Day Trips From Hartford And Tolland Counties: Great Swimming Holes

CONNECTICUT — As the calendar approaches the end of July, or the midpoint of a scorching summer, our weekly look at day trips takes us to some great swimming holes in Connecticut. All of them are located less than 70 miles from some outpost towns in Hartford and Tolland counties.

In most cases, picnic areas and hiking trails are nearby, so pack a lunch and make a day of it.

Diana's Pool, Chaplin

Diana’s Pool is a water access and fishing area along the Natchaug River. The main swimming hole is a large bowl sculpted out of rock just below a 3-foot waterfall.

Gardner Lake, Salem

Encompassing 528 acres in the towns of Bozrah, Montville, and Salem, Gardner Lake is not only a favorite spot for swimming, but also for fishing and boating.

Lake Waramaug, New Preston

At a whopping 655 acres, Lake Waramaug is big enough for swimmers and boaters alike. Each May, it hosts the Connecticut Public Schools Rowing Association state championships.

Travel Distances and Times

Here are the approximate travel distances and times to drive to each swimming spot from three outlying communities in the region - Mansfield, Southington and Granby.

Diana's Pool
from Mansfield - 7 miles (13 minutes)
from Southington - 52 miles (62 minutes)
from Granby - 51 miles (59 minutes)

Gardner Lake
from Mansfield - 27 miles (42 minutes)
from Southington - 52 miles (58 minutes)
from Granby - 51 miles (59 minutes)

Lake Waramaug
from Mansfield - 69 miles (106 minutes)
from Southington - 40 miles (57 minutes)
from Granby - 45 miles (63 minutes)

Photos: Google Maps