16 Swimming Holes Near NYC You Never Knew Existed
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We love Astoria Park Pool and McCarren Park Pool as much as the next New Yorker, but let’s be honest: Sometimes it’s nice to swim somewhere that isn’t surrounded by concrete. Breathtaking nature (including great camping spots) surround NYC in every direction, so why not cool off in a scenic swimming hole, lake or waterfall and make the most of the summer heat? Trust us, you’re only a train ride or a quick drive from your nearest oasis. These 16 swimming holes near NYC are just a hop, skip and a cannonball jump away. Don’t forget your swimsuit.
The 15 Best Staycations NYC Has to Offer
1. Canopus Lake (Carmel, NY)
Eric Reichbaum/Getty Images
Distance from NYC: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to get there: Drive via I-87 N, Taconic State Pkwy, or Saw Mill River Pkwy N; train via the Metro-North Hudson Line to Garrison
“Canopus Lake is this gem of a beach about an hour from the city,” says PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint. “It’s a big lake that attracts joyous crowds for swimming and picnicking. Great for a close beach option, not so great for privacy.” No wonder it has a reputation as one of Hudson Valley’s most picturesque lakes, complete with a sandy swimming beach (and lifeguards). Located within Fahnestock State Park’s 14,000-plus acres, visitors can camp, rent a rowboat, go fishing or go on a nearby hike—just make sure you get in the car or on the train early, because this spot fills up quickly during the warmer months.
2. Big Deep (Woodstock, NY)
Jillian Quint
Distance from NYC: 2 hours 30 minutes
How to get there: I-87 N, look for Casablanca Lane as a landmark
“Big Deep (and Little Deep) are the soul of Woodstock,” Quint says. “Tucked away in a wooded area they emerge like an oasis. The water is COLD and the swimming holes can get pretty deep (hence the name). However, I promise they give unparalleled Catskills summer vibes.” To access the swimming holes, you’ll need to walk down a wooded path. There is parking to the east of Casablanca Lane, which is a private road, so be sure not to park on it. In full sunlight, the lagoons are a brilliant turquoise, and there’s also a rope swing on the premises.
3. Enders Falls (Granby, CT)
Almond Butterscotch/Flickr
Distance from NYC: 5 hours
How to get there: Drive via I-84 E or I-95 N and CT-8 N; train via Northeast Regional and the Amtrak Hartford Line, Valley Flyer or Vermonter; bus via Peter Pan and 912
This gorgeous swimming spot is hidden inside Enders State Forest in northern Connecticut. Follow an easy hiking trail with new stone steps and a wooden railing, and your natural pool awaits, surrounded by five different waterfalls, all within a half-mile of one another. Trust us, you’ve never seen so much glowing green moss in your life—plus, the hike’s relatively short and accessible, just a few steps from the parking lot. Basically, a nature enthusiast’s dream!
4. Highlands Natural Pool (Ringwood, NJ)
Highlands Natural Pool/Facebook
Distance from NYC: 1 hour 30 minutes
How to get there: Drive via NJ-208 or NJ-3 W; bus via the 197
Swimming laps at the gym is fine, but sometimes we want to cool down without that burning chlorine feeling in our eyes. That’s when we take a mini road trip to this totally natural swimming pond in North Jersey's Wyanokie Highlands. The Olympic-sized pool has its own designated children’s area, making it perfect for the whole family. The pool also has changing rooms, tables to sit at, a snack bar, a diving board and lots of frogs and newts who call it home, if that’s your thing.
5. Split Rock Falls (New Russia, NY)
lightphoto/Getty Images
Distance from NYC: 4 hours
How to get there: Drive via I-87N; train via Amtrak on the Adirondack Line
OK, this one is admittedly a bit of a schlep, but after you make the four-plus-hour drive (or short flight, if you feel so inclined) and brave the slippery rocks, you’ll understand. Swimming holes don’t get more gorgeous than this, people. Oh, and did we mention one of the two pools is mid-waterfall? But don’t just take our word for it—explore this breathtaking swimming hole on your way out of the Adirondacks and see for yourself. The deep pools are great for rock-jumping and deep-diving, so suit up and get out there.
