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See a SLIDESHOW of swimming hole photos in this state.
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you have a swimming hole to add or if you have more information about one that is already
listed. Thank you.
KINGSTON, ASHOKAN, BOICEVILLE, WEST SHOKAN, SUNDOWN
STATE
NY
WATER
Varies-see below
TYPE
Varies-see below
DESCRIPTION
Several swimming holes south of the Ashokan Reservoir in the Catskills. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREAS
Catskill Preserve
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Jumping
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Kenneth Wilson State Park is near Boiceville. Camping is allowed in the Catskill Nature Preserve anywhere in the preseve - spring summer and fall and below 3500 feet in winter. (Primitive camping, I assume.)
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Kingston on I-87:
PEEKAMOOSE BLUE HOLE [PEEK]: A really neat swimming hole on Rondout Creek! Water rushes through gap in rock into very deep pool at end. Very cold water! PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 , PHOTO 4 , PHOTO 5 , PHOTO 6. From Kingston, go west on RT 28. PASS THE LEFT TURN FOR RT 28A. Go another 10 miles. Then in Boiceville, go left on RT 28A about 2 miles to West Shokan. Then at the intersection of RT 28A and RT 42 in West Shokan is a series of hanging wooden signs; the top one says "Town Offices", the bottom one says "Sundown". Turn right (southwest) on county RT 42, toward Sundown. Go about 10 miles on RT 42 until you see a large parking area on the right with a sign for the Peekamoose Mountain area. Park here and cross the road to the creek and walk back the way you came a short distance then down a short path to the creek. The swimming hole is here. LAT, LON : lat=41.9182,lon=-74.4215(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. (There is also said to be a swimming hole back up this road. If you turn around and go 1 mile back toward the Reservoir, on the right hand side there are pull offs. If you find the bigger pull off which has a big pot hole, the swimming hole is right below you. Careful the hill is somewhat steep.) Very confident. Verified 7/02. Updated 10/10/05.
VERNOOY FALLS [VERN]: Scenic hike (about 2 miles one way) to a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole in Vernooy Kill surrounded by pines and shrubs. LINK TO PHOTO. Here is a description by a fan:" This hole is in the Catskill nature preserve and camping is allowed anywhere in the preseve - spring summer and fall and below 3500 feet in winter. Vernooykill is a wonderful place. The water is cold all summer. The hike in has an elevation gain of about 600 feet, most of it in a one mile stretch. It will get your blood flowing."
To get here from RT 28A in West Shokan: Continue on RT 28A (along the Ashokan Reservior) past the intersection with RT 213 near Olivebridge to the intersection with RT 3. Take RT 3 southwest (becomes "Sampsonville Rd.") for about 7 miles (just past Sampsonville) to the Riggsville/Palentown area. Turn right (northish) on Sundown Road. Follow Sundown Road for about half a mile, turning right at a slight fork. At the second fork (with a big tree in the middle island), turn left on Trail's End Road (the sign is hard to see from the direction you're coming from - look up and around you). Follow the steep road up, but beware of rocks and pits in the 'road.' There are a few pull-out parking spots along the way up if you are afraid to drive further.
At the road's end, there are numerous parking spaces.
Trails go in different directions, but take the one that crosses the creek and becomes wide and grassy immediately afterwards. This is a very easy hike - about 45 minutes with backpacks, barely a grade to the trail. Follow this main trail straight to the waterfall. Be sure to sign in so the ranger knows you've visited!
LAT, LON :lat=41.87194, lon= -74.37083(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 12/22/06.
ROSENDALE [ROSE]: Large swimming hole in a bend of the Walkill River, which goes to the Hudson River. Clean, rocks to dive off of, huge, lots of wide open space to swim in and beautiful scenery. To get here from Kingston, take RT 32 (Boulevard) south about 7 miles to Rosendale then RT 213 (Main St. - becomes Lawrenceville Rd.) west (right turn) about 1.7 miles then turn south (left) on road (dont know name) that goes to baseball field. Drive into the baseball field and then on the left there is an opening in the bushes which leads to a trail which leads you to the swimming hole eventually. LAT, LON: lat=41.83964,lon=-74.10250(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 2/2011.
Swimming holes/pools in the Ausable River. See below.
AREAS
Adirondack Park
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Picnic Tables nearby
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From way north on I-87, get off at Exit 34, Keeseville. Go south on RT 9N to Au Sable Forks, then:
THE DAM [DAMT]: Continue south on RT 9N into Au Sable Forks. Turn west (right) on Mill Rd. (County Route 9T). You will be traveling along the south shore of the Au Sable River. When you get to the dam (before Murphy Rd.) (you may need to ask locally) there is a swimming place upstream of the dam. LAT, LON lat=44.44124, lon=-73.69054(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
Uncertain. Not verified. Updated 12/13/2002.
COVERED BRIDGE [COVE]: A popular local swimming hole by a falls and historic covered bridge in Jay. Lots of rocks and flat ledges above falls, many deep swimming holes, slide down falls. LINK TO PHOTO. As of summer 2008, this area has been made into a park but the swimming hole is still here. To get here: Return to RT 9N south and continue couth on 9N to the town of Jay. In Jay, turn east (left) on CR 22 (I think) to the covered bridge over the East Branch Ausable River. The swimming place is here near the bridge. LAT, LON lat=44.37286, lon=-73.72500(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/13/2002.
WILMINGTON GORGE [WILM]: Just north of where the West Branch Ausable River crosses under RT 86 is a high fall (AUSABLE FALLS - DO NOT SWIM AT THE FALLS - FATAL), but below the falls there is a gorge, then a low falls that dumps into a large deep swimming hole. There are two cliffs to jump off of into this pool. One (30ft) near the the falls, and another (20/10ft) on the other side somewhat up from the falls. To get here: Where RT 9N meets RT 86, go west on RT 86 to where it crosses the West Branch Ausable River (near Wilmington). There is a small parking area right at the bridge crossing on the south side of RT 86 about 100 yards northwest of the Gorge. Trails through the woods are well worn but require careful footing due to an abundance of roots and branches. The trails lead down to the river where bathers and picnickers stake out spots on the boulders, and fishermen cast into the small rapids. Near the base of the falls a deeper pool allows for a good swim. (Other directions I have are: From the parking area, walk north up the road along the river (Fox Farm Rd.?) to a large dirt area on the right (where some people park their cars), and then follow the trail that starts there down to the river (a few hundred feet)). Not sure which directions are best. LAT, LON lat=44.39342, lon=-73.81003(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 11/12/2004.
BIG POOL [BIGP]: Return to RT 9N and continue south to Stone House Rd. on the west (right) side of 9N before you get to Upper Jay. Park here at Stone House. Walk across RT 9N and follow the property line east about 500 feet to Wedding Corner and go down the steps at the river (if the water is low enough). This is Big Pool, a swimming area.LAT, LON lat=44.35713, lon=-73.74651(source: DeLorme ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/13/2002.
THE ROCK [ROCT]: About .1 miles SOUTH of Stonehouse Road on RT 9N, turn east on Beach Spot drive. Here there is a beach and swimming hole called "The Rock". Pretty confident. LAT, LON lat=44.35207, lon=-73.75441(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Updated 12/13/2002.
lat=43.63397, lon=-73.90511(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Mill Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
Deep hole in creek with jumping rocks (always check depth first).
This report from a visitor in 2009: "There were two rope swings out over the creek and the water in the center of the hole seemed quite deep. The water was a quite pleasant temperature especially for the Adirondacks. I would say since its close to the road that bathing suits are customary and everyone wore one. There are no facilities in the immediate area and as for camping you can't really do it near the creek but nearby there should be numerous places to consider on state land. The location is certainly unofficial but there are no signs indicating no swimming that I saw."
This from a visitor in 2010:"This place is the best to just go and cool off and have fun time. Two rope swings. One is very easy to use and doesn't take much skill. The other is called the man rope because it is very dangerous and you need to know how to use the rope and body to avoid rocks. The water is very deep and i've been diving off of some "man" jumps out of trees above the rocks. water is very warm and just a great spot to go."
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unknown
FEE
No
FACILITIES
none
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, jumping
PHONE
none
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From the town of Lake George, take RT 9 (not 9N) north then RT 28 north toward Weverton. You will cross the Hudson River at The Glen then continue north on RT 28 about 3 miles more and turn east (right) on Harrington Rd.. Go a bit more than 1 mile on Harrington Rd. to where it intersects Mill Creek. The swimming hole is near here (cars parked on warm days)- no better directions.
lat=43.8175, lon=-74.1380(source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Upper Hudson River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
Two mile hike to swimming and picnicing place in Upper Hudson River. Truly a beautiful spot, with sandy beaches and rock ledges. CAUTION: Spring water levels make this a dangerous, Class 5 rapids. Swim later in the summer, do not swim or stand in fast currents.
AREAS
Adirondack Park
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
None at site.
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From town of Lake George, take RT 9 north about 9 miles then RT 28 northwest, then:
BLUE LEDGES [BLUL]: Two mile hike to swimming and picnicing place in Upper Hudson River. Truly a beautiful spot, with sandy beaches and rock ledges. CAUTION: Spring water levels make this a dangerous, Class 5 rapids. Swim later in the summer, do not swim or stand in fast currents. LAT, LON lat=43.8175, lon=-74.1380(source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from RT 28, go about 16 miles from RT 9 on RT 28 to North Creek (if you get to North River, you've gone too far). Turn right on RT 28N for about 9.5 miles to a few miles past Minerva (past Murdie's General Store) then go west (left) on Northwoods Club Rd.. Follow this road about 6 miles to Huntley Pond and the trailhead on the left. The trailhead is signed as 2.5 miles to destination. Parking on right side for 4-5 vehicles. Hike down this trail about 2.5 miles (maybe less) to the Upper Hudson River. The swimming hole and picnic area are here. There is primitive camping near a brook 3 miles back down the road. Very confident. Verified by W. Brunner, 7/02. Updated 12/10/2002
CEDAR RIVER [CEDA]: Swimming place with sand beach and popular picnic place on Cedar River. LAT, LON lat=43.79286, lon=-74.28958(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from RT 28, continue on RT 28 past North Creek (above) and past North River. Just past where RT 30 goes off to the south, at Indian Lake, turn north(right) onto Pelon Rd and keep left at the fork onto Benton Rd.. Go to the end of Benton Rd. where the picnic area and swimming place are. Uknown if there is a fee.
Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/10/2002
lat=42.41125, lon=-76.51300(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Buttermilk Creek
TYPE
Falls
DESCRIPTION
Official swimming in large, deep pool at bottom of Buttermilk
Falls. Lifeguard, diving board. Close to highway; not as scenic as Treman (see Treman). Signs
say "NO SWIMMING" in stream in gorge above falls, but there is evidence that some do swim
there.
AREAS
Buttermilk Falls S.P.
SANCTION
Official in pool below falls
FEE
Yes
FACILITIES
Toilet, Picnic tables, changing room, showers
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, diving (in pool below falls)
PHONE
(607)-273-5761
CAMPING
Camping at site.
BATHING SUITS
Required in pool below falls
DIRECTIONS
From Ithaca, go SW on RT 96/13 about 3 miles, follow signs to
Buttermilk Falls S.P.
Various swimming holes along a spectacular gorge area. Layered slate-like rocks make flat surfaces near water. There are two access points here. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
At Wintergreen Park: Picnic tables, toilets, volleyball, horseshoes, ballfield
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, jumping
PHONE
None
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Albany, take I-90 west to Exit 29 (Canajoharie). Take RT 10 south a short distance then east (left) on RT 5S to the first right turn onto Cunningham Rd. Continue uphill on Cunningham Rd.(keeping right to stay on Cunningham Rd.), then:
BOILING POT [BOIL]: This is in Floral Park. Unique "Pothole" formation at park within village of Cahanjoharie. Has rope swing and jumping possibilities. Water often warm due to shallow shale bed within canyon. There may be other swimming places upstream and downstream of here. PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO . To get here from Cunningham Rd., go right onto Moyer St. (CR 93) then left onto Floral St.. The park and swimming hole are at the end of Floral St.. LAT, LON lat=42.89858, lon=-74.57197(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 4/30/2009
CANAJOHARIE FALLS [CANA]: A beautiful, high falls in Canajoharie Gorge, well upstream of the Floral Park area. PHOTO . Swimming at the bottom, jumping from low rocks along the sides, BUT CAUTION: DO NOT JUMP FROM THE TOP OF THE FALLS, EVEN IF YOU SEE OTHERS DOING SO - PEOPLE HAVE DIED JUMPING HERE . It may or may not be possible to walk upstream from Floral Park to get there, uncertain. One could hike downstream from Wintergreen Park about .75 miles to these falls. There are "no swimming" signs posted at Wintergreen Park but people are said to swim here regardless. Police enforce traffic and drinking rules at Wintergreen Park very vigorously, but perhaps not so much the no swimming rule.
