Here Are 7 New York Swimming Holes That Will Surely Make Your Summer Memorable

Lather up with sunscreen and throw on your bathing suit because there's a world of fun awaiting you. From waterfall splash pads to stunning blue holes, there's nothing quite like spending a hot summer day splashing in the water. If you want to make your summer memorable, we recommend you plan a visit to the best swimming holes in New York. The hard part will be deciding which one to visit first.

1. Split Rock Falls, Elizabethtown

Located on the Boquet River in the Hammond Pond Wild Forest, you'll find a nearly 50-foot-tall waterfall that looks like something you wouldn't expect to find in New York! Gorgeous waters that would make Emerald City envious, this waterfall is practically hidden in plain sight off US 9. It's one of the loveliest swimming holes in NY.

2. Peekamoose Blue Hole, Denning

This is one of the swimming holes in New York that has sparked a great debate. Do we share our favorite spots with others or do our best to create the biggest invisibility cloak that anyone has ever seen? All we can hope for is that people see the beauty of places like Peekamoose and feel the internal desire to keep Mother Nature looking her absolute best. Doesn't this place look like a fairy tale? With plenty to explore, this beautiful blue and green crystal clear mountain water will freeze you to your core and is the perfect place for those high temperature days.

3. Enfield Falls, Ithaca

Located inside of Robert H. Treman State Park in the Finger Lakes, you'll find an incredible swimming spot to bring the family. Also known as Lower Falls, this swimming spot is one of the best attractions inside the state park. While there are many gorgeous waterfalls throughout this park that you'll want to cool off in, the bottom of Enfield Falls is the only area that has a lifeguard and an area where you can actually take a swim. To learn more about one of the best New York swimming holes, visit the Robert H. Treman State Park website.

4. Vernooy Kill Falls, Kerhonkson

A four-mile, out-and-back hike will let you experience and explore the serene area of Vernooy Kill Falls. A gorgeous area to explore during the warmer months, the beautiful wooded hike gives you a tranquil area to cool off before you conclude your adventure.

5. Kaaterskill Creek & Falls, Tannersville

This gorgeous spot is a place our residents like to visit all year long, but once the hot summer months arrive that's when the party really gets started. I'd like to tell you to take a day off from work during the week and cool off here on a less crowded day but realistically not all of us can do that, so be prepared to share! Luckily, it's not just the actually Kaaterskill waterfall that offers a great place to swim. The entire half-mile hike you have to the waterfall brings you along Kaaterskill Creek, giving you plenty of places to set up and shop and enjoy the water.

6. Stony Brook State Park, Dansville

Inside the park from Memorial Day through Labor Day, you'll find a designated area for swimming. Open as long as a lifeguard is present, the swimming area provides a unique place to immerse yourself in New York water. Learn more on the New York Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website.

7. Otter Falls, Sundown

Roughly eight feet deep, this swimming hole like many, is located in the Catskill Mountains. Not far from the parking area for Giant Ledge, this is one of the most relaxing New York swimming holes and it's the perfect spot for explorers to cool off.

If you haven't already pulled your bathing suits out of storage, now is the time! How many of these swimming holes in New York have you visited? What are your favorite things to do in New York during the summer? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I'd love to add your suggestions to my summer plans! And if you are looking for a few ideas, check out our ultimate guide to summer fun in New York.