6. Vernooy Falls (Rochester, NY)
Julee Ho / 500px /Getty Images
Distance from NYC: 3 hours
How to get there: Drive via NY-17W and/or I-87 N; bus via the Line 400 to Kerhonkson
Feel free to bring your pups (on leash) along on this moderate 3.5-mile hike to an idyllic set of waterfalls, with a wooden bridge at the base for unbelievable photo ops—like, engagement shoot photo ops unbelievable. When your coworkers ask you what you’re doing this weekend, you can now say, “Oh, just swimming under a waterfall. NBD.” Aside from watch out for bears and slick rock, the hike is moderate with only a gradual incline. Trust us, the trek is well worth the reward!
7. Lake Tiorati (Southfields, NY)
See/Swim
Distance from NYC: 1 hour
How to get there: Drive via Palisades Interstate Pkwy N and/or I-87 N; train via the NJ Transit/Metro-North Port Jervis line
Super easy day trip, anyone? Lake Tiorati makes for one of the best swimming holes near NYC. Just hop on the Metro-North to get to Harriman State Park—there’s even a shuttle bus that’ll drive you right up to the lake from there. With lifeguards on duty, vending machines, tables, grills, bathrooms and nearby parking, this actually happens to be the quieter of the two lakes within Harriman; just remember there’s a $10 car parking fee, which can be made with cash or credit. And don’t forget to check out the meadows and rolling, wooded hills in the park, as well as the yummy summer berries ripe for picking while you're there. Best weekend ever.
8. Peekamoose Blue Hole (Sundown, NY)
SeeSwim/Facebook
Distance from NYC: 2 hours 30 minutes
How to get there: Drive via I-87 N, Palisades Interstate Pkwy N or NY-17 W
One of the best swimming holes near NYC rewards you with an ancient whirlpool after a short hike in the Catskills, which is beyond worth it, in our humble opinion. The stunning blue water will make you forget you’re still in the state! The water may be chilly, but it’s so breathtaking, you’ll hardly notice. FYI: You will need a $10 permit to visit any part of the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor, and you’ll want to head out early before crowds arrive.
9. Boiling Pot (Canajoharie, NY)
See/Swim
Distance from NYC: 5 hours
How to get there: Drive via I-87 N and/or Taconic State Pkwy; train on VIA Rail or the Maple Leaf or Empire Service Lines; bus via Albany
Don’t be put off by the name—what natural water have you been in in the Tri-State area that was actually boiling? Located just off the Mohawk River in Wintergreen Park, the Boiling Pot is a (nearly) perfect circular swimming hole with extraordinary green water formed by a pothole formation that’s great for taking the family to cool off on a hot summer day. Surrounded by trees and a gentle cascading waterfall, visitors can jump into the pool or let the neighboring stream soothe their worries away. While you’re there, be sure to explore the rest of the park’s hikes, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, playground and more.
10. Pine Meadow Lake (Ramapo, NY)
See/Swim
Distance from NYC: 1 hour
How to get there: Drive via Palisades Interstate Pkwy N, NK-17 N or I-87 N; train via NJ Transit Main/Bergen County Line or the Port Jervis Line
Located at the end of the 5.5-mile Pine Meadow Lake Trail in Harriman State Park, this expansive lake is luxurious, beautiful and great for relaxing. The hike is moderate with plenty of cool things to see along the way, like abandoned houses, an old cemetery and water wells, making it a pretty popular day hike for New Yorkers. Beware that this spot does get crowded in the summer, thanks to the abundance of picnic spots and rocks from which to leap into the cool waters. If you want to avoid the crowds, go early or explore the park’s several other hikes and swimming holes.