To get to Wintergreen Park, continue on Cunningham Rd. (careful not to take any forks)to the stop sign. Continue straight onto Carlisle Road. Where Carlisle Rd. goes sharply to the left, keep straight onto Old Sharon Rd. Go into Wintergreen Park to the lowest level, near the creek, then walk downstream along the creek. Along this walk, there are several swimming holes in layers of the shale PHOTO , PHOTO . The falls are at about .75 miles downstream. LAT, LON lat=42.89256, lon=-74.56539(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 4/30/2009
Chautauqua Gorge is a very scenic site with a clothing-optional area located near Westfield in the westernmost part of New York. There are several small waterfalls which are very refreshing after hiking on a warm day. There are also small pools for soaking or swimming a few strokes and level space along the creek for sunbathing. Sandals are recommended as you may have to cross the creek a number of times along the way.
CAUTION We received this email report "A 10 year old boy was hospitalized recently (in the last couple of years) for E.coli poisoning contracted from the chatauqua gorge. you may want to tell your readers not to drink the water." Maybe no longer a danger, but keep your head out of the water to be safe.
CAUTION We received this email caution:"The chautauqua gorge is a great place to visit, but you should warn your visitors about climbing there. Quite a few people have been injured and killed trying to climb up the loose shale walls of the gorge. Almost every year the local fire departments are called out to rescue people who are stuck too.(Imagine how embarrasing that would be!!) NO PLACE IN THE GORGE IS SAFE FOR CLIMBING! Come visit & have fun, but stick to the paths or the floor of the gorge ."
AREAS
Chautauqua Gorge
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Skinny dipping, Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Primtive camping in the gorge
BATHING SUITS
Optional (at Skinny Dip area)
DIRECTIONS
From the New York State Thruway (I-90) in far western NY, take the Westfield exit (Exit 60). Follow RT 394 a short distance south to the center of Westfield. Then:
SKINNY DIP FALLS [SKIN]: Hike from Taylor Road through scenic gorge to traditionally nudist area. To get here from Westfield, turn right onto RT 20. After crossing a bridge, turn left at the first street, Chestnut Street (county road 21). Follow C.R. 21 south for about 3.3 miles and then turn left onto Ogden Road. Follow Ogden road 1.5 miles and then turn left onto Taylor Road (a gravel road). Follow Taylor Road a short distance to the dead end sign where there is a small parking area on the left. A very rough road continues down into a deep valley. Follow this until you reach the creek, then turn left (downstream). Soon you will see a sign painted on a rock saying "nudist area next one mile". From there, if you follow the creek, you will pass several small waterfalls until you get to Skinny Dip Falls. FIRST HOLE,SECOND HOLE, THIRD HOLE , ANOTHER SPOT. LAT, LON [HIKE TO] lat=42.25181, lon=-79.57414(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified. Updated 7/2010
PICNIC AREA [PICN]: An easier way to get into the gorge, further south, i.e., upstream, of the way above. There is a very nice, deep swimming hole right at the bottom of this trail but it is hard to walk up or downstream from here unless you walk in the creek. PHOTO,PHOTO, PHOTO. To get here, stay on RT 394 through Westfield. When you get to Mayville, turn west (right) on RT 430. Go about 1.5 miles then turn west (right) on Hannum Rd.. Continue on Hannum Rd. about 3 miles (turns into gravel) to where there is a picnic area and some primitive (no tables, no water, porta-potties) camping. Park and hike pretty steeply downhill about 1/3 mile into the gorge at this point. The best swimming hole is to the right at the bottom of this trail. LAT, LON [DRIVE TO]: lat=42.23976, lon=-79.58730(source: measured) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP .Very confident. Verified. Updated 7/2010.
River and falls locations just north of the Catskills. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, fishing
PHONE
none
CAMPING
Commercial campgrounds nearby
BATHING SUITS
Customary at both locations
DIRECTIONS
New York State Thruway (I-90) to exit 21 (NY 23). At the end of the ramp go left then right onto Rt 23 west (set odometer), then:
SHINGLEKILL FALLS [SHIN]: NOTE: We received an email in 7/2009 that all the property around this falls is private property and there is no public access to the falls. Please respect private property around the falls.
This falls in Purling has gorges and a pool under the falls that is deep enough to jump into at times, and good for swimming. Under the falls there is a bowl like swimming hole which is very deep and cold - the bowl it is only ankle deep where people put chairs and sit in tthe water. To get here from RT 23 west, go about 6 miles from the Thruway, then turn left onto Silver Spur Rd. At the flashing light go straight, staying on Silver Spur Rd. to the end. Turn right at the stop sign,then go left at second stop sign onto CR 24. Drive a very short way to the bridge then, right after the bridge, turn right onto Falls View Lane. The swimming holes is behind the Tumblin' Falls B&B House . The B&B has stairs down to the falls but they may be just for people staying there - not sure, but DO NOT TRESPASS ON THE B&B PROPERTY to get there! LAT, LON lat=42.2851, lon-74.0071 (source: Web Site) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty certain. Not verified. Updated 4/22/2009.
CORNWALLVILLE CREEK [CORN]: From NY 23 west, bear right onto NY 145. Turn right onto Green County RT 67A (Darby's Irish Pub on corner/ blinking light) and park (room for 1 - 2 cars on shoulder). Proceed along shore to right without crossing bridge to several swimming holes. There is a small falls if you wade upstream under the bridge, do not step on private shoreline on this side of bridge. LAT, LON : lat=42.36856, lon=-74.08306(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified.
CATSKILL CREEK [CATS]: On RT 67A, cross bridge over Cornwallville Creek and go to end of RT 67A. Turn left onto CR 67 and pull to park off left shoulder ( 1-2 cars). ALL OTHER AREAS ARE POSTED "NO PARKING". You can climb down steep bank to swim from rocks, or walk back over bridge to sandy beach. PHOTO , PHOTO . The limited parking mean that at both locations users are mainly nearby residents or kids that bicycle in. LAT, LON lat=42.37456, lon=-74.07978(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
lat=42.702, lon=-76.389
(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Dry Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
Very nice, small swimming area created by a dam across the creek somewhat downstream from a waterfall. 6-7 feet deep, lifeguards, jumping (no diving). Stairs to enter water - no beach but grassy area for sunning. Great family place - for older kids who can swim and don't need beach entrance.
AREAS
Fillmore Glen S.P.
SANCTION
Official - lifeguards
FEE
Yes. $7 fee per car, free if you park outside the park and walk in (it is not a great distance to walk in)
FACILITIES
Toilet, Picnic tables
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, jumping
PHONE
(315)-497-0130
CAMPING
Camping at site.
BATHING SUITS
Required
DIRECTIONS
from I-81 north of Cortland at HOmer, take RT 90 west to Locke then RT 38 north toward Moravia. See signs to park just south of Moravia.
lat=40.8055556, lon=-73.8886111(source: WebSite) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Swimming Pool in East River
TYPE
Swimming Pool in East River
DESCRIPTION
Ann L. Buttenwieser, a former Parks Department official, had the great idea 25 years ago of putting a swimming pool on a barge and mooring it somewhere in the city's 578 miles of waterfront. In June 2007, it became a reality. "The pool is 25 meters long, or half the length of an Olympic-size pool. For swimmers who never learned the metric system, that works out to just over 82 feet. It will have seven lanes and be four feet deep. Also on board will be dressing rooms with bright-colored tops that look like outsize Legos." (excerpted from WEB SITE. ) The pool floats and it is planned to move it so we don't know where it will be in future summers (see DIRECTIONS below). See this site for more information: WEB SITE .
This is not the first floating pool in Manhattan - around 1900 there were several in both the Hudson and East Rivers - which used the actual river water back when it was cleaner than now. See Article for a history of such pools.
AREAS
Unknown
SANCTION
Official
FEE
Unknown
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
718-802-0603
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Required
DIRECTIONS
It is at the tip of Baretto Point Park in the Bronx. Don't know where it will be in future summers. (Our job would be a whole lot easier if these dang swimming holes would stay put!)
lat=43.019129, lon=-77.746811(source: measured by another) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Oatka Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
This from a visitor:"Oatka Creek flows under a bridge on the Genesee Valley Greenway in the Village of Scottsville. Christened with spray paint by George Jarrett a generation ago, locals still call the spot "George Bridge". At 8' or 9', the creek is comfortably deep enough for jumping off the bridge and swinging from the rope swing. Fisherman occasionally use the spot. On a hot summer day, it will be crowded with local kids, RIT students, and older folks escaping the heat. Picnic tables and a grassy area nearby make it a comfortable lunch spot."
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
none
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, jumping
PHONE
none
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Rochester, take I-390 to Exit 17 south. Head south on Scottsville Rd (RT 383) for 9.2 miles. In the Village of Scottsville, the road splits. Take the left fork (RT 251). You will immediately cross a bridge. After the bridge, take your first left into a small parking lot. Walk 50 yards to the swimming area.
lat=42.02036, lon=-73.98136(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Esopus Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
Creek with deep holes and large sunning rocks.
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
none
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, fishing, tubing, canoeing
PHONE
none
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
New York State Thruway (I-90) to exit 20 (NY 32). Take NY 32 south through Saugerties (there is a nice village beach just before you take the bridge over the Esopus Creek). Keep right onto 9W when NY 32 splits to the left. Location is about 3 miles past this split at junction with Glasco Turnpike. Large dirt parking area on right just before junction. Big signs say "no dumping" but there is sometimes debris there to avoid as you exit the parking area and wend your way to the shore. Short walk down to creek. Not much of swimming hole at low water.
From Ogdensburg, go southeast on RT 68 to Colton. Then
STONE VALLEY [STON]: This description from a user:"It is a dam released flow in the Raquette River near Colton that is called Stone Valley and offers about 20 different places to get in the water. There is also world class white water rafting on this area during high water. The water is super clean as it comes from the mountains, there are really only local kids that go there, and it is not really patrolled by any officials which is great." Bathing suits may be optional at remote parts. LAT, LON :lat=44.56197, lon=-74.94372 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
This description from a user:" To get here from RT 68 near Colton, take RT 56 into the town of Colton and turn northeast (right) at the library onto Main Street then take a quick left (before the bridge) onto River Street. (This town is smaller than anything you can imagine and goggle maps don't even show the river that runs through it. There is not a stoplight in the town so people should not bother looking for anything more centrally located than the library). There is some parking in a dirt lot right along the river. After parking, walk down the dirt lane with the river along your right side continue through the gate, past the damn, and along a big green pipe until you come to a small wooden bridge that crosses the pipeline. Cross the bridge and continue along the trail. Along the trail you will find a ton of great places to swim, picnic or just lay out. Dogs are welcome and no one will bother you here with whatever you want to do. It's a great place, just please do not die here or litter, because then the officials will get uptight and that is not what anyone wants." Pretty certain. Not verified. Updated 12/22/06.
HIGLEY FLOW S. P. [HIGF]: Official swimming in Raquette River. Camping and all facilities at site. Bathing suits required. LAT, LON :lat=44.4995, lon=-74.9211(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from RT 68 near Colton, go south on RT 56 to South Colton then west on Cold Brook Dr. to State Park. Pretty certain. Not verified. Updated 12/22/06.
From Kingston, go north on I-87 to Exit 20. Go north on
RT 32 for 6 miles then north on RT 32A then west on RT 23A. Then:
KAATERSKILL FALLS [KAAF]: Kaaterskill Falls are the tallest falls in New York. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 , PHOTO 4 , PHOTO 5 , PHOTO 6 , PHOTO 7 . There are two ways to get there: BOTH WAYS ARE DANGEROUS - STAY AWAY FROM THE EDGE OF THE TRAIL NEAR THE FALLS. PEOPLE HAVE FALLEN AND BEEN INJURED AND KILLED. LAT, LON lat=42.19342, lon=-74.06328(source:DeLorme ) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
WAY 1: Continue west on RT 23A and, before you get to the town of Haines Falls, you cross a bridge over a falls/creek then, as you climb a steep hill, there is a very large parking area on the south (left) side of the road. Park here and walk back down the road (careful, it is a narrow road with not much of a pedestrain shoulder) cross over the bridge and take the trail up to the falls. It is an easy hike to the BOTTOM of the Kaaterskill Falls, but there is no swimming place here. The swimming place is at the MID LEVEL of the falls, half way up the falls, where there is a huge pool. Bathing suits optional, depending on crowd. IT IS A TOUGH, STEEP CLIMB ON SOMETIMES LOOSE ROCKS TO GET TO THE MID LEVEL WHERE THE SWIMMING PLACE IS. The State does not advise continuing above this level, as some have fallen and been hurt. IF YOU DO CONTINUE UP, DO NOT TAKE THE APPARENT SHORT CUT PATH (on the immediate right side of the falls, looking at the falls from below), IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. TAKE THE LONGER FOOT PATH (also on the right side, but farther away). THIS PATH IS ALSO VERY STEEP BUT NOT QUITE SO DANGEROUS. Verified 7/02. Very confident.
