The Catskills in summer feel like a reward for making it through a long winter. When the days grow long and the sun sticks around, the mountains trade their snowcaps for a soft green shimmer. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than by diving into one of the area’s cool swimming spots. These aren’t just any lakes or creeks—each one has a different rhythm, a different kind of calm.

Some are wide and quiet, with still water that reflects the trees like a mirror. Others are lively with kids cannonballing off rocks and friends floating on tubes. Whether you're chasing stillness or a splash of fun, there’s room for you in these waters.

Here’s a guide to some of the best places to cool down across the Catskills when summer starts to hum.

1. Peekamoose Blue Hole

You can’t talk about Catskill swimming without bringing up Peekamoose. It’s not just a swimming hole—it’s something that feels carved out by time. Tucked away in a dense part of the Sundown Wild Forest, this pocket of water is ice-cold, crystal-clear, and surrounded by trees that seem to lean in for a look.

It’s gotten more attention over the years, so visitors now need a permit during peak summer weekends. Even with that, it's worth the effort. That first shock of cold when you jump in? It’s unforgettable, like hitting a restart button. The water’s blue tint gives it a magical touch, and the rocks around the edge make great spots to dry off in the sun.

2. Split Rock Hole In Mohonk Preserve

Not far from New Paltz, Split Rock Hole feels like it belongs in a storybook. The creek cuts through a narrow rock gorge, forming pools that gather just right for swimming. It’s surrounded by forest, but still lets in enough light to feel open and welcoming.

The real charm is how peaceful it is during the early hours. Later in the day it can draw a small crowd, especially locals who know where to go. But mornings are when it shines. The cool air, the sound of water slipping over stone, and that quiet, steady kind of Catskills stillness—this is a good place to think, or not think at all.

3. North-South Lake

If you’re looking for something with a bit more space and maybe a little less mystery, North-South Lake is a solid pick. It’s one of the largest and most popular day-use areas in the region, but don’t let that scare you off. There’s plenty of room to find your own corner of shoreline.

What makes it a favorite isn’t just the swimming. The area is filled with hiking trails, scenic views, and little picnic spots. Families come here with coolers and chairs, ready to spend the day, while others just dip in for a quick swim before heading out on a trail.

4. Vernooy Kill Falls

This one is more of a hike-to-swim type of spot. You’ve got to put in a few miles on foot to get there, but the pay-off is something special. Vernooy Kill isn’t your average waterfall. It tumbles down in a series of gentle drops, with deep enough pools between to make for a real swim.

Even when the water’s low, it’s still worth the trek just to sit with your feet in the stream and watch the sunlight filter through the leaves. And because it’s a bit off the beaten path, it often feels like you’ve found a secret. There’s a kind of pride in earning your swim here.

5. Lake Superior State Park

Not too far from Bethel, this lake gets its fair share of visitors in summer, but it still holds onto a laid-back, easy kind of charm. The swimming area is roped off and watched by lifeguards, which makes it great for families or anyone wanting a safer, more structured swim.

There’s a sandy beach, changing rooms, and paddleboat rentals. It’s less about wild swimming and more about kicking back for the day with snacks and sunscreen. If you’re looking for a mix of comfort and nature, this is a solid option.

6. Big Deep In Woodstock

Just outside the center of Woodstock, this swimming hole is as local as it gets. The walk from the road is short, and before you know it, you’re standing by the stream where people have been swimming for generations.

There’s a bit of a current in some parts, and the water isn’t very deep everywhere, but if you find the right spot, it’s just enough for a float or a short swim. Kids climb the rocks while parents sit in the shade. It’s casual, it’s easy, and it’s very Catskills.

7. Fawn’s Leap

Fawn’s Leap is a bit more adventurous. It’s located along Kaaterskill Creek and has become well-known for its rock jumps. Some folks come just to watch others leap off the high ledge into the swirling pool below.

This isn’t for everyone. It’s deep, cold, and can be risky if you’re not confident in your swimming. But if you’re the type who likes a bit of edge to your dip, it might be worth a look. Even if you’re not jumping, it’s still a beautiful place to sit by the water and watch the afternoon drift by.

8. Otter Falls

Otter Falls isn’t as talked about, and that’s part of its charm. It’s quiet, the walk in is short, and the spot itself is calm and easygoing. The falls slide down a gentle rock face into a wide, shallow pool that’s just right for wading or a slow float.

It’s the kind of place where time slows down. Bring a towel, maybe a book, and a snack. Don’t rush. The water here isn’t as deep or dramatic as some others, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s enough.

9. Esopus Creek At Mount Tremper

This stretch of the Esopus is easy to get to and has a few good entry points for swimming. It winds through the trees and creates calm spots where the current slows down just enough for a dip. It’s often used by kayakers, but swimmers find their own spots too.

If you’ve got a folding chair or a hammock, bring it along. The banks are grassy and open in some spots, perfect for settling in for a while. There’s something really comforting about the way this creek moves—always going, but never rushing.

10. Little Deep In Phoenicia

This one's a quieter cousin to Big Deep. It’s less crowded, a little harder to find, but just as lovely. There’s a nice little bend in the creek where the water slows, deepens, and cools you right off after a hot morning.

Locals like it here. It’s a place for an hour or two, not a whole day. Enough time to cool down, breathe, and then move on with whatever your summer day has in store.

Conclusion

The Catskills know how to do summer right. These swimming spots aren’t just about beating the heat—they’re about giving your brain a break and letting your body breathe. Whether you’re plunging into a cold creek or drifting in a quiet lake, it’s a simple kind of joy. And maybe that’s what summer is really about: finding a patch of water, a bit of quiet, and letting everything else wait a while.