New York

Saugerties Town Park

This park is in downtown Saugerties, and has a small swimming area with a playground and a couple of picnic tables.  Restrooms, lifeguard, dock, no dogs allowed.  At the time we visited (June 1st) there weren’t any buoys out, so it was hard to tell how large the swimming area is. Pretty spot, but very […]

Rudd Pond, Taconic State Park

Part of Taconic State Park, Rudd Pond has a small swimming area with boat rental available.  The swimming area is good for children, but isn’t always open, so call ahead.  There is camping available, and dogs are allowed in some parts of the campground. http://nysparks.com/parks/141/history.asp#sthash.Ud5oEzhA.dpuf  

Ore Pit Pond, Copake Falls Area, Taconic State Park

Part of Taconic State Park, Ore Pit Pond has a small swim area with a separate wading pool for young children.  This is a cute little park, but not large enough for real swimming, more just for cooling off.  There are pretty camping areas, and dogs allowed on the trails and in some areas of […]

Thomas P. Morahan Park

This is a pretty little park, but very small.  It would probably be a good place to bring children, but not very exciting for adults.  There is a small sand beach with a lifeguard, and a diving platform.  Grilling is allowed, and there are picnic tables, so you could have a little barbecue here.  There […]

Croton Point Park

This is a very large and open park, just off the Croton Harmon train stop. The park is spacious with beautiful views and landscaping, and a large swimming beach on the Hudson.  Camping, picnic and playground areas are available. The water is murky but greenish in color, though it is on the Hudson which can […]

Stony Kill Falls

This is a spectacular waterfall, flowing off of a high ledge and down into shallow green pools.  Multiple sources say there is a swimming hole at the top of the falls, but we couldn’t find the trail to it.  We went directly to the lower fall and couldn’t find trails from there, as they were […]

Nevele Falls

This is a very pretty little waterfall, that can be seen from the road just off Route 52 outside Ellenville.  You can park alongside Chapel St. and then walk back just over the main road where you can view the fall from the guard rail.  The fall isn’t deep enough to swim in, but we were […]

Lower Peters Kill

This area has a number of pretty falls, culminating in a spectacular fall with the ruins of an old power station at its base.  We don’t know the safety or legality of swimming in these falls, but it is a beautiful hike. THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO ROUTES TO CHOOSE FROM*** FULL STREAM: From the ranger […]

Washing Machine

Coming from 209, you are looking for Lundy Road, which can be very hard to see, but it is close to the bridge going over Vernooy Kill. Lundy road is a paved road that becomes dirt. The swimming hole is on your left, and there is a little pull off/parking area that can fit 2 […]

Split Rock Coxing Kill

About 1 mile on Clove Road from route NY 55-US44, you’ll see a sign for “Coxing Entry” on the left, where there is a parking area and an entrance fee.  The swimming area is across the road, and you’ll pass a small picnic area and see a bridge leading to a trail.  The swimming area […]