This note from a visitor who climbed up this way in 2010:"After one of the most beautifull vacations I have ever been on in Maui (Hana Hwy/Water Falls), I recently became fixated on seeing some of the best waterfalls I could find. This is what led me to your site. After a navigation of your site I came across Kaaterskill falls. I saw the pictures you had on this site and I thought it looked nice. BUT when I got there, I thought I was on Hana Hwy in Maui going to visit the waterfalls there. I had NO idea how beautiful this site was in Kaaterskill. It was even better than some of the nicest falls we visited!!!! The pictures do not do it justice nor do they give you a sense of the enormity of these falls. Plus it is a very wonderful hike that is so picturesque. we did not want to leave. I parked at the lower falls and trekked up. Once at the Mid Level of the Falls, I took a route to the left. This was challenging and maybe dangerous but I was able to climb up it. I do not recommend anyone go up that way but I saw evidence that this was a trail used by people. So I would give this trail a strong caution and only skilled/athletic people should go up. Thank You for providing such a good site but I would ask you to emphasize the beauty of these falls because they are truly breath taking."
WAY 2: Continue west on RT 23A, past the Kaaterskill Falls, to the town of Haines Falls and turn right on RT 18. Head toward North-South Lake S. P.. About .5 miles BEFORE you get to the entrance to the State Park, see Scutt Road on the right. Turn right and park at the bottom of that road. (The State is discouraging this access to the falls because people have fallen and been hurt or killed. This trail is not maintained for this reason and you MUST BE VERY CAREFUL if you go this way.) It's not a hard trail but it is all up hill for the hike out. From South Lake Road park in the small turn-off and yellow gate and walk past the sewer plant (in about 200 yards) and continue past there till the trail splits. (10 minutes?) If you go right on the less traveled path signs will say "leaving park property" but you are still within the "preserve" so continue a few minutes till you see a small foot bridge on your left. Over
that bridge and go right for 10 minutes to the "sign in" point. Continue down that trail till you hear the waterfall. At this point you can wander down the hill to the top of the falls (not a well marked trail but few enough trees to see the water) or continue another 10 - 15 minutes and come out below the falls. (again, not a well marked trail cut-off but visible). This trail is very steep but away from the edge and comes out well below the falls.... too far below for some I guess. There is a memorial plaque along the trail to Scutt Road with the name
of a Hartwick student who perished falling over the edge a few years ago. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/10/2002.
Swimming holes near Kerhonkson, Ellenville and Accord in the southern Catskills. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREAS
Catskills
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
I-87 to Exit 18 (New Paltz). At exit go west on RT 299 thru New Paltz. Continue on RT 299, turn right on RT 44/55 (go past MINNEWASKA AREA swimming holes) to intersection with RT 209 at Pine Bush, near Kerhonkson. Then:
ELLENVILLE HOLES [ELLE]: Along RT 209, between Ellenville and Accord, are several swimming places beside the road. Some can be seen from road. They are either in Sandbury Creek or Rondout Creek. No better directions. To get here from intersection of RT 44/55 and Rt 209, turn left toward Ellenville (or right toward Accord) on RT 209 and drive, looking for swimming places. LAT, LON :lat=41.7752, lon=-74.3005(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Uncertain. Not verified. Updated 3/10/2004.
lat=43.75143, lon=-76.21199(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Lake Ontario
TYPE
Lake Beach
DESCRIPTION
The Lakeview Wildlife Management Area, on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, has about 5 miles of undeveloped sand beach. This is a little known beach area and a traditionally nude beach (bathing suit optional). To get here, go to Southwick Beach State Park the walk south along the beach - it is more private the further south you walk and nude sunbathing becomes more common at the southern reaches. Do not walk on the dunes - there are Dune Stewards who patrol the dunes here. Better cover up if you meet a Dune Steward - they can give citations but are not inclined to do so if you cover up.
This report from a visitor in 2009:"My wife and I visited the weekend of August 15, 2009, and found it to be a beautiful spot. It was about 90 degrees, sunny, and not a cloud in the sky. We parked at Southwick Beach (only $7 to park) and walked south along the beach until we entered the Lakeview WMA. A few hundred feet into the WMA, we encountered our first nude sunbather. We walked further on and encountered a few more. Probably less than a mile in, we found a spot, and undressed completely. We spent about four hours there and saw very few people. The only "authorities" we saw were facilities folks in golf carts collecting trash along the beach, but we could see them a mile off, and had time to cover up. Some folks hiked past us about a mile further on down the beach to swim, but from our experience as long as you are inside the boundaries of the WMA, it's safe to undress, as long as you cover up when families or park employees come along. Otherwise, pure bliss!"
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Optional
DIRECTIONS
From I-81 north of Syracuse, get off at Exit 40 and take RT 193 toward Ellisburg. Go about 8 miles (through Ellisburg) to the Southwick Beach State Park. Park and walk south on the beach.
Several swimming places in the Hudson River inthe Glens Falls/Lake Luzerne area. (There is a traditional jumping place near here called "Hadley Bridge" where there have been many deaths. We do not include this location and we recommend strongly that you do not swim there.) For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Optional at places
DIRECTIONS
From I-87 at Saratoga Springs, take RT 9N north from Saratoga Springs to the village of Corinth, then:
SPIER FALLS [SPIE]: A great swimming spot that is fine for nude sunbathing and swimming. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2. Above a dam in the upper Hudson River. Rocky ledges that are great for sunbathing and swimming. The river is clean (far north of the GE concerns) and gorgeous with little current due to the downstream dam. Though nudity is not in the majority here, it is very common and accepted. Downstream over the next mile or so are several other spots that are available for nudism. Great quiet spot that is highly recommended. NOTE: The State recently bought this land and has posted no swimming signs, though no one pays any attention and there is little if any enforcement.
To get here from RT 9N in Corinth, take RT 24 east (right) (Spier Falls Rd.), stay on RT 24 as it makes a sharp left turn, then continue approx. 1 mile. Soon the Hudson River and a boat launch will come into view. Drive about .25 mile around the curve to the left where there is a parking area on the right side. Walk across the road down to several rocky ledges that are great for sunbathing and swimming. Though nudity is not in the majority here, it is very common and accepted. Downstream over the next mile or so are several other spots that are available for nudism.
LAT, LON : lat=43.22269, lon=-73.76458(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 3/4/04.<
HUDSON RIVER [HUDS]: Places along the Hudson River north of Lake Luzerne where locals swim and tube in the river. River Road parallels the Hudson here so you can leave a car just north of Lake Luzerne (there is a canoe takeout and a parking area there) and float down the river in tubes or come down in a kayak or canoe. There are lots of sand bars where you can stop if you bring a lunch. NOTE:
: There is a falls downstream here called Rockwell Falls - be sure you know where it is before floating this section so you don't go over it. LAT, LON : lat=43.33886, lon=-73.85353(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 10/14/05.
To get here from RT 9N going north in Lake Luzerne, take a left (west) on Bay Road (a traffic light just after Cumberland Farms). Bay Road turns into Main Street and if you follow it straight to it's end it turns (north) right into River Road. Follow River Road up the Hudson River about 3 to 4 miles and you can get into the river for swimming almost anywhere.
Several swimming places in the vicinity of Lake Placed. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREAS
Adirondack Park
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Varies-see below
ACTIVITIES
Swimming,Jumping,Sliding
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Varies-see below
DIRECTIONS
From I-87, get off at Exit 30 at RT 9. Take RT 9 north then RT 73 northwest (towards Lake Placid) to Keene Valley. Then:
JOHNS BROOK [JOHN]: Several swimming places along a heavily used trail on John's Brook - a clear,clean, cool mountain creek. To get here from RT 73 in Keene Valley: In Keene Valley, turn left at the bar in the center of town and head up the road along the creek (Interbrook Rd.? Adirondack Rd.?). Drive to the end (about 1.5 miles) to the trail head parking area (called "The Garden") for John's Brook Trail.
Hike John's Brook Trail southwest, towards Mt. Marcy, along John's Brook. (This is a loop trail but you should go the in the direction described here because if you go in the opposite loop direction you might find out on the way out that the water level where you cross John's Brook is too high, and you will have to go back the way you came.. an additional 6 miles to you day.) About .5 miles in, descend to the left on a trail which crosses the creek to the Southside Trail. Continue upstream on the Southside Trail (keep left at the fork) and in about 1.3 miles from the stream crossing you come to the first of several swimming holes. Shortly thereafter you will come to Tenderfoot Falls, a great sliding place. Continue up this trail and you will find additional swimming places, up to about 2.5 miles from the place you crossed the stream.
LAT, LON lat=44.1694, lon=-73.8400(source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 3/4/04.
ROCKY FALLS [ROCK]: Hike 4.8 miles (each way) to a scenic cascade and swimming hole on Indian Pass Brook. To get here from RT 73 in Keene: Continue on north Rt 73 through Keene and, about 5 miles before Lake Placid, at a town called North Elba, turn south (left) onto Heart Lake Rd.. Go down this road to the end, at Heart Lake. Park and hike the VanHoevenberg Trail (probably signed) southwest from the lake through the valley of Indian Passage Brook. In about 4.8 miles, you should come to a cascade-type falls and swimming hole. LAT, LON lat=44.172, lon=-73.999(source: Delorme) (accuracy: approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 3/4/04.
COPPERAS POND [COPP]: Deep clear cool water, large rocks, jumping (there are underwater rocks, check first). Nudist spot - bathing suits optional. For camping, there is a lean-to at the site. PHOTO . To get here from RT 73 in Lake Placid: At the intersection of RT 73 and RT 86 in Lake Placid, turn north on RT 86.
(Set your odometer here.) Two ways from here:
First way: Roughly 4.5 miles from the intersection of RT 73 and RT 86 in Lake Placid, there is a trailhead on the right for a trail marked Owen Pond -it is about a 1.5 mile easy walk up this trail to Copperas Pond. When you get to the pond you can look across and see the rocks, you just follow the pond around the to the lean-to.
Second way: Roughly 6 miles from the intersection of RT 73 and RT 86 in Lake Placid, will be the Ausable River and 2 paved "Parking Areas" on the left. The first one is the main trail to Copperas Pond. It is about a .5 mile walk (uphill, strenuous) to the pond. When you get there follow the pond to the right, you will come across a lean-to. The trail stops there, but if you keep walking over to the rocks that you can see from the lean-to you can find many spots for sunning and swimming. Just follow the rocks, it looks harder than it is.
LAT, LON lat=44.332, lon= -73.89917 (source: Topozone ) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 3/4/04.
River swimming holes in Adirondack Park near Saranac Lake and Long Lake.
AREAS
Adirondack Park
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From I-87, get off at Exit 30 at RT 9. Take RT 9 north then RT 73 northwest through Lake Placid to the town of Saranac Lake. In Saranac Lake, take RT 3 west for about 13 miles to Coreys Rd, which goes south to the town of Coreys. Turn south (left) on Coreys Rd. and then:
CANOE LANDING [CANO]: A canoe put-in place on the Raquette River in the Adironack Park with a sandy beach and several swimming places. To get here, continue south on Coreys Rd. about 1.5 miles beyond Corey to where (near Axton Landing) there is a bridge over the Raquette River near the Stony Creek Ponds. Cross the bridge and park at the trailhead of the Stony Creek Pond Trail. Walk this trail south over a foot bridge, then bearing right, for a total of about 4 miles to a ranger cabin and canoe put in at a sandy beach. The swimming places are here. LAT, LON : lat=44.149, lon=-74.319(source: Topozone-p) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/13/02.
BIG EDDY [BIGE]: Small falls in the Cold River cascades into a gem of a swimming hole where the water slows down. The catch is, you have to go in late June at the earliest as the water will be too high otherwise. There are several smaller little holes where the bottom is a smooth rock that feels like it was made to be sat in. The water from behind you just barrels down on your shoulders and feels great! There is also a tiny rock peninsula that
heads out into the river where people have made fires. It looks pretty sweet at night! A real great spot! On the Northville/Placid trail which parallels he Cold River. LAT, LON : lat=44.098, lon=-74.234(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
To get here: Continue south on Coreys Rd. from the trailhead for the Stony Creek Pond (above) about 3.5 miles to a road that goes south (right turn) (unknown name). Follow this road about 9 miles to where it crosses the Cold River. Park near here and hike the Northville/Lake Placid Trail to the northeast, upstream along the north side of the Cold River. Hike about 2 miles to the Big Eddy rapid in the Cold River. This is the swimming hole. No better directions. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/13/02.
