New Yorkers Are Flocking to These 10 Incredible Hudson Valley Swimming Holes

Unlike swimming pools, swimming holes offer an unchlorinated retreat from the heat in a natural setting. Some spots are sheltered and shaded by arboreal canopies reaching the water’s very edge, with natural features such as pools, waterfalls, and bubbling wells adding variety and interest to these natural recreation destinations. Humans have been availing themselves of such spots for thousands of years, finding relief for rich and poor alike. What are some of the top swimming holes for cooling off on a summer day for those visiting or residing in the Hudson Valley area of New York? We’ll take a look at 10 of them. First, let’s look at the Hudson River.

Hudson River

The Hudson River originates in the Adirondack Mountains and flows about 315 miles north to south through New York and New Jersey before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is 30 feet deep on average, though it does have some extremely deep stretches and is the United States’ deepest river. There are several parks along the river, and it is crossed by a number of bridges, tunnels, and ferries. The region has many swimming holes.

Hudson Valley Swimming Holes: Use and Etiquette

Lists like these have been criticized for leading tourists and disrespectful hordes to some of the Hudson Valley’s most scenic and intimate swimming holes. Unfortunately, the genie is already out of the bottle. If you are going to visit some of these pastoral sites, please keep them that way. Here are some guidelines to help you protect these locations and allow others to go on enjoying the refreshment offered by the New York countryside.

Leave No Trace

Whatever you carry in, carry it out. If no trash receptacles are available, take your trash with you when you go. Leave the site exactly as you found it—or better.

Only Use the Designated Restroom Facilities

Do not use the area as a toilet. Pet and human waste can cause dangerous bacteria levels in the water. Plus, it’s just gross and disrespectful to others.

Control and Clean Up After Your Dogs

Keep your dogs on a leash to protect your dogs and others. Leave them at home if possible. Clean up after your dog if it needs to “do its business” there.

Don’t Overcrowd the Site

If, upon arrival, you see that the parking area is full, move on to another site or return later. Overcrowding makes things less enjoyable for others and risks damaging the site’s natural beauty.

No Trespassing

Please respect property owners and make sure that the location you’re visiting is on public land. Respect “No Trespassing” signs, and do not park on private property outside the site’s designated parking area.

Pay Attention To and Follow All Posted Guidelines

Don’t ignore the signs posted around a swimming hole or beach. They’re posted for a reason.

Be Considerate

Respect others’ desire to enjoy one another’s conversations and company. Don’t blast music, shoot off fireworks, or get intoxicated and rowdy.

Stay on Designated Pathways

Reduce erosion of these waters by staying on trails and being careful when you enter or exit the water. Do not damage the swimming hole’s banks, plants, or other features. Help keep the water clear and clean.

Don’t Disturb the Wildlife

Find out if animals use the spot as a watering hole. If so, avoid hours when they may wander through for a drink. Dawn and dusk are typical times for animals to use these locations.

Don’t Disturb Natural Features

There is a trend or fad to stack or rearrange rocks to create Instagram-worthy photos. Resist that temptation. These rocks provide a home and shelter for some species of insects and other animals. You also run the risk of increasing erosion.

Hudson Valley Swimming Holes

Split Rock Coxing Hill

If you want to enjoy some time at Split Rock, you should arrive early. This popular swimming hole fills early, as does the parking lot. The 12-foot waterfall tumbles into a 5-8 foot deep channel before sloping into a 3-4 feet deep pool. The clear water has a green tint, revealing a shimmering sand and gravel bottom. Split Rock is in the Mohonk Preserve, off Clove Road, between New Platz and Kerhonkson.

Ore Pit Pond

Ore Pit Pond, in Taconic State Park, is an excellent place to cool off. The water quality is good, and there is a small swimming area near the dock and a wading area for children that are open when lifeguards are on duty. Flotation devices are not permitted.

Schoharie Creek

This scenic creek is located near Pratt Rock and Prattsville’s Main Street. Pratt Rock has stone carvings showing scenes from the life of Zadock Pratt, a local businessman and government official. The creek has ideal swimming waters as long as you stay away from the currents near the dam. There is a small parking area near the trailhead to Pratt Rock.

Peekamoose Blue Hole

The Peekamoose Blue Hole is a trendy spot, but it used to be somewhat of a secret. It’s a beautiful turquoise pool off the Roundout Creek. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has attempted to limit the utilization of this pool by requiring free parking permits. This didn’t reduce the amount of activity at the pool, so they now require paid parking permits to be purchased in advance online. The hole is found near Denning, NY, in Sundown Wild Forest.

Beacon River Pool

Dutchess County, NY, offers a quaint experience in Beacon River. During the warmer months, volunteers install the Beacon River Pool, a small floating circle of seats with a netted bottom. Admission is free, but the spot is small. It is a nice place for kids to play and watch the river flow by.

Rudd Pond

Rudd Pond offers facilities for an all-day experience. In addition to the chance to enjoy a sandy beach and clear water swimming, Rudd Pond also offers boat rentals, fishing, flush toilets, a play area, and a picnic area. Camping is available here, and there are also trails in the vicinity. The pond is part of Taconic State Park, and there is a vehicle entry fee.

Lake Welch

Lake Welch, at Harriman State Park, allows swimmers, unlike other lakes. It has a beach that stretches half a mile, but it can get crowded, so arrive early to secure a spot. Park-goers can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and even camping.

Lake Awosting

If you travel to the Minnewaska State Park Preserve in the Shawangunk Mountains, you can spend time swimming in Lake Awosting. The lakefront is comprised of a rock slab that slopes into the water. The lake is about 1.5 miles long but only half a mile wide. Swimming is only permitted from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. when lifeguards are on duty.

Onteora Lake

Onteora Lake is a secluded, warm place for a swim. There isn’t a beach, but the scenery is beautiful, and some picnic tables and hiking trails are nearby. It is deep, so you should watch young swimmers and provide them with swim floaties.

Otter Falls

A 25-30 foot cascade that spills into a deep basin, Otter Falls is located on state land but is near private residences, so be careful about straying onto private property. The falls are about a half mile west of the Giant Ledge trail parking lot. The water can be muddy, but locals say that the cold water bubbles and roils if it has rained recently. It is located on Esopus Creek in the Catskills, near Route 47.

Hudson Valley Swimming Holes: Wildlife

The Hudson River combines brackish water and freshwater wetlands providing an ideal environment for a diverse collection of wildlife. The valley is home to river otters, bald eagles, herons, dragonflies, snakes, beavers, black bears, white-tail deer, coyotes, and diamondback terrapins. Much of this wildlife can be found in the surrounding beaches and swimming holes.

Conclusion

The Hudson River Valley has many swimming holes for New Yorkers looking to escape the heat. So, go out, and have fun, but don’t forget to follow some commonsense rules so that you and others can enjoy your time in Hudson Valley’s fabulous swimming holes.