Let’s face it, today’s world is pretty stressful. Work, school, kids, home chores, and daily life can sometimes make you feel like your internal battery could use a recharge. These natural springs in New York state are sure to do the trick! Sometimes wrapping ourselves in nature and taking a nice cool dip in the natural waters is exactly what we need to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape around us.
Top 11 Natural Springs In New York State
1. Enfield Falls
First on our list of Nautral Springs in New York is Enfield Falls.
Located in upstate New York at the Robert H. Treman State Park, this is one of the most stunning locations to view the beautiful waterfalls and enjoy a nature-made pool. Even though this is a natural made pool from flowing waterfalls there is a lifeguard present during the summer operating hours as well as roped-off areas to show the different depths. Enfield Falls is a beautiful natural spring to bring the entire family for a day of relaxation.
Location: 105 Enfield Falls Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850, Robert H. Treman State Park
Best Season To Visit/Operating Hours: Park is Open Year-Round, Swimming Opening Dates Fluctuate, Typically Late June to Early July (Check Website).
Fees: Parking Lot Fees
2. The Boiling Pot
Located in Winter Green Park in Canajoharie, New York, the Boiling Pot is a nature-made gorge that is fed by the creeks nearby. This is a marvelous location to sit and enjoy after a morning’s hike or to refresh on a hot summer day. Either way, you will not be disappointed you made the trip!
Location: Canajoharie, NY 13317, Winter Green Park
Best Season To Visit/Operating Hours: Best Seasons To Visit is Spring Through Fall
Fees: Parking Lot Fees May Apply
3. Shanty Brook
Located in stunning Johnsburg, New York, and part of the Adirondacks, visiting the Shanty Brook is a bit of a trek, make sure you bring your best waterproof gear because you will be passing through the Sacandaga River. But trust us, it is so worth it! This is a smaller destination but you will be fully immersed in this stunning natural spring that will just melt your stress away.
Location: Johnsburg, NY, Adirondack Mountains
Best Season To Visit/Operating Hours: You Can Get to the Natural Springs all Year Long, Swimming is Best Late Spring/Early Summer
Fees: Parking Lot Fees May Apply
4. Fawn’s Leap
If you are an adrenaline junkie you are going to fall in love with Fawns Leap. Located in the picturesque Catskills, these beautiful rock formations have been a favorite of cliff jumpers. This 24-foot drop will land you in the refreshing waters below. Even if you are not brave enough to jump you can still enjoy the scenic landscape and natural waters.
Location: Haines Falls, New York, Catskills Mountains
Best Season To Visit/Operating Hours: You Can Visit These Falls All Year Long, Swimming is Best in Late Spring/All Summer
Fees: Parking Lot Fees May Apply
5. Millstream Swimming Hole
Looking for a more child or pet-friendly natural spring in New York? Check out the Millstream Swimming Hole in the Catskills of New York state. If you are still looking to get the family outdoors but want a safe and fun location that is simple to get to Millstream is the place for you.
Location: Woodstock, NY, Catskills Mountains
Best Season To Visit/Operating Hours: Spring, Summer, and Fall are the best times to visit the Millstream Swimming Hole
Important Note: Some of the Access Points To Millstream Swimming Hole is on Private Property. Always Follow the Law and Do Not Trespass.
Fees: Parking Lot Fees May Apply
6. Peekamoose Blue Hole
Located in the Catskills of New York, the Peekamoose Blue Hole is one of the most popular swimmable natural springs in New York. Within the secluded wilderness, you will run into a depression in the streambed of the Rondout Creek. Being a more popular location there will most likely be others enjoying the beautiful natural creek, but parking can be a bit tight in the summer months, so just a reminder when you are wanting to make a trip out to this natural spring.
