While there is nothing that screams summer quite like an overly chlorinated, and possibly pee-filled, public pool, imagine how great it would be if you could cool off without having to worry about germs. This summer, explore the wonderful, tranquil experience of lake swimming. These five must-swim lakes in the Hudson Valley are sure to be the perfect jumping off point for your splash-tastic summer of swimming!
Lakes Awosting | Kerhonkson
Set in the beautiful Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Lake Awosting offers a special opportunity to swim in a picturesque setting. While the beach is not a traditional sand beach, it is a beautiful slab of rock that descends gently into the water. Swimming is only permitted within boundaries of Lake Awosting. This lake is surrounded by over 24,000 acres of trees and other wildlife, making it an oasis in the Hudson Valley. While the carriage road leading up to Lake Awosting’s beach is closed this summer, the beach has its grand opening on June 14th. $10 per vehicle for entry into Minnewaska.
Greenwood Lake | Greenwood Lake
So beautiful that they had to name a village after it, Greenwood Lake is New York State’s largest body of freshwater, reaching nine miles in length. While this lake is more exclusive, season passes are affordable and offer members access to the lake, picnic area, volleyball courts, and beachside park all season long. When you are done swimming, you can wander around town and stop by the lakeside farmers’ market or skate park. Currently, the lake is open 10am-6pm on weekends only, but it will open seven days a week as the summer progresses. Greenwood Lake also hosts a free summer concert series at its waterfront park, with more details on its website.
Belleayre Beach | Pine Hill
While Belleayre’s primary connotation is with winter sports, it is actually a year-round outdoor destination, home to Belleayre Beach, a prime swimming location for the summer months. Perfect for families and your children, this lake offers safe swimming with an on-duty lifeguard, as well as pedal boat rentals, paddleboarding, volleyball, grills, a snack shack, and a short hike around the lake. After swimming, take a ride on the Catskill Thunder Gondola or explore fun and family-friendly biking trails at the ski mountain.
Colgate Lake | Jewett
Open for free recreation year-round, but only near-bearable swimming temperatures during the summer months, Colgate Lake in Jewett offers a rustic and authentic lake-swimming experience sure to improve anyone’s summer. Located within the 1,500-acre Colgate Lake Wild Forest, Colgate Lake is a popular spot for swimming, primitive camping, fishing, and kayaking. Also surrounded by miles of trails, Colgate Lake promises to be a refreshing stop at the end of a long day of wilderness adventuring in the surrounding 1,500-acre forest preserve.
Mohonk Lake | New Paltz
Operated as part of the Mohonk Mountain House, swimming in the Mohonk Lake is sure to be a first-class experience. A tranquil glacial lake, you can enjoy your day paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, swimming, or relaxing on the private beach connected to the Mountain House. While swimming is reserved for guests only, this could be the nudge you need to book your next weekend getaway! Take a leap of faith into Mohonk Lake this summer, and experience swimming like never before in a mountaintop lake.