Swimming places near Max Shaul S.P.. For details, see DRIECTIONS below.
AREAS
Nearby is Max Shaul S. P.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Nearby at Max Shaul S. P.
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
None at site. Camping at Max Shaul S.P.; .25 mile south on RT 30.
BATHING SUITS
Varies-see below
DIRECTIONS
From Albany, take I-90 west then I-88 west to Central Bridge, then take RT 30 south through Middleburgh and Fultonham. Then:
MAX SHAUL [MAXL]: Deep pool at bend in Schoharie Creek. Sandy shore, rocky stream bed, rock ledges on opposite shore. Bathing suits customary (at least in daytime). PHOTO of parking , PHOTO of path , PHOTO , PHOTO . All facilities and camping nearby at Max Shaul S.P.; .25 mile south on RT 30. Very confident. Verified 7/02. Updated 10/10/05. LAT, LON : lat=42.55839, lon=-74.40250(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here continue south on RT 30 then RT 30 will cross the Schoharie Creek and a state rest area will be on the right. (If you get to Max Shaul S. P. you have gone .25 mile too far.) Just after you pass the rest area, at end of the guard rail on the right,
you will see a dirt track. Park off the side of RT 30. It is a one minute walk to the creek. Swimming places are right here in the creek.
Swimming places in the Minnewaska S. P./ Mohonk Preserve area. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREAS
Minnewaska S. P./ Mohonk Preserve
SANCTION
Varies-see below
FEE
Varies-see below
FACILITIES
Varies-see below
ACTIVITIES
Varies-see below
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Varies-see below
DIRECTIONS
I-87 to Exit 18 (New Paltz). At exit go west on RT 299 thru New Paltz, over bridge and in about 6 miles from New Paltz come to the end of RT 299 at RT 44/55. Turn west (right) on RT 44/55, then:
"Deep Hole" on Tow Path Road near Aligerville: We do not list this place but a visitor wanted us to alert visitors to a problem here in summer 2009 since many persons apparently do go here: "I’m deeply concerned about a swimming hole that’s not on your list. I was there this weekend and discovered someone had allowed their dog to deposit feces in a stagnant pond on rocks right in the main swimming area, just waiting to wash into the swim water with the early summer rains. (This may actually be due to the fact that during rainy periods old septic systems upstream overflow into it.) It’s a health disaster waiting to happen, and is a highly popular swim hole, featured on YouTube. The local health authority has refused to take any action as it’s not an official swimming hole and is “most likely” on private land. Would you care to alert your members about this hazard? The site is on Towpath Road, Accord, NY, just north of the Shawangunk Ridge (Minnewaska State Park) between Alligerville and Accord, on the Peterskill River. Avoid at all costs!"
SPLIT ROCK HOLE [SPLH]:A unique swimming place in Coxing Kill. Creek falls into small gorge in solid rock, runs out other end into pool. Can swim in gorge and in pool and downstream. Can jump into gorge. Bathing suits required. A significant parking fee is required (around $8 to $9). Porta-John in parking area. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3. LAT, LON lat=41.73961, lon=-74.20356(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: Go over the mountain on RT 44/55 then turn right at the 2nd road on the right after you go over the top of the mountain (Clove Rd., about 2 miles from RT 299 intersection.). Keep to the right on this dirt road, over bridges, until you get to the large, manned, parking area on the left. Pay fee here and walk very short distance down path to swimming place.
Also, if you walk across the bridge here at Split Rock, just past the bridge on the left there is a tree limb stairway. Go down and follow path for about 10 minute walk. Some trees are marked with yellow paint so it's easy to follow. There is a sign that you may encounter nude bathers on a tree. You will know when you get there. Not a very deep swimming hole, but wading and sunning are nice here and bathing suits are said to be a personal choice but rarely worn (optional). Very confident. Verified. Updated 11/11/2003.
LAKE MINNEWASKA [LAKM]: This description from a fan: "Lake Minnewaska: It's a very long story but with some good news finally. This used to be prime swimming hole territory until the mid 1980's. Marriott wanted to buy the whole area to drain for a luxury conference center but intense opposition from many sectors enabled NY State to buy the whole area instead. (Original owners couldn't afford to keep it.) Unfortunately, as some of us had foreseen, the State then outlawed swimming due to fears of lawsuits. Since 2002 swimming has been allowed in the lake (other than in the corraled area) after you pass a swimming test, which is given only at certain times, not by the Park, but by the Minnewaska Distance Swimmers Association. See their website (below) for information.
For information about the club and swim test, see MINNEWASKA SWIMMERS CLUB. LAT, LON lat=41.7252, lon=-74.2354(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: Go over the mountain on RT 44/55 then continue past the turn off for Split Rock Hole. At about 5 miles from the RT 299 intersection, turn south (left) on Hamilton Point Trail. Follow this to Lake Minnewaska S. P. area. The swimming beach is on the lower eastern side of the lake. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/11/2003.
STONY KILL FALLS [STOK]: Spectacular, 87 foot high falls - but the swimming hole is ABOVE the falls, not below. Up there is a pool behind a rock dam that is a traditional clothing-optional place. Wikipedia info . To get here: From Hamilton Rd, above, continue west on RT 44 about 4.25 miles more and turn left on Lower Granite Rd. (there may be an error here in the Wikipedia directons - they call it Minnewaska Trail Rd.) From the Wikipeida listing:"Take the first left on Rockhaven Road and go a few miles, winding uphill. Near the end of Rockhaven Rd. bear left onto Shaft 2A road. (The road is marked by a very small piece of wood with "shaft 2A" written on it in small black letters.) Follow it to the end. There is no parking area but the area at the end of the road immediately before a gate can accommodate two cars."
From here, follow the "Hiking Guide" information in the Wikipedia listing link above (NOTE: In an email received 8/2011 we were informed that "...the only way to get to the site is by parking and walking by some critical city water infrastructure which is a fenced in and people would likely have to trespass on it to get to the site." Avoid trespassing in this area.) LAT, LON lat=41.72778, lon=-74.30101(source: GPSV) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 8/2011.
lat=42.26054, lon=-74.39859 (source: Measured by another) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Schoharie Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
Traditional swimming place in creek.
AREAS
Catskill Preserve
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
None
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Kingston, go north on I-87 to Exit 21 (Hudson) the Catskill Exit at RT 23. Go west on RT 23 through Windham and Ashland. Turn south (LEFT) on RT 23A continue 3.8 miles to County RT 2 (sign says :"To Terra Books"). Go south (RIGHT) on RT 2 and, just across the bridge, on the left, there is a swimming place in the river below.
Several swimming places in Kinderhook Creek east of Albany. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, tubeing
PHONE
None
CAMPING
None at site.
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Albany, take I-90 east (across the Hudson River), then:
JACKS CORNER [JACK]: Sandy beach in Kinderhook Creek by highway overpass with rope swing. This is a "local" place. PHOTO , PHOTO . Grills are left under the bridge, strangers (especially those without children) may get the "evil eye". To get here from I-90 east of Albany, get off at RT 20 and go east to junction with RT 66. Cross over Kinderhook Creek and park in large dirt lot on left. LAT, LON lat=42.4951, lon=-73.54634(source: GPSV) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 3/7/04.
BEAVER COTTON MILL [BEAV]:Potholes and ravine at base of dam in Kinderhook Creek. PHOTO . To get here from I-90 east of Albany, get off at RT 9 and go south on RT 9 to Kinderhook. Turn east (left) onto Main St. Go east through town to junction with RT 203 (Novak Rd). Follow RT 203 north about 50 feet to parking area on right. Swimming hole is under RT 203 bridge in Kinderhook Creek.
LAT, LON : lat=42.39897, lon=-73.67947(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verfied by W. Brunner. Updated 3/7/04.
lat=41.01106, lon=-72.30231(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Unknown
TYPE
Pond
DESCRIPTION
Small, fresh water pond in the Hamptons on Long Island. Pretty pond, small beaches, rope swing. Local swimming place, dogs kids. Nice bike ride from Sag Harbor.
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, rope swing
PHONE
None
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From East Hampton (near the eastern tip of Long Island) go northwest on RT 114 through Sag Harbor and across the bridge. The pond is just off this road, only about 5 minutes drive from downtown Sag Harbor.
TROY, EAGLE MILLS, PETERSBURG, NORTH PETERSBURG, HOOSICK
STATE
NY
WATER
Varies- see below
TYPE
Varies- see below
DESCRIPTION
Several swimming holes east of Troy. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Nearby
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
Take RT 2 east from Troy toward Eagle Mills, then:
EAGLE MILLS [EAGL]: Falls in Posten Kill with potholes and large swimmable pool. NOTE: Water shoes a must as there is considerable broken glass. PHOTO ,PHOTO . To get here: Continue east on RT 2 to Eagle Mills. Cross bridge over Posten Kill, park and walk back over bridge. Path on right by fire hydrant leads to very steep, badly eroded path to river. LAT, LON lat=42.72897, lon=-73.60408(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified by W. Brunner. Updated 3/7/04.
JONES HOLLOW [JONE]: Falls in Little Hoosick River with potholes. Bathing suits customary - in town location. To get here, continue east on RT 2 to Petersburg. Cross bridge over Little Hoosick River and park on right. Paths on both sides of RT 2 lead to river. LAT, LON : lat=42.74897, lon=-73.33910(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified by W. Brunner. Updated 3/7/04.
HOOSICK FLATS [HOOS]: Deep section in Hoosick River. Current is swift - NOTE: avoid area after heavy rains or thunderstorms. PHOTO . In Petersburg, turn north (left) on RT 22. After you cross RT 7 (RT 9?) near Hoosick, on RT 22, look for dirt roads on the right. Turn onto the second one and drive to river. Most cars park on rocky bank, but be careful not to get stuck. LAT, LON :lat=42.86203, lon=-73.34169(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified by W. Brunner. Updated 3/7/04.
Swimming and tubing places in the Catskills near Phoenicia. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREAS
Catskill Park
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
Varies-see below
FACILITIES
In Phoenicia
ACTIVITIES
Tubing, Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Very nearby at Woodland Valley State Park
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From I-87, get off at Exit 19, Kingston exit, RT 28. Go northwest on RT 28 about 25 miles to Phoenicia. Then:
ESOPUS CREEK [ESOP]: Popular tubing place in Esopus Creek right in Phoenicia. PHOTO. Several outfitters or bring your own tubes. Some rapids, some quiet sections. Ask for an outfitter that lets you start right at the dam rapid (some don't). Life jackets seem to be required. Camp very nearby at Woodland Valley State Park
Here are some suggestions from a user: "The commercial outfitters offer 2 sections of river: upstream from Phoenicia & downstream. Upstream, they take you by bus & you float back. Downstream, you float from town & take train back Kids like the train, it's kind of cute. Upstream has more current and 1 significant rapid. Downstream is much slower floating. As I recall, there was maybe 1 rather small swimmable section the entire way and it's not road accessible. Otherwise, the river is basically too shallow. If you use a tube without the board on the bottom, you end up scraping (your) bottom much of the way. The entire river is dam controlled. On release days, it's said to be quite different but I've never experienced it personally. The outfitters know the release schedules, as do the local canoe & kayak clubs (and fishermen). Note that the water comes from below the dam so it's colder than you might
expect (at all times)." LAT, LON lat=42.08097, lon=-74.31533(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified. Updated 3/10/04.
OTTER FALLS[OTTE]: In amongst rare Catskills virgin forest of Hemlock, Otter Falls cascades down about 30 feet to a large deep bowl that measures about 20-30 feet in diameter with a depth of about 6-8 feet at its center. It is on state land with a small side trail that leads to it. Otter falls is only about .5 mile from the popular Giant Ledge trail parking area (hairpin turn) which makes it an excellent stop after a hot sweaty hike. PHOTO ,PHOTO , PHOTO .
This report from a visitor in 2009:"I recently visited the Catskill Mts. and wanted to find a swimming hole for my friends to experience. I used to swim at many a "hole" in my youth. While googling around I found your site. We visited Otter Falls (Otte) and had such a wonderful time. Recent rains made this swimming hole into a giant frigid water jacuzzi. Getting down to the pool was a little hairy but it made it an adventure. We ran into another group who had been visiting this site for twenty years and they said they've never seen the falls so full of water. Usually it's a third of the volume that we saw."
To get here from RT 28 in Phoenicia: Continue west on Rt 28 through Shandaken to Big Indian. Turn south (left) on RT 47 (set odometer) and go about 6.6 miles to a telephone pole with mile post #167 1/2 on it. Other things to look for are the state land signs (the yellow ones with the DEC logo). This state land is the only State land on the west side of Route 47 in Big Indian Valley. (If you come to the "hairpin turn", an extremely sharp right hand turn, on RT 47, you have gone about .5 mile too far.)
