New York

Kinderhook Creek

This is an unofficial swimming area, that looks shallow (maybe 4 feet), but has clear green water.  The bottom is sandy and silty, and there is a small sandy shore.  There is a lot of graffiti, which indicates it might be a hang out spot for teenagers. Park in the parking lot by the bridge, […]

Crellin Park

This is a nice town beach, with a skate park,tennis courts, playground, and swimming area.  The water had a lot of algae and mud, but we aren’t sure if it always like that.  The beach was closed when we were there,  but there was a lifeguard present, so maybe there was something going on with the […]

Cherry Plain State Park

There is a medium to large sand beach, with a large swim area.  The water is tannic water with a sandy bottom. This is a nice beach, though they only had one swim area open even though it was a Sunday.  This seems to be a fairly popular area, so the water was crowded with […]

Beaver Cotton Mill

The swimming hole is under the bridge going over Route 203 bridge at Kinderhook Creek.  There is a parking area near the bridge at the junction of 203 and Spring St., where you can see the falls.  Just before the bridge from the parking area, there is a little path down that is hard to […]

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is an obvious choice if you are exploring New York.  There are different ways to see the falls, so we didn’t include our usual coordinates and hike times.  You can choose the New York side or the Canadian side, though the Canadian side has the better view of the whole falls.  You do […]

Spier Falls Road

The parking area is hard to see as you’re driving along, so our GPS is from the dam as it is the easier landmark to locate.  The parking area is a small pull off on the left hand side, south of the dam on Route 24, but before the sign marking the state owned boat […]

Moreau Lake State Park

This is a very popular state park, with multiple roped swimming areas, a large sand beach, and clear green water.   There is a shaded picnic area, playground, and pavilion.  Very pretty views, and this would be a nice place to spend the day, but this area does get crowded on weekends. http://www.nysparks.com/parks/150/details.aspx  

Long Pond, Grafton Lakes State Park

This is part of Grafton Lakes State Park, but it is not the main swim area.  This seems to be an unofficial area that is intended as a boat launch, but that people use to swim away from the crowds at the main beach.  You can’t access this from the main park entrance area, and […]

Lake Lauderdale

This is a small to medium sized beach and swim area, and seems to be popular with families.  There are very tall trees to picnic under, a playground, and restroom facilities.  Dogs are allowed in the picnic areas, but not on the beach. http://www.lakestolocks.org/content/lake-lauderdale-county-park/ltlA12D2C0B4F49962A2

Jones Hollow

This swimming hole is absolutely gorgeous, and one of the best we’ve seen. Clear turquoise water, multiple falls and pools, with a larger deeper pool under the bridge. Please keep this place open, and keep it clean.  This area is under the bridge on Route 2, going over the Little Hoosick River in Petersburg.  There is […]