11. Millstream Swimming Hole (Woodstock, NY)
See/Swim
Distance from NYC: 2 hours
How to get there: Drive via I-87 N and/or Palisades Interstate Pkwy N; bus via the 704, 752, 706 or 708
Take a quick trip up north to Woodstock (yes, that Woodstock), where just next to the downtown burg, you’ll find this gorgeous swimming hole. With tons of flat rocks to sunbathe or picnic on (though take caution as they are slippery), shady enclosures, a handful of pools to dive into and a few small waterfalls, this all-natural stream is hard to beat. You’ll find Millstream just over the bridge crossing the Sawmill River, where there are plenty of access points and paths along the bank.
12. Esopus Creek (Phoenicia, NY)
Sinisa Kukic/Getty Images
Distance from NYC: 2 hours
How to get there: Drive via I-87 N and/or Palisades Interstate Pkwy N; train via Amtrak or the VIA Rail to the C bus
You won’t want to miss this spectacular creek in the South-central Catskills that might even fulfill your wildest Dirty Dancing fantasies. Sourced at Winnisook Lake and leading down to the Hudson River, guests can tube, whitewater kayak or even trout fish at their leisure along the stream during certain times of year when there’s enough water. This area—“New York’s Adventure Route”—is also known for its scenic hiking and biking trails in addition to its historic railroad-riding, which you’ve got to look into if you’re a major thrill-seeker.
13. Croton Point Beach (Croton-on-Hudson, NY)
See/Swim
Distance from NYC: 1 hour
How to get there: Drive via I-87 N, Saw Mill River Pkwy N or Sprain Brook Pkwy N; Metro-North train via the Hudson Line
This Westchester County park sits on over 500 acres with a lake, a miniature aircraft airport, cabins, tent and RV camping, a boat ramp and a playground on a peninsula on the eastern side of the Hudson River. The best part? It’s just about a stone’s throw from the Big Apple! Camp, hike and swim to your heart’s delight at this stunning jewel just up the Hudson River. FYI: It’s $10 to park for the day. Pets are welcome as long as they’re on-leash.
14. Kaaterskill Creek & Falls (Haines Falls, NY)
Sharan Singh/Getty Images
Distance from NYC: 2 hours 45 minutes
How to Get There: I-87 N
What better place to beat the heat than Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills? This double-decker waterfall rises 260 feet, earning it the distinction of being the state’s tallest cascading waterfall. You’ll arrive after a steep 1.4-mile hike, which has an elevation of 300 feet. Tip: Be sure to stay on the path, as the rocks are slippery at the top of the falls. As for parking, Laurel House Parking Area is highly recommended, as the Molly Smith parking lot is often closed and dangerous due to sharp curves in the road and high traffic volume.
15. Lake Hopatcong (Jefferson, NJ)
andykazie/Getty Images
Distance from NYC: 1 hour 30 minutes
How to Get There: I-280 W and I-80 W, NJ Transit BNTNM to MNE lines
Lake Hopatcong is a nine-mile, 2,500-acre oasis in central New Jersey, the crown jewel of Hopatcong State Park. Swimming, fishing, picnics, boating and a variety of sports fields provide plenty of amusement for a fun-filled day. If you arrive only to discover you left the lunch cooler and floaties at home, fear not. There’s an on-site concession stand selling food and beach supplies. Admission to the park is free.
16. River Pool (Beacon, NY)
Distance from NYC: 2 hours
How to Get There: I-87 N
If you’ve ever wanted to take a plunge in the Hudson, the River Pool is your chance. (It’s also family friendly!) As the name suggests, it’s a rainbow floating pool with a netted bottom, plonked in the river on the north shore of the Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park in Beacon. There’s a lifeguard on duty and admission is free, no reservations required. For the brave (and those over 10), you can sign up for the annual river swim, which takes place on July 27. The entrance fee is $25 for those 10 to 17 years old and $75 for adults.