A "Hole" Lot of SWIMMING SPOTS
If you’re longing for some cool, refreshing water adventures or remote swimming experiences, you’re ready for this good ol’ fashioned glimpse at local swimming spots.
An honest-to-goodness natural swimming area has got to be the ultimate water happening—as, most often, everywhere you turn the views are magnificent. From waters majestically streaming from a waterfall to the lazy stillness of a lake, there is a calming beauty awaiting us.
It’s satisfying to discover obscure swimming areas, but it’s also sometimes nice to enjoy a barbecue with family after swimming at the town beach, where local folks relish the reward of chilly waters washing away the sweat of the day. Whether hiking to a swim spot or parking yards away, going to a natural swimming area is like entering the nostalgia of nature—something you may have only thought possible in the times of Huckleberry Finn. So take the plunge and try one or more of our favorite swim spots.
ULSTER COUNTY:
Flowing streams run off the Catskill Mountains throughout Ulster County, carving rocks to create a multitude of beautiful water holes.
GLENARIE:
An easy, short stroll down to the creek brings you to this delightful swimming area bordered with lots of large flat rocks for sunning. And although there’s not much water here during a dry winter and spring, this year has been flowing strongly. Glasco, lat=42.02036, lon=-73.98136
OTTER FALLS:
Located on state land, a small, but adventurous, side trail leads to the spectacular falls cascading down about 30 feet to a large deep basin measuring about 20 to 30 feet in diameter with a center depth between 6 and 8 feet. With recent rains it should be like a giant, cold-water Jacuzzi, say the locals. Otter Falls is only about a half-mile from the popular Giant Ledge trail parking area, making it an excellent stop after a hot, sweaty hike. Sundown, lat=42.0314, lon=-74.4201
Directions: From I-87, get off at Exit 19, Kingston exit, RT 28. Go northwest on RT 28 about 25 miles to Phoenicia. Then: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.)
SEE THE SLIDESHOW
SPLIT ROCK HOLE:
A diverse swimming area in Coxing Kill where the creek plunges into a small gorge of solid rock and streams out on the other end into a pool. One has the choice of jumping into the gorge, which is allowed, to take in the waters or have a less adventurous swimming experience in the creek, or go further downstream. Split Rock Hole requiresa significant parking fee, but if you haven’t been there, it’s worth it. lat=41.73961, lon=-74.20356
Directions: 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.
SEE THE VIDEO
STONY KILL FALLS:
This spot features a spectacular, 87-foot high waterfall in the town of Warwarsing. However the swimming hole is above the falls, not below. And up behind a rock dam, there’s a traditional clothing-optional place for swimming in the rough. This pool is known as “Nudist Pool” as it is traditional to skinny-dip in the clean spring waters. Beyond the pool the river can be followed upward for several miles, where the hiker will come across many pools and small cascades as the river winds up the hill. Kerhonkson. lat=41.72778, lon=-74.30101
SEE THE SLIDESHOW
TOWN PARK:
Just off Zena Road before getting into mainstream Woodstock, you’ll find some great little swimming holes along the Sawkill Creek. Woodstock.
DUTCHESS COUNTY:
The lands extending east of the Hudson River are dotted with lakes and ponds perfect for cooling off on any summer day.
TACONIC STATE PARK, RUDD POND AREA:
225 country acres featuring a sandy beach and clear water swimming. Also boat rentals, children’s play area, flush toilets, picnic tables, fishing, forestland, and skating. On County Route 62, Millerton. Hours: May-Labor Day, 8am to 9pm. Parking: $7. Camping rates: $13 per night on ground; $14 per night on platform. RVs up to 20 feet accepted. Contact: 518-789-3059; Reservations: 1-800-456-CAMP.
WILCOX MEMORIAL PARK:
Refreshing lake swimming is yours for the day. But if you want more, there’s boat rentals, fishing, children’s play area, hot showers, shelters and pavilions, picnic tables, open athletic fields, nature trails, and miniature golf. Plus 27 campsites, including 10 RV trailer sites with water and electric hook-up. On Route 199, Stanfordville. Hours: May-Sept. Call for rates. Contact: 845-758-6100.
SEE THE SLIDESHOW
LAKESIDE PARK:
A 280-acre park featuring a lake for cool, crisp swimming. Kayaking and canoeing also a treat. Located in Pawling at 2 Lakeside Drive. Hours: Open year round from dawn ‘til dusk. Rates: Non-resident day rate for swimming: $10 for individual and $15 for families. Contact: 845-855-1131.
SEE THE SLIDESHOW
TOWN OF WASHINGTON TOWN PARK:
A really cool pool—actually an old-fashioned beach basin that is drained seasonally, so it’s more like natural swimming. Open weekends from May 29 to June 12 and daily from June 19 to August 22. Contact for residency requirements: 845-677-8278.
BEACON RIVER POOL:
Innovation at its best! Created from an old concept of a floating structure in larger bodies of water, this pool provides safe swimming with wading areas in the Hudson River. Partially submerged in the water, the pool allows river waters to flow through. A ramp from the rivers’ shore leads swimmers to the pool. Floatation/seats line the pool’s perimeter for spectacular river views. The pool is used from early July to Labor Day. Contact: 914-629-4598 or 845-494-2174.
SEE THE SLIDESHOW
Take precautions along paths as erosion and water can create slick conditions. As a general rule, use common sense and be aware of the loose rocks, dirt and water-slick stones as some spots can be dangerous or deadly if not careful.
A couple more great articles
related to this one!
More Sweet Spots to Swim In
AND
Waterfalls in the Shawangunk & Catskill Mountains
