Au Sable River Swimming Holes

About the Au Sable River Swimming Holes

Tucked into the wild heart of New York's Adirondack Mountains, the Au Sable River Swimming Holes offer something that polished, developed beaches rarely can: the feeling that you've stumbled onto a secret. The Ausable River carves its way through northern New York in a series of bends, pools, and riffles, and along the stretch near Au Sable Forks, Jay, and Upper Jay, locals have long known where to slip into the current on a hot summer afternoon. These are unofficial spots — no roped-off lanes, no concession stands, just cold, clear Adirondack water and the sound of the river moving over stone.

The Setting

The landscape here is quintessential Adirondacks: forested ridges drop toward the riverbanks, and the air carries the clean scent of pine and moving water. Boulders worn smooth by centuries of current line the shores, offering natural perches for sunbathing between swims. The river corridor is rich with wildlife — watch for great blue herons picking their way along the shallows, and listen for the occasional kingfisher rattling overhead. One of the area's most striking features is the presence of a historic dam near certain swimming spots, where the blend of stone infrastructure and living river creates an atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in the region's past. Come early fall, the surrounding forest ignites in amber and crimson, making the riverside an extraordinary place to wade in and look up.

What Swimming Is Like

The Ausable runs clear and cold, fed by Adirondack snowmelt and mountain tributaries that keep the water refreshing even on the warmest July days. You'll find a mix of shallow riffles ideal for wading and deeper pools where stronger swimmers can fully submerge. The current varies by season and location — summer months bring calmer, more manageable flows, while spring and early fall can push the river higher and faster. The riverbed is typically rocky, so water shoes are a smart addition to your pack. Because these are natural, unsanctioned sites, there are no lifeguards present, and visitors should use careful judgment about water conditions and personal swimming ability before entering.

Practical Visit Information

Getting here requires a short walk from where you park — the path is unpaved but manageable for most visitors, including families with older children. Picnic tables are available nearby, making this an easy spot to turn into a half-day outing with lunch by the river. Admission is free. The best time to visit for swimming is June through August, when water levels are friendliest and temperatures make a dip genuinely refreshing. If you'd rather have the river largely to yourself, early fall — September into October — rewards visitors with cooler air, fewer crowds, and foliage that turns the whole valley into a painting. Camping availability in the immediate area is not confirmed, so plan your overnight accommodations in advance.

Plan Your Visit

The Au Sable River Swimming Holes are easily reached from several charming northern New York communities. The towns of Au Sable Forks, Jay, and Upper Jay sit closest to the best-known swimming stretches, while the larger city of Plattsburgh — roughly 30 miles to the northwest — offers a full range of lodging, dining, and supply options. Whether you're based in Plattsburgh for the weekend or passing through the Adirondack back roads, a stop at the Ausable River is one of those experiences that reminds you why people fall in love with this corner of New York.