Connecticut's Best Outdoor Swimming Destinations

Grab your suit and towel, Connecticut, it's time to go swimming!

All around the state are some great places to go swimming, and the travel and entertainment website OnlyInYourState.com recently listed a bunch.

Fortunately, most are state parks, so they shouldn't be too hard to find, and they also often offer other activities like hiking and picnicking.

"These gems are always a great pick for making a splash (and a whole lot of memories)," wrote author Taylor Ellis. "These destinations are perfect for a weekend day trip so pack a picnic and spend the afternoon swimming and exploring."

Below is the list of swimming destinations "with the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut," according to OnlyInYourState.com:

• Indian Wells, 1 Indian Well Road, Shelton
• Lake Waramaug, 30 Lake Waramaug Road, New Preston
• Bigelow Hollow State Park, 287 Bigelow Hollow Road, Union
• Riga Falls, Berkshire Drive, Salisbury
• Harvey's Beach, Great Hammock Road, Old Saybrook
• Mashamoquet Brook State Park, 147 Wolf Den Road, Pomfret Center

OnlyInYourState.com lists a seventh location, Lake Lillinonah in Newtown and nearby towns, but according to the Town of Newtown website, because the lake is used for boating, no swimming is allowed.

Photo: Indian Wells, Shelton. Photo credit: CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection