In need of a cool down? If you’re looking to relax somewhere other than the local public pool, try spending the day in the water at one of these lesser-known swimming spots in New York instead!

1. Nine Corner Lake - Fulton County
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
If you're looking to take on one of the Adirondack's lesser-known lakes, a trip to Nine Corner Lake is something you'll enjoy. A mile long hike from where you'll park off of Route 29A, you'll get to hike along a trail that follows a creek and even passes by waterfalls. Once you finally reach the lake within our beautiful forest you'll have crystal clear water and even a rope swimming at your disposal!

For more information and directions, click here.
2. Robert H. Treman State Park - Ithaca
travelohio22/TripAdvisor
Those of our residents who are lucky enough to live in or around Ithaca know that there are lots of great natural swimming spots in this area. At Robert H. Treman State Park you can explore trails that let you hike along gorgeous stone stair cases that wrap around breathtaking waterfalls while also being a great place to go camping once it's warm enough outside. The magical state park also features quite a few swimming spots, with the main pool being at the base of Enfield Falls.

For more information and directions, click here.
3. Split Rock Falls - Elizabethtown
stillwellmike/Flickr
Another exciting location to visit within the Adirondacks, Split Rock Falls takes you a bit more north up to Essex County. Just off of Route 9, the waterfall has two major drops with a gorgeous pool of water for you to cool off in at the base of the falls. Part of the Boquet River, this swimming spot lets you sneak away from it all for some one-on-one time with Mother Nature.

For more information and directions, click here.
4. Olcott Beach - Niagara Falls
gardener41/Flickr
The perfect town to visit if you're looking to take a family-friendly summer getaway, Olcott rests right on the shores of Lake Ontario. When you're doing strolling through the charming shopping village and Carousel Park, you can go for a swim in one of the Great Lakes at Olcott Beach.

For more information and directions, click here.

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5. Green Lakes State Park - Onondaga County
Abdallah K/TripAdvisor
Less than 20-minutes outside of Syracuse is one of New York's most unique and beautiful state parks. With lots to explore here, you'll want to make sure that you don't miss out on the wonderful beach that sits on the shores of Green Lake.

For more information and directions, click here.
6. Shelving Rock Falls - Washington County
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
A secluded spot that gives you two different options for swimming, Shelving Rock Falls is an adventure to be taken. Enjoy a 0.4-mile long hike to the waterfall from the trailhead and you'll quickly hear the enchanting roar of this roughly 60-foot waterfall. If you find that there are too many people hanging out around the waterfall, continue hiking and you'll eventually reach the shores of Lake George at Log Bay. A popular spot for people to bring their boats, from here you'll have even have a view of The Sagamore from across the lake.

For more information and directions, click here.
7. Hither Hills State Park - Montauk
Lourdes M./Yelp
Ready to enjoy the soft white sand that this one Long Island beach has to offer? Taking out to Montauk where you're away from the rest of New York, this public beach covers two-miles of shoreline. With a never-ending view of the ocean, the state park is also a popular destination for waterfront camping for when you're not ready to go home just yet.

For more information and directions, click here.
8. Buttermilk Falls State Park - Ithaca
Bryan V./Yelp
Just over a 10-minute car ride from Robert H. Treman State Park, Buttermilk Falls is another state park of Ithaca that you'll want to visit. The main attraction of this particular park is the beautiful waterfall that cascades down along Buttermilk Creek. Equipped with a diving board and lifeguard, this local spot is beautiful to visit if you're also interested in doing some easy hiking as well.

For more information and directions, click here.
9. Kaaterskill Falls - Greene County
ScubaBear68/Flickr
A spot that's not to be suggested without caution, it's around this time of year that we start to see more accidents happen at Kaaterskill Falls. With guests often making the mistake of getting too close to the edge while exploring this waterfall, the several swimming spots that you'll find here are great to enjoy as long as you're cautious. Once it starts to get warm you'll find explorers cooling off in the water all along Kaaterskill Creek and at both the top and second tiers of the waterfall. A gorgeous location that's easy to find, the size of this New York waterfall will leave you in awe.

For more information and directions, click here.


10. Peekamoose Blue Hole - Ulster County

A destination that's become a hot topic over the last handful of years, you might have difficulty enjoying this unique blue hole of New York. With out-of-town visitors frequently leaving trash and overcrowding this swimming spot, it's now become a location that's heavily patrolled by local law enforcement. If you are lucky enough to cool off on this ice-cold mountain water, you'll be able to experience clear blue water that's unlike anything you've ever seen in our state.

For more information and directions, click here.

Which natural pool is your favorite to cool off in? For more beautiful adventures, plan a day trip to one of These 9 Towns In New York Have The Most Breathtaking Scenery In The State!

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Lesser Known Swimming Spots In New York

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When the heat of summer starts to settle in, there’s no better way for New Yorkers to cool off than to escape to our state’s many beaches. One of the best-kept summertime secrets in NYC is Fort Tilden Beach. This isolated spot spans 3 miles of coastline and boasts clean sand, picturesque grassy dunes, and shady trees perfect for picnicking or taking a break from the rays. Jones Beach in the hamlet of Wantagh is a popular public beach destination for NYC residents featuring a two-mile-long boardwalk and over 6 miles of sandy shores dotted with charming Art Deco bathhouses.

Where can I go tubing in New York?

Nestled in the idyllic landscapes of the Southern Adirondacks is the charming town of Hadley, home of the wildly popular Sacandaga Outdoor Center. Located a few minutes from Lake George and Saratoga Springs, this outdoor adventure destination is the perfect spot for an unforgettable day riding the ripples. SOC offers some of New York’s best rafting, tubing, and kayaking excursions full of breathtaking mountain views. Whether you're looking to unwind on a relaxing float trip down the Sacandaga River or brave the extreme waters on a thrill-seeking rafting excursion, Sacandaga Outdoor Center has something for everyone.

Where can I camp on the beach in New York?

There is no better way to experience New York’s sunny summer months than on a beach camping vacation and our state’s 520 miles of coastline offers some spectacular getaway destinations. Widely regarded as one of the best spots for waterfront camping is Moffitt Beach Campground in the central portion of the Adirondack Park can be found just an hour west of Hamilton County’s Lake George. This site boasts 200 lakefront campsites tucked along the scenic shores of Sacandaga Lake with an impressive abundance of amenities. In addition to the boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming areas, kid campers will love the opportunity to participate in the Park’s Junior Naturalist Program.

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