Where to Go for a Hike & Swim This Summer

Where to Go for a Hike & Swim This Summer

Some hikes have a summit. Some hikes have a swimming hole.

We're partial to the second one.

Turns out, New York State has plenty of places where you can spend the morning on the trail, jump in a lake, eat the sandwich that's been getting squished in your backpack, then hike back out. No trespassing. No hopping fences. No "my friend said it's cool."

* Before you head out, be sure to check the park's website for current rules, regulations, swimming hours, and any trail or beach closures—conditions can change throughout the season.

Just good trails. Cold water. A full day outside.

Here are a few of our favorites.

Harriman State Park

If there were a hometown pick for hike-and-swim days, this would be it. Harriman has hundreds of miles of trails, multiple lakes, and designated swimming beaches that make it easy to spend an entire day outside.

For swimming, head to Lake Welch or Lake Tiorati during beach hours. 


Clarence Fahnestock State Park

Just a little farther north, Fahnestock is one of those parks that never tries too hard. Forest trails. A big lake. Plenty of

room to spread out after a hike. Canopus Lake has a seasonal swimming beach that's worth sticking around for.



Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Big cliffs. Clear water. Some of the best views in the Hudson Valley. Hike the carriage roads or loop around the lake before cooling off at the designated swimming beach. It's one of those places that somehow always feels a little bigger than you expected. 


North–South Lake

The Catskills know how to do summer. Spend the morning hiking to Artist's Rock or Sunset Rock, then head back for a swim at North Lake. It's an ideal excuse to make a day—or even a weekend—out of getting outside. 

A couple things to bring…

Wherever you go, remember that these places stay beautiful because people care for them. Swim where swimming is permitted. Stay on the trail. Pack out what you pack in. Leave the place a little better than you found it.

Or better yet—come with us. Every summer we host Hike and Swim outings through our program, Hikeish, where we take care of the route, the logistics and the community. You just have to show up ready to hike, swim, and spend a good day outside. Check out our Hikeish schedule HERE.

Summer doesn't last forever. Might as well get in the water while you can.

 

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