Swimming & Beaches

Swimming in the Adirondacks

With plenty of places to swim in the Adirondacks, come visit our hundreds of ponds and lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and see why the Adirondacks is nature's water park!

Hike to a remote pond and make it your own, find rivers and streams where the rock is worn so smooth you can slide down it, or plan a day at one of our public beaches complete with designated swimming areas, life guards, and panoramic views of the gorgeous Adirondacks. 

Beachin' It!

Stay the night a nearby hotel and check out our local restaurants - just remember to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before jumping in!

Leave No Trace

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Learn the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

Otter Brook Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This is a great place for the whole family with easy, rolling terrain. The trail is an old road that ends at Beaver Lake in 2.1 miles. This is the site of the old Wilcox Hotel and sawmill.
The whole family can enjoy this lake hike.
Cedar River Road
Indian Lake, NY 12842
A fine wilderness adventure. Getting there The Northville-Placid Wakely Dam Trailhead is located at the end of the Cedar River Road. GPS coordinates are 43.7277°N, 74.4741°W.
Cedar River Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This large, gorgeous lake makes for a great backcountry paddle. Quiet, with plenty of opportunity for spotting birds and other wildlife, this lake is perfect for an intermediate paddler.
Great paddling above the Wakely Dam on Cedar River Flow.
Otter Brook Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This short hike is perfect, especially during the splendor of fall. The Falls Pond and West Canada Wilderness Area trailhead has a large parking area leading to some 4,000 acres of pristine forest.
Look for this distinct sign in the trail.
278 Bisby Rd
Old Forge, NY 13420
Camping
Nicks Lake Campground
Limekiln Lake Rd
Inlet, NY 13360
Limekiln Lake Campground is run by the DEC. Getting there From downtown Inlet travel 0.75 mile northeast on Route 28 and turn right on Limekiln Lake Road. Drive 2 miles to the campsite entrance on the right.
Limekiln Lake is a local favorite for seeing foliage.
Route 28
Inlet, NY 13360
Enjoy extensive hiking and biking trails, or take to the water with DEC canoe rentals. In winter, this is a snowmobile area.
Photo of the sun setting over Eighth Lake
Route 28
Inlet, NY 13360
Part of the stunning Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Seventh Lake's sandy beaches and open views make for a great day on the water, whether you're fishing or just out for a paddle.
Seventh Lake is popular for boating.
Route 30
Long Lake, NY 12847
Centrally located in the hamlet of Long Lake, New York, the Long Lake Town Beach is a spectacular spot to cool off with a quick swim or to spend an entire summer playing in the sunshine. Float planes for scenic rides take off and land nearby.
Arrowhead Park
Inlet, NY 13360
Located behind the Inlet Town Hall and Tourism Information Center, the beach is easily accessible and boasts a variety of amenities conveniently located within walking distance of the center of town.
NYS State Route 28
Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
Situated on the eastern shore of the pristine Blue Mountain Lake, the Blue Mountain Public Beach offers you the opportunity to swim in one of the highest elevated public beaches in the Adirondacks.
Amenities includes restrooms and a lifeguard.
Route 30
Long Lake, NY 12847
Lake Eaton is known for fine fishing all year long and great paddling in summer. Motorboat access is only from the campground, via day use fee.
Lake Eaton is a particularly lovely lake in an area full of lovely lakes.
Route 30
Speculator, NY 12164
A half mile south of the four corners in Speculator, New York, you will find the Speculator Public Beach nestled off of Route 30.
Public boat docks, picnic area, and with hiking trails nearby.
Seventh Lake Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This trail is a nice, tight single track on fairly level terrain that goes past a couple of lean-tos. The trail runs right along Seventh Lake so there are multiple places to swim.
1365 County Route 24
Piseco, NY 12139
With sandy beaches and incredible rolling hills all around, this is the place to be on Lake Piseco. Take it all in as you hike, swim, paddle, and fish. 
A sunset from Point Comfort
Route 30
Wells, NY 12190
Jump into Lake Algonquin at the Wells Public Beach, located on the southwestern side of the Route 30 bridge in Wells, New York.
Jump into Lake Algonquin at the Wells Public Beach.