The Oxbow is an inlet off of the Connecticut River on the southeastern border of Northampton, where it joins Easthampton, MA. It is directly across the river from the Summit House on Mt. Holyoke. From above, it is easy to see where it got its nickname, as it is definitely in the shape of an oxbow, with one "leg" extending to the river, and the other nearly so. The "arch" of the oxbow extends nearly thre-quarters of a mile inland from the river.

The "Bow" as it is sometimes called, was formed when an early river flood changed its direction and cut off the old bend in the river. Today it is a favorite spot for boaters and fishermen, and in the winter one vast lake for ice fishing.