Location: Peekamoose Rd, Sundown, NY 12740
Best Season To Visit/Operating Hours: You Can Visit This Location all Year Long, Swimming is Best in Late Spring/All Summer
Fees: $10 Permit, Parking Lot Fees May Apply
7. Fillmore Glen
Another family-friendly natural spring in New York is Fillmore Glen. Located in the Fillmore Glen State Park you will want to jump right into this natural spring after hiking around the rock formations on a hot summer’s day. There will be lifeguards on duty when in the operating season, making this a great family-friendly location.
Location: 1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118, Fillmore Glen State Park
Best Season To Visit/Operating Hours: Swimming Hours 6/19 – 9/6, 11 am – 7 pm Daily
Fees: Parking Lot Fees Apply
8. Christine Falls
Another beautiful natural spring in New York is Christine Falls. Christine Falls is located in the Adirondacks, this tiny natural pool feels like a hidden oasis, only large enough for about 4 to 5 people to be in at one time.
Location: Speculator, NY 12164, Adirondacks Mountains
Best Season To Visit/Operating Hours: You Can Visit These Falls All Year Long
Fees: Parking Lot Fees May Apply
9. Split Rock Falls
Located in the Adirondacks Mountain range, Split Rock Falls is a multitude of waterfalls that flow into a natural pool where you can enjoy short cliff jumping and swimming. The currents can be quite strong so you must be a skilled swimmer. You will need to use caution when hiking this are because of some of the steep rock formations, but if you are a skilled hiker this is a must-visit when in the area.
Location: Essex County, New York, Adirondacks Mountains
Best Season To Visit/Operating Hours: You Can Reach These Falls all Season Long, Photographers Say to Visit Early Morning for the Best Shot
Fees: Parking Lot Fees May Apply
10. Otter Falls
Otter Falls a 30-foot waterfall spills over into a natural pool of beautiful refreshing deep water that is sure to cool you off. During the spring months, you will find deeper water, but as the summertime turns the corner you may find some of the pools drying up a bit; still, it’s a must-visit on our list!
Location: Shandaken, NY
Best Season To Visit/Operating Hours: Spring/Early Summer for Swimming, Park is Open All Year Long
Fees: Parking Lot Fees May Apply
11. Vernooy Falls
The last but certainly not least in our list of natural springs in New York state is Veroony Falls. Located in the Catskills, Veroonry Falls is a scenic multitude of waterfalls. Other hikers have noted to bring your boots as there are a lot of slippery rocks as well as snakes and other wildlife, but everyone said they would plan a visit again!
Location: Rochester, NY 12446, Catskills Mountains
Best Season To Visit/Operating Hours: Park is Open All Year Long, Swimming is Best In Mid-Summer
Fees: Parking Lot Fees May Apply
Natural Springs in New York FAQ
Are These Natural Springs/Pools Man-Made?
Nope! One of the most beautiful things about these natural springs in New York is that we can thank mother nature for creating them for us to enjoy. Some of these springs may have some nearby facilities or even some built-in steps but some are certainly left alone for nature to take charge.
Are All Of These Locations Difficult To Get To?
Many of these stunning natural springs and pools are easy to hike to or are a short walk away from where you can park your vehicle. But, there are a few on the list that will require a bit of hiking experience.
Are These Springs Family Friendly (Children/Pets)?
Some of the natural springs in New York are absolutely family-friendly with roped-off areas and lifeguards, while others are not. Be sure to look up the area you want to visit to make sure it is safe for you and your family.
Do We Need To Worry About Wildlife?
Short answer, yes. Since these are natural springs within the wilderness of state parks and mountainous regions you will need to be on the lookout for local wildlife. Some may just be pesky mosquitos and other insects, but could advance to rattlesnakes and even bears. It is always a good idea to know where you are at all times and arrive prepared.
Wrapping Up Natural Springs in New York State
New York state has some of the most scenic and stunning natural springs to take your overly stressed mind off of everyday life and just sit back and enjoy the nature around us. With many different mountain regions, there are tons of other springs, waterfalls, and natural pools you can enjoy. So where will you be visiting? Have you been to any of these already? We would love to know in the comments below!
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