Swimming holes is one of the biggest pros if you are chalking up the pros and cons of living in New York. They are one of the many fun places to go in NYC. It is also one of the ideal things to do if you are visiting on a budget.
For those who are unaware, a swimming hole is a place to swim in a stream or river. You can find a bunch of swimming holes and hot springs in New York. Some of them can be found at the best family campgrounds in NY. You might even find one while luxury glamping in Upstate New York.
Read ahead to find our list of swimming hole places to visit in New York.
List of Swimming Holes in NY
While compiling this list, we made sure to include some of the best swimming holes in the history of New York.
1. Split Rock Falls, Elizabethtown
The split rock falls have a 50-foot-tall waterfall, which is a beautiful sight to behold in of itself. It is a natural gem hidden in plain sight. You can find the Split Rock Falls on the Boquet River, which is located in the Hammond Pond Wild Forest. This swimming hole is a must-visit if you are planning a trip to New York.
2. Peekamoose Blue Hole, Denning
In Denning’s Sundown Wild Forest lies the unique natural wonder called Peekamoose Blue Hole. It is a formation of sand and gravel in a whirlpool. The freezing blue and green mountain water is the best place to swim on a hot summer day. Check out this swimming hole when you are getting around New York.
3. Enfield Falls, Ithaca
If you are looking for a place to swim with your family, this spot in Ithaca is a great place to visit. Located in the Finger Lakes is the Enfield Falls, also known as Lower Falls. It is the heart and soul of the Robert Treman State Park. People come from all over the place to enjoy this swimming hole. Lifeguards nearby make it a safe choice among other swimming holes in NY.
4. Vernooy Kill Falls, Kerhonkson
If you are looking for an adventure, this should be your pick. Go on a four-mile hike with your friends and reach atop Kerhonkson to find the amazing Vernooy Kill Falls. It is a popular swimming hole during the summer months. Or you could visit some of the best small towns in New York for economical gifts.
5. Kaaterskill Creek & Falls, Tannersville
While it is relatively popular on the warmer days, people often visit this swimming hole throughout the year. If you like to avoid the crowd, you might have to take a day off from work to visit the place. Otherwise, you are most likely to find people here at the Kaaterskill Creek and Falls. It is important to note that you will find this swimming hole in Tannersville after a half-mile hike. In addition, you can find a bunch of places to shop on your way back.
6. Stony Brook State Park, Dansville
Located in Dansville is Stony Brook State Park, where you will find a designated swimming area. There is a safeguard here to support the swimmers. There are waterfalls and creeks you can explore and swim in. The stream leads straight into the swimming hole that is reserved for people to swim. Hike through the one-mile-long Gorge Trail to pass three incredible waterfalls.
7. Otter Falls, Sundown
In the renowned Catskill mountains lies a gorgeous swimming hole in Otter Falls, Sundown. People are in awe of this natural waterfall. It is one of the fun places to go in NYC with friends. You can come here and just relax; let go of all your worries. If you aren’t feeling up to it, you can also head over to Sugar Mountain, which is 6 miles away.
8. Shanty Brook, Wells
Reaching Shanty Brook is a tall order and not for the weak. You need to jump through a bunch of hoops until you finally arrive at the swimming hole. Trek through the trail of thickets and go through the shallow Sacandaga River of Adirondacks to reach the Shanty Brook waterfalls. Here, you will find one of the most beautiful swimming holes and waterfalls in Wells, NY.
9. Boiling Pot, Hilo
This may sound like a swimming hole from hell, ideal for a cold winter day, but that is far from the truth. The boiling pot is the best swimming hole in NY. It is a hot spot to swim on a warm summer day. The boiling pot was formed in the Canajoharie. Here, you can go around exploring the area and jump off cliffs and into the water. Some people like to sit near the boiling pot to feel the water. If you feel like it, hop over to Hilo and visit the boiling pot now.
10. Zoar Valley, Erie
In upstate New York, between Gowanda and Springville, lies the Zoar Valley. It is a product of the gorgeous Cattaraugus Creek and the riveting Genesee River. The swimming hole in Zoar Valley is considered the best in Buffalo. It is a picturesque site that is often riddled with people as it can be the best campgrounds in upstate NY. New Yorkers visit it at least once a week. In the Zoar Valley, you can not only swim but you can also go paddling and hiking.
11. George Bridge
Named after a local of Genesee Valley, George Jarrett, the George Bridge is a wonderful place to swim. The sparkling blue water from Oatka Creek runs under the bridge. There is a spot on the bridge where people can visit and jump into the cool water. Nearby, you might also find people having a picnic.
Before you leave, make sure to grab some gifts for people back home. When you are shopping in New York, make sure to check out the best souvenirs to buy for them in New York. You could also find gifts at the best shopping destinations.
Things To Do Before Your Visit
While on a budget visiting New York, you have to be careful though. In this portion of the article, we have listed down a few things you need to consider before swimming in the swimming hole. This applies whenever you go swimming, even if it’s not swimming holes.
1. Learn How to Swim
It should go without saying, but you should know how to swim before you jump into the water. Stay away from areas where you can slip and fall.
2. Swimming Alone
In case you drown, there won’t be anyone there to save you. Additionally, going swimming with a friend or family will make for a good time to visit swimming holes. Consider visiting swimming holes with safeguards to avoid the worst-case scenario.
3. Drinking And Swimming
You need to be fully aware of your surroundings when you go swimming. Like drinking and driving, you must avoid drinking and swimming.
4. Precautionary Measures
At tourist attractions like these in New York without safeguards, you are your own safeguard. So, bring the necessary rescue equipment with you, such as:
- Bring an Inflatable
- Take a Rope
- First Aid Kit
- Take a PLB
5. The Weather Forecast
Mother nature is an unpredictable force. Before you leave for the swimming holes in NY, check the weather forecast and avoid rainy weather. It is not safe to visit swimming holes in such weather.
6. Speed of the Water
A fast-flowing water is dangerous to swim in. Observe the speed of the water current before you jump into the water.
Tip: Avoid swimming under waterfalls.
7. Check The Water Quality
As a result of overcrowding, people have ruined these locations. Subsequently, they have also ruined the water quality. Check the water quality before visiting swimming holes in NY.
8. Check For Submerged Objects
No one can predict what you might find underwater. Check for submerged objects to avoid getting potentially injured.
Keep these pointers in mind and Make the best of this trip and visit the renowned cultural landmarks in New York.
Conclusion
Swimming holes might not be what New York is known for but it is surely one of the must visits. They are an uncommon tourist attraction. Through this article, you must now know the best swimming holes.
You could also check out some NYC influencers and other recommended swimming holes. Additionally, you can look for swimming holes that are visited by famous people who live in New York.
There is a best time to visit everything, including the best time to visit Niagara Falls, New York. So, do your research and make sure you are on the best time to visit New York swimming holes.
Let us leave you with a fun fact: Like facts about the Brooklyn Bridge, you might find this fact about swimming holes interesting: The oldest swimming pool in the world dates back to the Third Millennium BC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do people swim in New York City?
People in NY swim at a bunch of locations which could range from their various beaches to private swimming pools. You might also head over to a swimming hole or natural pool to find people swimming for leisure.
What state park in NY has a natural pool?
There are numerous state parks in NY, and most of them have natural pools. You can enjoy a nice trek to the swimming hole. It is an especially great place to visit on hot summer days. Some people also enjoy visiting state parks for picnics.