The parking area and access to the trail is actually a little complicated to find. There is no designated parking area but once you park along the road, the trail is clear and very short. There is very limited parking at the trailhead; probably enough for once car. A good suggestion might be to park at the Giant Ledge train parking area and walk down the hill to the swimming hole, using the telephone pole numbers to find the path. It may take a few passes to find but eventually, the cascade and pool is very very easy to find.
LAT, LON : lat=42.0314, lon=-74.4201(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 12/09.
SAUGERTIES, CENTERVILLE, WEST SAUGERTIES, PLATT CLOVE
LAT, LON
lat=42.11292, lon=-74.04903(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Plattekill Clove
TYPE
Creek/Falls
DESCRIPTION
From local fan: "Hike to absolutely beautiful area with numerous pools & waterfalls connected by a trail or thru the river. One pool had high jumping on one side (check depth first). From another fan: "This area is probably the best swimming hole in the Catskill mtns, if not the state. Many waterfalls and pools for swimming. NOTE: Also CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS, a few people have died and a few injured each year."
NOTE: Legal access to this area is difficult and very limited and there have been problems here with private property owners due to very limited parking and trespassing on private property. The way that is described below is, I think, the only really legal way into this area at this time. As this is a very beautiful area, if anyone knows of another legal way we would appreciate it.
AREAS
Catskill Park
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Jumping (check depth first)
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Nearby at Devil's Tombstone Campground (a Catskill Park Campground) on RT 214, 4 miles south of Hunter.
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From I-87, get off at Saugerties exit, Exit 20. Take RT 32 south a very short way then go west (right) on RT 212 through Veteran to Centerville. In Centerville at the firehouse, turn north (right) on RT 35 (Blue Mountain Rd) then at the general store turn west (bear left) onto RT 35 (West Saugerties Rd)(set odometer here). Continue on West Saugerties Rd. about 2.1 miles to the very small town of West Saugerties, just about 5 houses near a "T" intersection. (Some try to access the Plattekill Clove area by hiking up the creek from this point but this is not really possible nor is there much parking here nor any legal access at his point. It is private property.)
The only feasible, legal access is to continue driving straight from here, up Plattekill Clove road (paved but rough and narrow). This information is from a frequent user: "What we do is park up the hill on the first pull off past the limited use seasonal highway sign (there is an off-road /road leading up the right side of the road here). We then hike down the hill on a small steepish trail until we come to the trail. to the right are swimming holes or continue on straight down to the stream. At the trail, going to the left is private property; but the stream and trail to the right are state forest preserve."
Head upstream, keeping an eye on the creek. There are several waterfalls and pools, spots to stop. If you come to a point where the trail seems to end and you think there's nothing much further up, you should just look harder & then continue. Some wading may be necessary in places.
lat=44.7972, lon=-73.3767(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Lake Champlain
TYPE
Lake
DESCRIPTION
Secluded bay/beach. This is a customary nudist location for Quebecers.
AREAS
Point Au Roche S. P.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Showers, Picnic Tables, Toilets
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
518-563-0369
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Very Optional (nudist only, please)
DIRECTIONS
Drive north from Plattsburg(NY) on I-87 about 9 miles to Exit 40. You will see signs for either the Point Au Roche S. P. or Mooney Bay Marina. Follow these signs and take the second park entrance which leads to free parking at the nature interpretation center. Follow the eastern loop trail, a paved service road, from the parking area. Keep left at fork with "short cut trail". At .25 mile the road will turn to the right. There is a trail to the left at the beginning of the turn, which is the wrong one, and a smaller trail to the left at the end of the turn - this is the correct one.You will not have to go more that two or three minutes before reaching the water. Another two minutes will get you to the bay and small beach.
Here is a report from a rather dissapointed visitor: "I visited this site on August 25, 2005. In general the park is very run down and unkempt, which is quite a shame as it is a beautiful location. Although some of the many hiking and biking trails are groomed the sign posts and trail markers have all fallen down, there are bits of broken glass on the paved trails and, indeed, the old pavement is crumbling. There are no washrooms, benches, or showers. This is a remote hiking location. When I arrived at noon there were two women, wearing bathing suits,sunning themselves. They were still there when I left. I had been mountain biking so I stripped off and went for a long swim. The two ladies did not seem to mind. The only other traffic all afternoon were several hikers, some of whom swam with shorts on. an older couple arrived on those damned Seadoo things, making a hell of a racket. They stayed clothed, ate lunch, and then left. A few motorboats approached the cove but decided that it wasn't interesting enough and left. The water was nice, but shallow. The beach has been used by party goers and there were the remains of an bonfire filled with old beer cans and liquor bottles. Sort of fits in with the general state of disrepair. All in all, it was a bit of a depressing afternoon." Read it and weep!
lat=43.38858, lon=-75.55665(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
East Branch Fish Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
Swimming hole in creek with whirlpool action.
This report from a visitor in 2009: "I grew up going there near my home. It's in Point Rock, New York, in Town of Lee. The swimming hole is in East Branch Fish Creek. I am deaf and I don't know what the hearing people (non-deaf) call that swimming hole but we deaf people (community) call it Black Hole because the water is almost black (dark rocks) and it's like a whirlpool that rotates. Its about 10 feet deep. "
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
none
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
none
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From the New York State Thruway(I-90) at Exit 33 (set odometer) take RT 26 north into Rome. Continue on RT 26 (thorugh several turns) through Rome to Stokes Corner, a total of about 10 miles from I-90. Then go west (left turn) onto Oneida County RT 53 (Stokes-Lee Center Road) and go straight about 4 miles to Lee Center and then go north (right turn) onto Point Rock Road (RT 67) and go about 5 miles until you arrive the hamlet of Point Rock. Pass the small town then take a left fork onto Yorkland Road. There is a dirt parking for cars on the right on Yorkland Road, that is the parking for the swimming hole in the East Branch Fish Creek. There is a stone stairs near the bridge to walk down and walk on the trail leading to the swimming hole.
lat=42.85892, lon=-76.15086(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Fall Creek
TYPE
Falls
DESCRIPTION
This is about a 2 mile round trip hike to 25 foot waterfall which splits and has swimming hole at bottom of right hand channel. The hike is made difficult because of downed trees, slippery places, loose rocks and holes along the way. Landslides are common here. Access to Rattlesnake Gulf on one side is via property leased by Adams Eden Camp, which is a privately-owned camp but is open to the public. The other side of Rattlesnake Gulf is private property and is posted no tresspassing - so please stay off. A small fee is charged by Adams Eden Camp for day use and camping and other lodging is available for a fee also. Adams Eden Camp suggests you take a life guard if you go up here to swim. Adams Eden Camp web site .
AREAS
Adams Eden Camp/Rattlesnake Gulf
SANCTION
Unknown
FEE
Yes, small day use fee
FACILITIES
Camping, lodging
ACTIVITIES
Swimming,boating, hiking, other
PHONE
315-677-5121
CAMPING
At site
BATHING SUITS
Required
DIRECTIONS
From Syracuse, take I-81 S. to the US-20 W exit, EXIT 15. Turn left onto US 20 for 4 miles. Turn left onto Case Hill Rd. for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto South Cook Rd. for 0.6 miles. End at Adams Eden Camp (4812 S. Cook Rd. - thje very end of Cook Rd.)
lat=41.50777, lon=-73.98539(source: map) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Swimming Pool in Hudson River
TYPE
Swimming Pool in Husdson River
DESCRIPTION
Unique, small, enclosed floating pool in Hudson River uses actual river water which is quite clean at this point. Free. See this site for more information: WEB SITE . (See also "The Floating Pool Lady" above.) This is not the first floating pool in the New York area - around 1900 there were several in both the Hudson and East Rivers - which used the actual river water back when it was cleaner than now. See Article for a history of such pools.
AREAS
Riverfront Park
SANCTION
Official
FEE
None
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Wading
PHONE
914-629-4598
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Required
DIRECTIONS
The Beacon River Pool is located just off the north shore of Riverfront Park – a central destination for local youth and adults. The Park is only minutes away from Beacon’s train station and ferry dock as well as regional attractions such as the DIA: Beacon and the Beacon Landing peninsula. The water quality at the River Pool site is one of the best in Dutchess County. To get here, From I-84 on the east side of the Hudson River Bridge near Beacon, take exit 11 and follow RT 9D (North Ave) south into Beacon. Continue straight onto Wolcott Ave then turn right onto Beekman St.. Go a very short way then turn left onto Red Flynn Drive and continue to the W aterfront Park. The floating park and pool are here.
lat=42.46094, lon=-76.96828(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Rock Stream
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
Swimming hole in creek. No better description.
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unknown
FEE
Unknown
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From Elmira, go north on RT 14 through Watkins Glen. About 4 miles north of Watkins Glen, at Gabriel's Junction, go west (left) onto RT 14A. Go about 6 miles on RT 14A to a crossing of Rock Stream. I think the swimming hole is near here.
Several swimming holes near Roscoe in the Catskills. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREAS
Catskill Forest Preserve
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
Off RT 17 in the far southwestern corner of the Catskills is Roscoe. From here:
ROSCOE[ROSO]: Clear, clean, deep, private; rope swing on tree across creek, good current with perfect eddy. Hidden but easy access from highway rest area. NOTE: Very large, prominent sign there says "No Swimming, Climbing or Jumping". To get here from Roscoe: Drive east on RT 17 in the vicinity of Roscoe and stop at the rest area. The gentler, more gradual swimming hole is in the woods at the far left corner of the the rest area PHOTO . A deeper hole, with rock abutment where an old bridge used to be, is in the far right corner PHOTO LAT, LON : lat=41.93258, lon=-74.91428(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/2011. Updated 8/2011.
BEAVERKILL CAMPGROUND [BEAK]: Swimming hole in a public access area called Beaverkill campsite. PHOTO , PHOTO . Pay for parking - there is a deep swimming hole which is safe and beautiful (although not an "official" swimming place). Overhead is a great old covered wooden bridge. Grills and wooden tables for picnics, and bathrooms, etc. Camping on site -
Link to campground info and photo. To get here from Roscoe: From RT 17, take exit 94 and follow RT 206 northwest for about 3 miles then turn east (right) on Craigie Clair Rd. and follow this road through Craigie Clair to the Beaverkill Campground. LAT, LON : lat=41.97806, lon=-74.84411(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/2011. Updated 8/2011.
CORBETT FALLS [CORB]: Said to be one of the best swimming holes in the Catskill mountains, located just outside of Downsville in Delaware County on Campbell Brook. This swimming hole has a nice brook that runs cold all year. There are portions in this stretch where the rocks are carved out perfectly to use as a slide. Then, the brook drops off into a deep pool that has 15' cliffs to jump from as well as the falls. There are many times that there are people there, but also many times, there is no one but you. Very secluded and quiet except for the water! PHOTO , PHOTO.
NOTE: There is private land in this area - please repect this and obey any no trespassing signs. There may or may not be police enforcement of the private property in this area. Be alert and aware of this situation if you visit.
To get here from Roscoe: From RT 17, take exit 94 and follow RT 206 northwest for 10 miles to stop sign. Turn west (left) on RT 206/30 and go to Downsville. In Downsville, turn south (left) staying on RT 30. Take RT 30 3.5 miles (approx) from Downsville and turn east (left) on Corbett Rd. (this road may be unmarked, but it is a single lane suspension bridge at the turn) and go to Corbett. In Corbett, go north(left) on River Rd. then, in a short distance, go east (right) on Campbell Brook Rd. Go up this road about 1.75 miles to the second bridge over Campbell Brook. Watch for dirt parking area on left, just before bridge. If you go over bridge, you went too far. The creek and falls are right there along side of the road. LAT, LON : lat=42.04144, lon=-74.98947(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/2011. Updated 8/2011.
Swimming holes on the Saranac Lakes - most only acessible by boat. The Saranac Lakes include Upper, Middle and Lower Saranac Lakes. Weller Pond is an often-associated water-body connected to Middle Saranac Lake. Between Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes is a self-operated lock (an operator is often on duty during summer daytime hours).
AREAS
Adirondack Forest Preserve
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, boating, hiking
PHONE
none
CAMPING
There are 20 primitive first-come first-serve free primitive campsites on Upper Saranac Lake. The state runs the Saranac Lake Islands campground - this campground has 87 fee-based primitive campsites (reserve at www.reserveamerica.com) spread across Lower Saranac Lake, Middle Saranac Lake and Weller Pond. The state also runs the Fish Creek Pond campground (just off Upper Saranac Lake) - this campground has 355 campsites and accommodates all equipment from tents to 40' RVs.
