12 Natural Springs in New York And Where To Find Them

If you want to connect with nature, a natural spring is a great place to go. Natural springs form when groundwater makes its way to the surface to form a pool. Some are warm or hot. Some are cool or cold. They are all vital parts of the water cycle and are often beautiful to look at. While you can’t swim in every natural spring, when you can swim in them, they tend to be calm and tranquil places to enjoy nature’s beauty. New York is a great place to explore springs and welcome a respite from a busy life.

#1 Enfield Falls

The first natural spring on our list, Enfield Falls, is located in Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca. Not only is it a generous-sized place to swim, but there are also staffed lifeguards. You can even dive into the springs from an installed diving board. The park itself has plenty of family-friendly amenities like a playground and paved paths for strollers or bikes. If you want to do some swimming with young kids or a large family, this is a great spot to check out.

The park has numerous waterfalls but Enfield is one of the most popular and the easiest to spot when you get to the park. Because it is a state park, some fees do apply to get into the park. You’ll be happy to spend the day here, however. There are hiking trails, a historic gristmill, and, of course, the springs where you can cool off after all of your adventures.

#2 Congress Spring

This historic spring isn’t a swimming spot but is perfect for grabbing a refreshing drink on a hot day. It is located in the heart of Saratoga Springs, a charming town that is known for its abundance of natural springs. The spring is under a pavilion in the heart of Congress Park. Drinking from the spring dates back to its discovery in 1792. Water from the spring was even bottled and sold internationally.

Today, you can take a drink from one of the installed fountains or wash your hands in the basin. It is inside a replica Greek-style pavilion that also includes shade and benches for relaxing. If you’re in Saratoga Springs and want to rest for a moment, this is a good spot to go. Other historic things to check out while you’re in the park include a restored carousel, special events, and plenty of places to stroll.

#3 Saratoga Spa State Park

There are numerous springs in Saratoga Spa State Park, so it’s worth a day (or two) just to explore them all. But we’ll mention some of the must-see spots as well as gems that you might want to consider if you’re looking for something less crowded. Overall, the park is a great place to visit for the springs as well as other amenities. There is plenty of lodging, a performing arts center, a smaller theater, a museum, and plenty of parking. This was once a luxury spa destination and a lot of the architecture harkens back to the heydey of mineral springs as a getaway for the rich and famous.

Tallulah Spring

According to the park, this is a “milder” spring. So if you’re new to natural springs or just prefer something with a lower mineral content, this is the one for you. It is also called Spring #5, which you may see on some maps. It is also close to two other springs, State Seal and Polaris. If you go check one out, it’s easy to pop over to another to compare or just find a more secluded spot if needed.

Orenda Spring

This spring has a lot of salt, causing you to float closer to the surface. Salt can also help relieve tired and aching muscles. Orenda also has high levels of other minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These can be great for easing tension and might have therapeutic benefits. Just be ready for a true natural spring experience, including unusual smells and tastes. Parking near this spring is particularly easy and plentiful. It is one of the more accessible spots to try.

#4 Old Iron Springs

Another drinking spring, Old Iron Springs allows free water samples from one of the oldest wells in the area. The pavilion was originally built in 1874, although it was rebuilt and restored in the 1880s. There are still sections of the original structure left and the overall style remains the same. When you visit this small spring, don’t expect a lot of amenities. But it is a cool place to take a literal drink out of history.

#5 Peekamoose Blue Hole

The spring is in the New York Catskills, a region known for its stunning natural beauty. You’ll walk down a short trail to get to the spring, which is actually a natural depression in Rondout Creek. The water is crystal clear and around 10 feet deep at the deepest point. You can see right to the bottom. Keep in mind that this is a very rugged area so there aren’t bathrooms, picnic areas, or lifeguards. You’re responsible for picking up any trash that you generate and carrying it out of the park.

You will need a permit to access the entire area, including the springs. It costs just $10 per vehicle and can be reserved through a third-party service, Reserve America. The number of visitors to the park is limited daily to help preserve the ecosystem and wildlife. Parking is limited so it’s best to get there early in the day if possible.

#6 The Boiling Pot

This spring is known for its unusual water, which is deep green. The spring is also a circle with other nearby areas of the creek and rocky falls available. You’ll need to hike to the Boiling Pot over riverbeds, rough trails, and rocks. It’s best for those who are comfortable and able to hike. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most unique springs in the area.

#7 Fawn’s Leap

Another hot spot in the Catskills, Fawn’s Leap sure lives up to its name. It features a 30-foot waterfall and pool for swimming underneath. You can jump off the falls into the clear water below but always take care and check for obstacles and debris before you jump. There is a rope to help you climb up to the top of the falls. Just remember that this isn’t a professionally maintained area, so use your best judgment when deciding if conditions are safe. It’s also important to follow Leave No Trace guidance and take everything out with you when you leave.

#8 Millstream Swimming Hole

Located in THAT Woodstock, Millstream swimming hole has places to swim, sun, and relax. There are plenty of flat rocks that are large enough to spread out a towel or blanket for some sunbathing or a picnic. However, due to a lot of trash left behind, the swimming hole may no longer be accessible to the general public. A lot of the land around the swimming hole is privately owned and residents don’t welcome unruly crowds traipsing through their homes to get to the swimming hole. If you can find parking and public access, this is a good spot. Just be respectful of those who live in the area when you visit.

#9 Fillmore Glen

If you are visiting the Finger Lakes area, a stop at Fillmore Glen should definitely be on your list. The springs are beautiful and so is the rest of this picturesque gorge. There are five waterfalls in Fillmore Glen State Park. The swimming area is well developed, making it good for families and those who need accessibility. You can also camp in the park, go hiking on one of the many trails, see lush foliage that makes the Finger Lakes region famous, and even fish at one of the other parts of the creek. You can even stay in a fully-equipped cottage on Cayuga Lake.

#10 Otter Falls

The falls at Otter Falls feed into multiple pools, offering more than just one spot for swimming. The bottom area is the largest. Because it is so close to the falls, expect some churning in the pool itself. The water can get cloudier than in some other areas. But it is still a great place to explore natural springs. The water depth does vary so it isn’t great for cliff jumping. It tends to be around 6 feet, although it can be a bit deeper when the area gets a lot of precipitation. Like many other springs in the Catskills, there isn’t a lifeguard or any other amenities. You’ll also need to hike a bit to get to this spot from the Giant Ledge trailhead.

#11 Shanty Brook

For the most adventurous, Shanty Brook is a secluded paradise that takes some work to get to. When you arrive, however, you’ll be treated to crystal-clear water and a gorgeous waterfall. You can swim right under the falls for a natural shower. Getting there can be tricky since you have to get across the river (walkable most of the time) as well as find the right turns on a dirt path. We recommend mapping out your route ahead of time. The closest trailhead is the Cod Pond trailhead near Johnsburg.

#12 Christine Falls

This beautiful spot is fed by two waterfalls, making it especially romantic for time with a special. someone. It also happens to be close to the parking lot so you won’t need to carry your romantic picnic blanket and snacks very far. It can be slippery to hike down the short, steep trail to the falls, however. So it’s best to still wear suitable shoes for hiking. The swimming area itself is one of the smaller ones on our list and most people who visited recommended keeping your group to 5 people at the most. It’s also not managed, so take everything that you bring back out with you, especially all of your trash.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Mountain Man Photos/Shutterstock.com