paddler's first-hand account calls it a 'hidden gem' offering solitude even on peak-season weekends compared to busier local paddling spots, while cautioning that afternoon winds can pick up on the open water and that summer visitors should plan for bugs (repellent/sun protection). Crowdsourced information on the spot is otherwise sparse; what little exists rates it merely 'okay' for families, which reflects thin data rather than a strong negative signal.

Haviland Pond: FAQ

Is Haviland Pond kid friendly?

Do I need to hike to reach Haviland Pond?

No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.

Where do I park for Haviland Pond?

Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Haviland Pond?

When is the best time to visit Haviland Pond?

Summer (June-September) for beach/swimming use; spring and fall are best for trout fishing since the pond is stocked each spring and fall.

What are the rules at Haviland Pond?

Only electric boat motors are permitted (no gas motors). Shore fishing is allowed at the adjacent town beach once it opens for the season around Memorial Day. Swimming, boating, water contact, and pet access are prohibited during periodic cyanobacteria (harmful algae bloom) advisories issued by the town with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, most recently effective July 24, 2026.

What water body is Haviland Pond on?

Haviland Pond is on Haviland Pond, a natural pond verified in USGS hydrography data.