BATHING SUITS
Varies-see below
DIRECTIONS
From the center of the town of Saranac Lake, (set your odometer) take RT 3 west, then:
AMPERSAND BEACH [AMPE]: This is the only of these places that is accessible without a boat. Ampersand Beach is a beautiful half-mile long beach on Middle Saranac Lake. It is located near the popular trailhead to Ampersand Mountain and climbers often stop here for a refreshing swim after their descent. The waters are very shallow here - one can walk out 100 yards and be only waist deep - an excellent beach for young children. Swimsuits are customary during daylight hours. PHOTO . LAT, LON : lat=44.2550, lon=-74.2466(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: From the center of the town of Saranac Lake, take RT 3 West for about 8.25 miles. Park at a parking area on the
north (right) side of the road, just across the road from the Ampersand Mountain trailhead. Follow trail from the left side of the parking area
to the north over a half mile long trail to Ampersand Beach on Middle Saranac Lake.
This beach is also boat/canoe accessible from the state
boat launch on NYS Route 3. From the state boat launch, head upriver (left) into Lower Saranac Lake. Then head westward into Middle Saranac
Lake, passing through the self-serve locks. The beach is located along the southern half of the west shore of Middle Saranac Lake. The distance
from the state boat launch is approximately six miles. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 1/21/2008.
PICNIC POINT [PICN]: On Lower Saranac Lake, this is accessible by boat/canoe only. A nice place to stop off for lunch and a swim. It is right off one of the Adirondack classic canoe trails. The rock ledge is only about a foot above the water level, but the water here is deep. Because of the amount of nearby boat and canoe traffic, swimsuits are required.
PHOTO . LAT, LON : lat=44.2953, lon=-74.1985 (source: measured by another) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: From the middle of the town of Saranac Lake take RT 3 west about 4 miles to the well marked state boat launch facility (16 miles east of Tupper Lake, and 4 miles west of Saranac Lake on RT 3.). In your boat, head upriver (left) into Lower Saranac Lake. Once you reach Lower Saranac Lake, the rock ledge is just west of here. This spot can be identified by the "Picnic Area" sign. The distance from the state boat launch is approximately one mile. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 1/21/2008.
BLUFF ISLAND [BLUF]: On Lower Saranac Lake, this is accessible by boat/canoe only. The prominent feature of Bluff Island is the 80-foot granite face that rises almost perpendicularly from the water. It is too dangerous to jump from here. However on the backside of the island is a much smaller 10-foot plunge. Picnic tables and a very small sandy landing make this a family friendly stop. The very small sandy area affords kids a place to wade and swim. This is a fun island to explore, but if climbing Bluff Point for the view, keep all children very well supervised. PHOTO , PHOTO . As this area is rather popular with families, swimsuits are recommended (and customary). LAT, LON : lat=44.2980, lon=-74.1992 (source: measured by another) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
This from a visitor in 2010:"This is a huge spot for cliff jumping. Ranging from 10-115 ft drops. I've done the 60 ft leap and it's a thrill. I don't suggest this to anybody unless they know what they are doing. Water is deep enough of course. won't hit bottom. but biggest problem is possibly hitting water in bad form." To get here: From the state boat launch on RT 3 (above), head upriver (left) into Lower Saranac Lake. Upon entering Lower Saranac Lake, the Bluff Point of Bluff Island is the obvious rock face dead ahead. Proceed around to the left side of the island to a sandy landing near the low rock cliff. The distance from the state boat launch is approximately one mile. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 1/21/2008.
ROCKY LEDGE [ROCL]: On Lower Saranac Lake, this is accessible by boat/canoe only. Take a plunge from this rocky ledge into the deep cool waters on this classic Adirondack Lake. Although this swimming spot is on a major canoe route, it is quite private because paddlers hurriedly pass through this part of Lower Saranac Lake. Except for these paddlers, an occasional camper or early morning/late evening fisherman, this part of Lower Saranac Lake is much less active than the other portion. This rocky point is popular among Boy Scouts and other outdoor groups because it is on one of the classic Adirondack canoe trails. Most visitors linger only long enough for a quick lunch/snack and a dip. This rock ledge is accessible only by boat or canoe, and because of its isolation, most swimmers skinny dip here.
PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . LAT, LON : lat=44.2859, lon=-74.2238(source: measured by another) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
To get here: From the state boat launch on RT 3 (above), head upriver (left) into Lower Saranac Lake. Upon entering Lower Saranac Lake, head west. This sloped rocky point is located on the north shore of the west end of Lower Saranac Lake, between campsites 45 and 46. Campsite 45 is at the narrow section of the lake. Campsite 46 is on a rocky point. This swimming spot is on a smaller rocky point just before campsite 46. You can easily identify this location by a "No Camping" sign. There are hooks anchored into the rock here for you to tie up your boat/canoe. The distance from the state boat launch is approximately three miles.. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 1/21/2008.
WELLER POND [WELL]: This is accessible by boat/canoe only. Proficient map skills and
suitable maps are required. A beautiful remote pond and this rock ledge is a wonderful place to stop for lunch and a swim. It is not far from the terminus of the less-used canoe carry (portage) between Upper Saranac Lake and Weller Pond. The rock ledge is only about a foot above the water level, but the water here is deep. Solitude is almost always assured here, so skinny dipping is customary.
PHOTO . LAT, LON : lat=44.2842, lon=-74.2849(source: measured by another) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
To get here: Proficient map skills and suitable maps are required. From the state boat launch on RT 3 (above), head upriver into Lower Saranac Lake. Then head westward into Middle Saranac Lake, passing through the self-serve locks. Head into the northernmost bay of Middle Saranac Lake and look for the Weller Pond outlet stream. The rock ledge is located in the northwestern part of Weller Pond. It is the obvious bare rock area on the western shore just north of Tick Island (campsite #84). The distance from the state boat launch is approximately ten miles.
Very confident. Not verified. Updated 1/21/2008.
TOMS ROCK [TOMR]: On Upper Saranac Lake, this is accessible by boat/canoe only. Tom's Rock (or Tommy's Rock, as the USGS map calls it) on Upper Saranac Lake is great for jumping. People go there just for that. The jump is anywhere from 8-12 feet, depending on where you stand (run). Also on Upper Saranac Lake, is Green Island. On the south side of Green Island, there is reportedly a rope swing. Bathing suits: unknown. LAT, LON : lat=44.3376, lon=-74.3196(source: measured by another) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
To get here: This is accessible by boat/canoe only. Drive west on RT 3 from the boat ramp (above) to the junction with RT 30 - before the town of Tupper Lake. Drive north on RT 30 for 14.1 miles. Turn right onto Back Bay Road towards Saranac Inn (Back Bay Road is approximately 2 miles past the entrance to Fish Creek Pond State Campground). The state boat launch facility on Upper Saranac Lake is about a half mile down Back Bay Road. Launch your boat/canoe here. Tom's Rock is less than a quarter mile south of the state boat launch. Green Island is approximately another half mile further south from Tom's Rock. Green Island can be identified by the location of campsites #2 and #3 - these are first-come first-served
no-fee campsites.Very confident. Not verified. Updated 1/21/2008.
lat=42.94701, lon=-76.42910(source: map) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Skaneateles Lake
TYPE
Lake
DESCRIPTION
Almost as much fun to say ("scanny atlas", I think) as it is to visit. Not really a swimming hole, but a really beautiful official swimming place (lifeguards, fee) in a crystal clear lake. This is right in the town, which has very classy shops and restaurants. You can have a great meal, shop a while then take a swim all in walking distance.
AREAS
In town
SANCTION
Official
FEE
$3 per person to swim in 2011
FACILITIES
Clean public restrooms very nearby in town
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Required
DIRECTIONS
From Syracuse, go south on I-81 then west on RT 20 to Skaneateles. Swimming place is right in the middle of town.
There are several places where people swim in Six Mile Creek in the area south and east of Ithaca. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREAS
Six Mile Creek Gorge
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
None at site, camp nearby at Robert H. Treman S.P. or Buttermilk Falls S.P.
BATHING SUITS
Optional in some locations
DIRECTIONS
SIX MILE CREEK GORGE [SIXG]: There are several places where people swim in Six Mile Creek Gorge which is at the bottom of the very scenic Six Mile Gorge in Ithaca. Nudity is common. LAT, LON : lat=42.41972, lon=-76.46678(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/2005. Updated 1/2010.
1. The Lower Reservoir - Has a sign "SWIMMING PROHIBITED" RESERVOIR PHOTO . People do often swim here from a large, flat rock - but you may be subject to arrest if you do.
2. Potter's Falls - is upstream of the lower reservoir and is the main swimming place in a large pool at the bottom FALLS PHOTO. There is a network of trails and it is easy to get lost so keep track of your route and ask directions of people you meet.
3. Upper reservoir - Upstream from Potter's Falls - this is the water source for Ithaca and swimming is definitely NOT permitted.
READ ALL THE BELOW CAUTIONARY EMAILS ABOUT THIS PLACE:
I received the following e mail in 7/01:
"Swimming is not allowed any where in the six mile creek gorge, including Potter's Falls. The land is owned by the City of Ithaca and is patrolled by Gorge Rangers throughout the summer months. Sincerely, City of Ithaca Gorge Ranger"
I received the following e mail from a user in 9/01:
"Police patrol every few hours and tell people to get out of the water. Many still swim, however, and no action was taken against those in the water when the patrol came around."
I received the following in 8/04:"I frequent Potters Falls every weekend in the summer. Rangers, (different one every year) not police, visit usually once a day and quite often not at all. They look for kids jumping from rocks and rowdiness. They don't make arrests, but instead are quite pleasant and friendly to deal with. There is longtime tradition of skinnydipping and nude sunbathing at Potters Falls, and it continues today in a positive and friendly environment."
I received the following in 9/04: THIS AREA IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS AFTER HEAVY RAINS AS THE NEXT E MAIL ILLUSTRATES:" Thought you might like a report about Potters Falls, outside Ithaca, NY. I was there Saturday. There had just been a rainfall, and the trails were treacherous. Especially as they leaned downhill, with a dropoff below. Yikes! An experienced hiker, I lost footing a dozen times and got all kinds of muddy. It was a little dicey, I have to say. Anyway, there were 60 or 70 college kids at the reservoir pool -- ten in the water, maybe, and the others about to go in -- when a gorge ranger came to admonish the crowd about the perils of swimming there. She described in wrenching detail the three-hour airlift a month ago of a girl who'd gone over the falls. The ranger was altogether serious and snapped at anyone who didn't seem to get the message.
I get the impression Ithaca may be preparing to crack down. A glimpse at the archives of The Ithaca Journal, by the way, confirms the frequency of accidents in the gorge. In the last two years, there've been three bad falls from gorge trails, two fatal. Reading this after my own slips, I am that much more relieved I made it out safely. The accident last month is the first swimming-related one, but the rescue people in Ithaca have to be getting weary of it all."
There are at least three ways to access Six Mile Gorge, the reservoirs, Potters Falls and other nearby areas.
1. From Ithaca, take Rt. 79 East approximately 1 mile then go right on Giles St (in residential
area). After about .5 mile, turn left before the bridge into a parking area. This is the entrance to
Six Mile Creek Gorge at the low end of the creek. Look at the map posted in the parking area. You want generally to
follow the "East Rim Trail" to the lower reservoir and then to Potters Falls, both of which are
shown on the map. This trail goes along the creek upstream - it is about 1 mile to the Lower Reservoir, unknown distance beyond here to Potters Falls and then the Upper REservoir. You have to climb out of the gorge via a very steep trail before the 60-foot dam that holds the Lower Reservoir. Following the trail along the north side of the Lower Reservoir will take you to Potter's Falls. You must once again climb up and out of the gorge to the rim trail to get above the level of the next dam that holds the Upper Reservoir. This trail is a little dangerous right along the precipice for a short stretch.
2. Another (shorter walk) way to get here is, from Ithaca take RT 79 east approximately 1
mile outside of Ithaca, go PAST Giles St, and after about 1 mile turn right on Lois Lane into
Commonland Communnity. Take first right onto Penny Lane, approx 100 yards on left is the entrance.
It is an easily-missed, rutted road between two houses. There are "no parking" signs here, from 11 PM to 7 AM
in summer. There is a sign on the post by the rutted road that says what all is prohibited but does
not mention that this is the way to Six Mile Creek Gorge. Park and follow this path. In about .3 miles, the path ends at a "T". To the right is the Lower Reservoir; to the left (maybe 1 mile) is Potter's Falls. Follow the path to the left, upstream (avoid side paths that go down to the creek or up out of the gorge) for about 1 mile, until you come to a 25 foot high natural waterfall, this is Potter's Falls.
