The Adirondacks is home to hundreds of pristine swimming holes and scenic waterfalls – with many at the same location. Adirondack MTN Land’s team has taken a dip in many popular swimming spots and hiked to waterfalls throughout the North Country.
Here are some of our favorites that are a good combination of beautiful hikes and magnificent natural waters that you’ll only find in the Adirondacks.
Jay Covered Bridge
Located on the Ausable River in Jay, this spot is just upstream from the wooden covered bridge. The swimming area is dotted with flat rocks to sunbathe on, small pools, deeper swimming holes, and tiny waterfalls. Parking is available on either side the bridge.
Split Rock Falls
You can choose between two hiking trails from the trailhead on Shelving Rock Road in Lake George. One brings you to the Shelving Rock Summit, and the other leads to Shelving Rock Falls, where you’ll hear the 50-foot cascading waterfall before you see it. There’s a swimming hole where you can cool off after the hike, but watch your step as the descent from the top of the falls to the pools at the bottom is steep and can be slippery.
Ampersand Beach
This small, half-mile long beach is on the southeastern end of Middle Saranac Lake. It has shallow water, so it’s great for kids and is a popular place for hikers to cool off after taking on Ampersand Mountain.
Benton Road
There is a gorgeous swimming spot with a small beach and picnic area near the Cedar River in Indian Lake. The Benton Road Swimming Hole is located at the Cedar River Trail Parking Area. This area is a popular spot for swimming and water recreation in the Cedar River Watershed District. There are plenty of other great places nearby for swimming or canoeing.
Griffin Falls
Aren’t the best swimming holes found off dirt roads? Griffin Falls is just off Route 8 in Wells and features beautiful rock formations on both banks of the Sacandaga River and an 8-foot waterfall. The calm waters above and below the falls are good spots for wading all summer, but the swimming hole at the base is a real gem that brings people from all over to enjoy this spot.
Bear Slide
Not exactly a swimming hole, this natural waterslide in the Lake George Wild Forest is about a 15-minute hike from the trailhead off of River Road. The smooth slope makes a great slide to the pool below, which is a perfect place to cool off your legs after a hike.
High Falls Gorge
High Falls Gorge is made up of four waterfalls in a private park off NY-86 near Whiteface Mountain. Rainbow Falls, Climax Falls, Mini Falls, and Main Falls are an easy 30-minute walk with breathtaking views. There’s a small fee, but the hike follows well-maintained bridges, walkways, and paths.
Chapel Pond
Over by Giant Mountain, you’ll find a classic swimming hole known as Chapel Pond. The pond is popular with climbers who scale the surrounding cliffs. There’s a beach to catch some sun or fish, and you can launch a canoe or small boat. One caveat is that this swimming hole is easily accessible and popular so it can get crowded on a hot day.
OK Slip Falls
OK Slip Falls is one of the Adirondack’s highest waterfalls at 200 feet. The trail to the waterfall is 3 miles long, so make sure to bring your boots and bug spray because it’s a muddy, buggy hike near some swampy areas. The trailhead parking area is on Route 28, less than 10 miles from Indian Lake.
Stag Brook Falls
Stag Brook Falls is only a 1-mile round trip hike from the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center. Cross the bridge over the West branch of the Ausable River and follow the dirt road until you see a trail register. After reaching Stag Brook Falls, you can hike a little further down the train to see more waterfalls.
If you’re looking for an Adirondack property close to the water, Adirondack MT Land always has waterfront property listings that feature everything from ponds to rivers to lakes. For every property we list, our team can give you the local inside information on the best swimming holes and waterfalls nearby. Contact us today to learn more about our listings where you can swim, paddle, and fish in some of the most beautiful settings in the North Country.