The site of the old Plympton Cotton Factory, which manufactured cotton goods from 1812 to 1926. In the 1950s the town and the Army Corps of Engineers built a swimming hole here; the water is no longer considered suitable for swimming, so today the 16-acre site is used mainly for fishing, picnicking, and two short riverside walks.
What to expect
Trails
Two short, easy 0.1-mile paths: one crosses the Winnetuxet River and continues…
Dogs
Off the owner's property a dog must be restrained by a leash or chain under seven feet, or kept under the owner's immediate care and control. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
Fishing
Allowed per Massachusetts freshwater fishing regulations; the river is stocked with brown trout
Managed by
Town of Plympton Conservation Commission
781-317-9317 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Benches
Benches provided along the riverside paths.
Picnic area
Picnic tables provided on-site.
Common questions
Is Winnetuxett Swimming Hole Conservation Area open today?
Winnetuxett Swimming Hole Conservation Area is a public preserve in Plympton, MA. There is no live closure feed for preserves & forests; the town's site is the authority for temporary closures.
Can I still swim here despite the name?
Not as of mid-2026. The Army Corps of Engineers built the swimming hole with the town back in the 1950s, but the site is no longer considered suitable for swimming and now functions more as a fishing and picnic spot.
What was here before it was conservation land?
A cotton mill operated on this site from 1812 to 1926 under John Avery Parker.
Where do I park at Winnetuxett Swimming Hole Conservation Area?
Free lot (free).
Are there trails at Winnetuxett Swimming Hole Conservation Area?
Yes. Two short, easy 0.1-mile paths: one crosses the Winnetuxet River and continues….
Can I bring my dog to Winnetuxett Swimming Hole Conservation Area?
Off the owner's property a dog must be restrained by a leash or chain under seven feet, or kept under the owner's immediate care and control. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.