3. Continue east on RT 79 and park at the entrance to the Upper Reservoir (there's signage, but it is easily found by the vegetation: a deep dark red pine plantation that comes right up to the highway). Follow the path through the pines to the reservoir and dam and head downstream on the trail to Potter's Falls. It's less walking from this direction, but of course you miss a lot of scenery.
UPPER SIX MILE CREEK [UPPS]: Medium cascade style waterfall with fall pool and old mill pool 100ft downstream. The waterfall may be slid down into the pool which is about 5 foot deep. The is a shallow cave behind the falls itself that may be swam into. Creek flows down slate/rock streambed about 100ft to a sandy bottomed old mill pool. A wall of the mill still stands and may be climbed to jump into the deeper end of the pool. The bottom slopes gently from about 1ft deep opposite the wall to about 10ft deep at the wall. Popular swimming area in the town and surrounding areas, quite family friendly, bathing suits customary. To get here, continue east on RT 79. Past Besemer (but before Slaterville Springs) take Lounsberry Rd south. Turn east (right) at Brooktondale Rd and park along the creek. Parking can also be found across the Lounsberry Rd bridge on Valley St, but creek access is limited. LAT, LON : lat=42.38199, lon=-76.39078(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/2010.
Numerous swimming places in Adirondack Park near the town of Speculator. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREAS
Adirondack Park
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Varies- See below
ACTIVITIES
Varies- See below
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Nearby at Moffit Beach S.P.
BATHING SUITS
Varies- See below
DIRECTIONS
From Glens Falls, go north on I-87 to Exit 25 (Chestertown exit) then go west on RT 8 into the Adirondack Park, past Wevertown (set odometer here), then:
FOX LAIR[FOXL]: Abandoned Adirondack estate, Fox Lair, now State property, has small gorge with deep swimming hole in the East Branch Sacandaga River. PHOTO . LAT, LON : lat=43.56026, lon=-74.11930(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: Continue west on RT 8 to about 12 miles past Wevertown. Here you will see on the left (west) side of the road an embankment control project where there is grass planted in a green mesh. See the road (dirt/gravel) right at the far (west) end of this embankment project - but there is no place to park here. A very short distance further is another similar road, park here and walk back to the first road. Walk down this old estate road (it gets more narrow as you go down) only about 5 minutes and you will see on the left a set of concrete (yes!) stairs heading toward the river. The swimming place is here between two large rock banks. Very confident. Verified 8/2005. Updated 8/21/2005.
SHANTY BROOK [SHAN]: Deep hole at foot of 12 foot high falls in gorge of Shanty Brook. Pretty remote, bathing suits probably optional. PHOTO . LAT, LON : lat=43.531636, lon=-74.147650(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: Continue west on RT 8 past Fox Lair (above) about 2 miles or so more to the Shanty Brook parking area - a large lot (with separate in and out driveways) on the south (left)side of RT 8 (there is a long box-type guardrail on the north side at this point). Walk northeast (back the way you came) along the road, after the end of the guardrail - about 800 feet from the parking area - on the north side of RT 8 to a dirt road that goes toward the East Branch Sacandaga River. About 100 feet on this road look down at the river and see several cables going across the river and a steep path that goes down to the river bank; cross the river on the cables or by fording. Follow the trail on the other side of the river at the cables. You will soon be going up along the west bank of Shanty Brook. Follow this trail a bit more than 1 mile (sometimes a bit muddy - little streams to cross and a bit overgrown) and you will see a yellow ribbon an a branch where a side trail goes down to a waterfall. The deep pool is at the foot of this fall. Very confident. Verified by another. Updated 10/21/2005.
GRIFFIN[GRIF]: There are several swimming holes along the North Branch Scanadonga River near Griffin - including a falls. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . LAT, LON : lat=43.47321, lon=-74.22464(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: Continue west on RT 8 to about 2.4 miles BEFORE (east of) the RT 8/30 intersection; look for where the guardrail on the north (right) side changes from box-type to cable-type). Between the two types of guradrail you will see a stop sign on a dirt road that angles to the right off of RT 8. You can drive on this road north along the bank of the East Branch to a bridge over the river. Cross the bridge and park. Walk to the left down the road (downstream) a very short way then see on the left a path that heads off toward the river. Follow this path a short distance to where huge, flat rocks slope steeply down to the river. This path is high above a rather steep bank and care should be taken not to slide down. There are also several primitive camp sites along this trail. The swimming holes are near here and downstream of here. There are several swimming holes along here and a falls.
Alternate directions: Park in the paved lot across RT 8 on the south (left) side of RT 8 (signed "trailhead - Georgia Brook, Cod Pond, Wells Lake"), cross RT 8 and walk down the dirt road. A trail on the left, about 100 feet down this road leads to a large swimmable pool that is very difficult to access from the other side of the bridge. Very confident. Verified 8/2005. Updated 8/22/2005.
AUGER FALLS [AUGE]: NY DEC Scenic area on Sacandaga River. Falls, swimming areas upstream from falls. Bathing suits sometimes optional- depends on the crowd. LAT, LON : lat=43.46722, lon=-74.24689(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: Continue west on RT 8 thru the intersection of RT 30 and RT 8. Go north (right) on RT 30/8 about 1.7 miles to the second right turn into a large dirt parking area. Cars parked near this entrance are usually cyclist vehicles. Turn right to trailhead for 1/2 mile hike to the falls. Swimming is not advised here- deep gorge, swift current. To swim in the pools drive straight to the far north (left) end of the parking lot. Follow path to river and follow downstream for choice of 3 pools. Very confident. Verified 8/2005. Updated 8/22/2005.
AUSTIN FALLS [AUST]: Adirondack picnic area with chute-type falls nearby, deep holes for swimming. PHOTO . LAT, LON : lat=43.501, lon=-74.280(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: Continue north on RT 30/8 to where you see a closed and barriered bridge that goes to the right over the Sacandaga River to Old Highway 30. This is where you want to go but you can't go this way. Continue on RT 30/8 until you see the other end of this road where it comes back and rejoins RT 30/8 (sign just says "Snow plow turnaround"). Turn here and go 2.5 miles down this paved but bumpy road then park by the road. Walk down to the river and you will hear and see the chutes known as Austin Falls. WARNING: The flow can be very fast at some points here, be very cautious where you enter the water. Don't go in if you can't find a safe place. Very confident. Verified 8/2005. Updated 8/22/2005
DUG MOUNTAIN BROOK [DUGM]: Remote, Adirondack picnic area with sandy beach extending into the Jessup River - slopes very gradually, good for children. Falls nearby. LAT, LON : lat=43.59514, lon=-74.38989(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Uncertain. Not verified. Updated 12/10/2002. To get here: There are two ways to get to the Dug Mtn. Brook Picnic Area, one by land and one by boat, both take a good bit of effort:
By Land: Continue west on RT 8/30 to Speculator. Go about 5+ miles north of Speculator on RT 30 to Whitaker Lake road (on the east (right) side), look for a large rock that has been painted like a pig face. PHOTO . This is a rough road, but you can drive a regular car maybe mile in, about as far as Camp Deerfoot, then park. Walk about 1 mile more down this road to where an old unused road heads north. Walk up this road past the road barrier, over the decrepit Cannon Brook bridge, for a total of about hour where you will come into a field of
trees and brush (Part of Indian Clearing) and an obscure fork in the trail. Take the left fork toward the Jessup River. Go north alongside of a swampy area then follow the east bank of the Jessup River, rough going, easy to get lost, use your compass. In about 30 minutes walking
along the bank of the river, you come to the Dug Mtn. Ponds and the Dug Mtn. Falls which
empty into the Jessup River. The picnic area and swimming hole (in the Jessup River) are
here.
By Boat: Go up RT 30 to the Indian Island Caretaker Headquarters off RT 30. Here there is a
public boat launch place. Ask how to get to the Dug Mtn. Brook Picnic Area, it may be 8 miles
by water from here, a good distance for a canoe!
Swimming places at bottom of two falls. See DIRECTIONS below.
AREAS
Adirondack Park
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
Unknown
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Go EAST on RT 9 from Exit 30 to Sharp Bridge Campground
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From I-87, get off at Exit 30 at RT 9. Take RT 9 north to the junction with RT 73 then:
ROLLING BROOK [ROLL]: From the intersection of RT 9 and RT 73, continue north on RT 9 toward Elizabethtown and you will pass some fishing places marked by tiny signs. When you see Roaring Brook Rd. on the west (left) side of the road, turn EAST (RIGHT) onto a small access road and go about .25 miles to the Bouquet River. Here there is a fishing spot with a deeper pool suitable for a dip. LAT, LON lat=44.17164, lon=-73.61114(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Uncertain. Not verified. Updated 11/17/2004
SPLIT ROCK FALLS [SPLF]: This well-known place is CLOSED to swimming because of MANY DROWNINGS here due to DANGEROUS CURRENTS. Don't swim here!
BOUQUET BRIDGE [BOUQ]: From the intersection of RT 9 and RT 73, go on RT 73 west. After 0.3 mi, you will pass the South Fork of the Boquet River, where some spots may be found, but the best ones are at 1.3 mi from the intersection. There is a swimming hole on the left at a bridge with a good-large swimming size pool and ledges to jump from with heights maybe more than 20 '. There are also two marked primitive camping areas across the river from each other. Just across the road is a split rock with a 10 - 15' jump. There is an official trail starting from the southeast side of the river, several spots can be found in the first 5 minutes of walk.
After that, there is another spot that is about 30 minutes of walk, with a natural crevice where one can swim in low water season. PHOTO , PHOTO .
This from a visitor in 2010:"From the bridge follow the brook down. This is otherwise known as Angel Falls and it very nice to swim in. we have found a couple high jumping spots around 30 ft. water is deep in middle. but only middle. sides have rocks that come out about 3 ft. and the small water fall has a cave behind it you can stand in. fit about 8 or 9 people back in there. From the bridge going up the brook there is another spot to swim. about 15 or so ft deep. water is nice and warm. and has two spots to jump from around 25-30 ft." LAT, LON lat=44.113302, lon=-73.709048(source: Google Maps ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 2/2011.
SHOE BOX FALLS [SHOE]: Continue on RT 73 west to where the North Fork of the Bouquet River crosses the road (this is 1.6 miles east of the interesection with RT 9). Park near here. Hike southwest on an unmarked trail for about .75 miles on the left bank to the falls. It may be muddy and requires some rock climbing. The falls descends into narrow gorge in large rocks. The swimming hole is downstream from the falls. There is a rock at the water surface that one can dive under if you have the skills and the nerve.
LAT, LON lat=44.110, lon=-73.719(source: Topozone-p ) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
Very confident. Not verified. Updated 12/10/2002.
CHAPEL POND [CHAP]: Continue west on RT 73 (past the turn off for Shoe Box Falls) to Chapel Pond (parking unknown) with a small beach on right for fishing and maybe canoe access on the western end of the pond and there are climbers who use the cliffs on both sides of RT 73 in the area. A beautiful swimming pond. LAT, LON lat=44.13986, lon=-73.74822(source: DeLorme ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/10/2007.
ROARING BROOK FALLS [ROAR]: Go on RT 73 (past Chapel Pond but before Keene Valley) then, at the bottom of a down grade where you can see Roaring Brook Falls on the right, there is a VERY QUICK! turn off to parking on the right and a short hike to the falls which one can climb and stand under the water falling with small pools for wading or sitting. LAT, LON lat=44.1505, lon=-73.7604(source: Topozone) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/10/2007.
lat=42.5176, lon=-77.6921(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Unknown
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
River swimming, waterfalls, cold water, great place. This description from a fan who visited here since he was a boy: "The park follows a gorge created by the stream. There's a lower pool with lifeguards, and an upper pool not always with lifeguards. (NOTE: We had an email in 2008 that the upper pool is closed) But the best part of the park is a trail which follows the rim of the gorge. You enter the park at the lower pool and begin the approx two mile hike to the upper pool. There are 3 trails that link the lower and upper areas. One is along the gorge (going in the water along the trail is OK and there are 3 waterfalls); two trails are along either rim of the gorge. Moderately strenuous. End at the upper pool.
There's a concession stand, sometimes open, and that's where the camping is. You descend on the gorge trail alongside the stream to the lower pool. Spectacular views at the base of the gorge, about 150 or 200 feet deep. Several neat waterfalls - too big and dangerous to go over. Plenty of opportunity to sit in quiet pools. Whole deal takes about 2 or 3 hours depending on how much swimming you do. My favorite place on earth." Hey, I can't beat that endorsement!
AREAS
Stoney Brook S.P.
SANCTION
Partially official
FEE
Yes
FACILITIES
Toilet,
Picnic tables
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
(585)-335-8111
CAMPING
Camping at site.
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From Rochester, go about 45 miles south on I-390 to Exit 4 (Dansville). From Dansville, south about 2-3 miles on RT 36.
ALBANY,GLOVERSVILLE, CANAJOHARIE, PINE LAKE, STRATFORD, SALISBURY CENTER
STATE
NY
WATER
Varies, see below
TYPE
Varies, see below
DESCRIPTION
Several swimming places in the southwestern Adirondack area. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREAS
Adirondack area
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Varies, see below
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Little Sand Point S.P., north on RT 10, is super!
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From Albany, take I-90 west to Exit 29 (Canajoharie) then take RT 10 north (joins RT 29A) to Pine Lake, where RT 29A turns west. (a total of about 26 miles from I-90). Then:
NINE CORNER LAKE [NINE]: Nine Corner Lake has a main beach-y area with a great rope swing plus many other coves where people swim with some privacy. Clothing is optional at some of the more remote coves, customary at she main/closest ones. There is primitive camping at site - commercial campgrounds and state park campgrounds nearby. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . To get here from the intersection of Rt 29A and RT 10 in Pine Lake: Turn west (left) onto RT 29A and in about .25 mile park at trail head. Parking is on both sides of the road, but the trail leaves from the north (right) side. Sign in at register and follow wide trail 1.1 miles to lake. Keep right at all forks and you will come to the lake and the main "beach" and rope swing. Cross over rock dam at main beach and follow "fisherman's" paths to other swim opportunities. LAT, LON lat=43.19106, lon=-74.55022(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/2005. Updated 8/24/2005.
GOOD LUCK LAKE [GOOD]: Medium size lake with rocky shore for informal swimming. PHOTO OF LAKE (but not at beach) . Bathing suits optional. Primitive camping at site. Group camping or stays of over 3 days require DEC permit. To get here from intersection of Rt 29A and RT 10 in Pine Lake: Continue north on RT 10. Go past some parking areas and park where sign reads "Trailhead Parking". Park on the east side of the road, cross road to where trail begins. There is a sign there that says "Good Luck Lake .4 miles"- I think this is not correct. The trail will take you to a sandy beach area on the lake in about 4 miles. Or you can go about 30 yards south of this trailhead to an unofficial trail that begins near the diamond shaped highway sign that will get you to a rocky shore in .5 mile. LAT, LON lat=43.24944, lon= -74.54194 (source: Topozone) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Partially verified (didn't go full 4 miles to beach) 8/2005. Updated 8/24/2005.
MUSSEY DAM [MUSS]: Swimming place in beautiful, rocky section of East Canada Creek at a picnic area. A traditionally nude place. PHOTO
NOTE: I received this note in 7/2006: "I'm the owner of Mussy Dam. Every year I have an increasing number of visitors to my property, and I am constantly trying to persuade people to not block my driveway and not to build fires which they leave unattended, and NOT TO LITTER. Literally hundreds of people will pass through my backyard every month. Would you please, alter the post you have about Mussy Dam: NO campfires
and NO littering. Or just delete the listing entirely. I do not want to prevent people from coming to swim and relax, but it's reaching critical mass. Most people are repectful of the earth, but many are not. I find so many bottles,
cans, dirty diapers, used sanitary napkins, etc, that you can guess how this is very distressing to me."
You can see that we are going to have to remove this listing if the littering and fires don't stop! So, please, respect this place and the property owner.
To get here from Pine Lake, go west on RT 29A to Stratford. From Stratford, take the Piseco Rd. north for 2.5 miles and turn west (left) on Hawes Rd. - a dirt road marked with a "dead end" sign. Continue about .1 mile to where the road turns sharply right. Park here by the road and walk to the left down another (very rough) dirt road then onto a path that goes to the picnic place and the creek. Walk is only about 5 minutes.
If you go about 50 yards downstream there is another deeper pool with higher cliffs for jumping off. Also on the rocks is a tree that has a ladder and wooden platform that allows for an even higher leap. Reported to be a pretty safe place to jump. LAT, LON lat=43.204, lon=-74.688(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/2005. Updated 8/24/2005.
SPRITE CREEK[SPRI]: Swimming place where a washed-out bridge used to be in Sprite Creek. This from a visitor:"The old bridge spot on Sprite Creek where Kelly Road crossed over to what is now Tiedman Road was an old road and so is now public access. An interesting thing about this swimming hole is that a few yards downstream you can see a log placed in the stream bed crossing the creek where there was a dam for a saw mill. After a big rain the Utica NY kayak club puts in here for a run down to East Canada Creek. "
To get here from Stratford, go south on RT 104 to Emmonsburg then go east on RT 119 (North Rd) about 1 mile then turn south (right) on Kelly Rd. and park at corner of Youker Road. Walk down the old road to the washed-out bridge at the creek. Go straight down the grown up Kelly Road not the jeep road to the west. It is a tough walk of about 20 yards. Don't fall off the old bridge abutment. LAT, LON lat=43.13704, lon=-74.69201(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/09.
SPRUCE HOLE [SPRU]: Swimming place at a park in Stratford in Spruce Creek just downstream of a covered bridge. PHOTO 1 (bridge) , PHOTO 2 (swim place) . To get here, continue west on RT 29A to Salisbury Center. Turn down Fairview street and park before the covered bridge. Walk downstream in the park along the creek a short way until you come to a large, flat sloping rock that goes down to the creek. Swimming place is here. There are other shallow places for water play also. LAT, LON lat=43.14041, lon=-74.78725(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 3/5/04.
lat=42.39736, lon=-76.55744(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Enfield Creek
TYPE
Falls/Creek
DESCRIPTION
OK - this is one of the very best swimming holes in the US! It is beautiful, legal, safe and exciting. Kids love it, you can dive off a high board into a deep pool at the foot of a huge waterfall, swim behind the waterfall and all with lifeguards on duty. Beautiful falls with official swimming in pool below the falls. Diving board, lifeguards, safe and spectacular. This is a premier natural swimming place for the whole family.
Also, hike the "Gorge Trail" (aka Enfield Glen) above the falls through a post-glacial gorge to 115 foot high Lucifer Falls. Fantastically beautiful! (see photos above).
There is unofficial swimming at various places in the gorge above falls. Here is a report from a fan:" There are several great places to swim, along the hiking trails. Specifically the Gorge Trail - as it follows the water most of the way. I wouldn't recommend swimming in the river in the early summer, if it has been a wet year, as the water can be ferocious. However, there are several places where it is very shallow and pools over great sheets of rock, and warms in the sun. That's an important thing for this water, as it is glacier fed and is damn cold even in a very hot summer. There are also some gentle rapids that can be swam, and little ledges that can be jumped off of into deep pools. At the bottom of Lucifer Falls is a great swimming hole - it's not on a trail, but it is still easy to get to. Lots of folks swim there, and the depth ranges from around 10-12 feet (sold rock bottom) to pebble bottomed shallows."
AREAS
Robert H. Treman S.P., Enfield Glen
SANCTION
Official (only in pool below falls, not in gorge)
FEE
Yes
FACILITIES
Toilet, Changing room, Picnic tables, Showers
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Diving (in pool below falls)
PHONE
(607)-273-3440
CAMPING
Camping at site. Pretty plain sites, not a lot of
trees, close together. For wooded sites, try sites #20 to 35, although even some of these are quite close together.
BATHING SUITS
Required (in pool below falls)
DIRECTIONS
From Ithaca, go southwest on RT 96/13 about 8 miles (past Buttermilk Falls S.P.), follow signs to Robert H. Treman S. P..
lat=43.54519, lon=-73.69500(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Trout Lake (outlet stream)
TYPE
Stream
DESCRIPTION
Public access behind fence along Trout Lake outlet stream. There may be parking problems but it is a geat place for an evening skinny dip.
AREAS
Adirondack Park
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Dipping
PHONE
None
CAMPING
None at site.
BATHING SUITS
Maybe optional at night
DIRECTIONS
From the town of Lake George, take RT 9N north toward Bolton Landing. Just about 2 miles BEFORE Bolton Landing, turn west (left) onto Mohican Rd.. (Road does not appear on NY State map but is paved and has sign and goes straight up the hill.) Turn left again onto Potter Hill Rd.. Drive up the hill due west until the road hits Trout Lake and turns right to drive avound the lake. The right away is near this turn, on left behind fence along the outlet stream. There may be parking problems but it is a geat place for an evening skinny dip.
Swimming places at bottom of falls in gorge. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
None
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Albany, go north on I-787 to Troy, then:
POESTENKILL GORGE[POES]: Swimming place at bottom of falls in Poesten Kill river gorge. PHOTO , PHOTO . This from a visitor:" The hole is at the base of the falls and is very wide and deep. As a warning, the water can get very rough after heavy rainfall, and the area could get quite dangerous. This is an urban area, and the falls are in sight of the parking lot, so bathing suits are required. I am not sure what the official sanction is, but I have seen others swimming here as well. "
LAT, LON : lat=42.7212, lon=-73.6784(source: Measured by another) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from Troy, take RT 2 East up the hill, passing through a couple stoplights, until you get to a light and bear right onto Pawling Ave., going across a bridge (over the stream that creates the swimming hole). Then take the first right onto Linden Ave. There is a parking area to observe the falls on the right about a quarter mile from this turn. Park in the lot, then walk down the hill to the observation platform,
then down the rocky bank to the water. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 7/10.
Swimming place near Woodstock. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREAS
See below
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
See below
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From I-87, get off at Exit 20, go west on RT 212 toward Woodstock, then:
TOWN PARK [TOWN]: About 2 miles BEFORE you get to downtown Woodstock turn south (left) on Zena Rd. (RT 30) and go about .25 miles to a bridge over Saw Kill Creek. Park at a spot next to the bridge and walk along the creek to swimming holes (walk farther for clothing optional spots). The first swimming area you come to is mostly families, the further swimming area is mostly a clothing optional gay men meeting place.
This from a visitor in 2010: "The family friendly area has a fun rope swing on far side, deep enough to do laps, but not big ones, although certainly lots of fun to splash around. Fun log to sit on and play guitar and what not, and decent arm chairs dug out of tree stumps. good spots to spread a picnic blanket as well as well as extremely shallow areas for kids. Downside: downstream from a golf course, ergo prob. more pesticides and chemicals that you'd like." Verified by another. Pretty confident. Updated 2/2011. LAT, LON lat=42.03639, lon= -74.08547(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
THE DEEP [DEEP]: About 1.5 miles BEFORE you get to downtown Woodstock there is a plant nursery on the north (right) side of RT 212 and on the other side of RT 212 (south side) is what looks like a wooded driveway. Park here and follow the trail to the stream and a swimming hole. PHOTO 1 ,PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3. Walk downstream for more remote places (here bathing suits are NOT customary and users would like to keep it that way!). Not verified. Very confident. Updated 12/06. LAT, LON lat=42.03789, lon= -74.09750(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
lat=42.42593, lon=-78.89686(source: map) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NY
WATER
Cattaraugus Creek
TYPE
Creek, waterfalls
DESCRIPTION
Hike along flat shale rock creek to waterfalls and swimming places. THERE IS PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THIS AREA, IT IS SIGNED SO THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR TRESPASSING ON IT. THIS AREA HAS BEEN MUCH TRASHED IN THE PAST - DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ABUSE THIS AREA. TAKE AN EXTRA TRASH BAG AND CARRY SOME OUT. WHEN THE WATER LEVEL IS HIGH (as in the spring) THIS AREA CAN BE DANGEROUS - CHECK THE WATER LEVEL.
AREAS
Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Hiking, wading, swimming, boating
PHONE
None
CAMPING
None at site.
BATHING SUITS
optional in some locations
DIRECTIONS
From the NY State Thruway take exit 58 and go north a short way then go east (right) on RT 5/20 (Main Rd.) a short way then south (right) on RT 438 (4 Mile Level Rd.) and take this route to Gowanda. In Gowanda turn right on E. Main St. for a short way (crossing the Cattaraugus Creek) then left on S. Water St.. Follow this for .5 miles and turn right onto Broadway (second turn after crossing the railroad tracks). Follow this .9 miles until you come to a left turn onto Point Peter Road, right after the old red-brick schoolhouse on the right. Follow Point Peter Rd. for 1.7 miles to the fork in the road, go to the left onto Forty Road which dead ends in the parking area for the Zoar Valley South Branch/Forty area. Park and walk down a very steep hill by a waterfall. Note the no trespassing sign. WHEN YOU REACH THE CREEK, IT IS PRIVATE PROPERTY UPSTREAM SO YOU MUST WALK DOWNSTREAM FROM HERE. DO NOT TRESSPASS ON THE PRIVATE PROPERTY UPSTREAM! DO NOT LEAVE TRASH HERE.
