Silver Lake Mountain Trailhead
Hiking area
4.7 (48)
Silver Lake Mountain Trail, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Regional River Listing With One Current Town-Recognized AlternativeNY
Au Sable River Swimming Holes
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Find the town-recognized swimming area upstream of Jay's covered bridge, while keeping the old Ausable Forks Dam route and unverified bank access separate.
Swimming restriction
Use only lawful public access and obey current signs. The covered bridge is for pedestrian/bicycle passage, not a jumping platform. Keep the historical Dam route separate from Jay's recognized swimming area.
Water type
Regional River Listing With One Current Town-Recognized Alternative
Access
Informal
Fee
No current swim admission rate established on the town page; check parking, pavilion and event requirements separately.
Best season
River flow, weather and posted restrictions determine an appropriate visit. No seasonal guard schedule, safe depth or temperature is established for either river location
Nearby towns
Plattsburgh, Au Sable Forks, Jay, Upper Jay,
Water body
Au Sable River; Historical Dam Near Ausable Forks And Separate Jay Park
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Plattsburgh, Au Sable Forks, Jay, Upper Jay,
Access location not verified
UPPER JAY, NY
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Au Sable River Swimming Holes
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Au Sable River: Old Dam and Jay
Only the historical stop called THE DAM near Ausable Forks survives in the preserved directions. Its current lawful bathing entrance remains unresolved. Separately, the Town of Jay recognizes swimming upstream of the covered bridge at Douglas Memorial Park; this useful modern option is not the old Dam relocated or five recovered sites.
Jay offers a named current option
The Town of Jay describes Douglas Memorial Park and the swimming area upstream of its covered bridge. Park picnic and recreation facilities make this a more concrete planning choice than an unidentified bank. Follow current posted boundaries; town recognition does not measure today's depth, current or water quality.
The old Dam is a different place
The archived Mill Road approach near Ausable Forks is not the Jay covered bridge. No current manager confirmation of its parking, bank route or bathing permission was established. Do not follow an old dam-side shortcut or transfer Jay's facilities to it.
Plan for a river, not a jump site
A covered bridge and attractive rock pools do not establish jumping permission or underwater clearance. Use a buddy, suitable flotation and an exit plan; avoid high or rising flow. Public navigation rights also do not authorize crossing private land to reach or leave the water.
Check current destination information
Jay river scenery, not the historical Dam
The gallery illustrates the separately named modern Jay option, with flowing water across broad rock shelves. The town recognizes swimming upstream of its covered pedestrian bridge, but the image does not locate the old Dam near Ausable Forks or make today's conditions suitable. Use the actual public park approach and posted boundaries; do not jump from the bridge or infer depth from the water's appearance.
Getting There
For the current town-recognized option, use Town of Jay directions to Douglas Memorial Park and the covered bridge, then follow posted public access. Do not use the old Mill Road Dam approach without confirming owner permission and current access.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
For the current town-recognized option, use Town of Jay directions to Douglas Memorial Park and the covered bridge, then follow posted public access. Do not use the old Mill Road Dam approach without confirming owner permission and current access.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Use only lawful public access and obey current signs. The covered bridge is for pedestrian/bicycle passage, not a jumping platform. Keep the historical Dam route separate from Jay's recognized swimming area. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Mc Intyre's Campsite
Campground
4.9 (26)
611 Union Falls Rd, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912
Tent sites
Ausable River Campground
Campground
4.2 (47)
367 State Hwy 9N, Keeseville, NY 12944
St. Huberts Parking Area
Parking lot
4 (22)
24-78 Ausable Rd, Keene Valley, NY 12943
Ausable Chasm
Campground
4.5 (4895)
2144 US-9, Ausable Chasm, NY 12911
Scenic canyon hosts activities from tours & cliff hikes to mountain biking & river rafting.
Baggage storageRestaurantRestroom
Ausable Point Campground
Campground
4.4 (507)
3346 Lakeshore Drive, Peru, NY 12972
Frequently Asked Questions About Au Sable River Swimming Holes
Where is the town-recognized Jay swimming area?
The Town of Jay identifies swimming upstream of the covered bridge at Douglas Memorial Park. Use current posted public access and conditions.
Is Jay the same as the archived Dam?
No. The surviving archive describes THE DAM near Ausable Forks, not Jay's covered bridge.
Are all five historical places recovered?
No. Only the Dam description survives. Jay is an explicitly separate current regional option, not proof of four missing historical stops.
What facilities are at Douglas Memorial Park?
The town lists a pavilion, picnic benches, courts and a walking path. Do not assign those amenities to the old Dam.
Can we jump from the covered bridge?
No jumping authorization is established. Its pedestrian/bicycle role does not make it a diving platform, and water depth is not surveyed here.
Can we cross any private bank to reach the river?
No. DEC explains that public navigation rights do not generally authorize crossing private land to enter or leave a waterway. Obtain lawful access and any required permission.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid jumping, diving, natural slides and high or rising flow
- A recreation listing or clear appearance is not a water-quality or depth guarantee
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical directions are retained separately; use current manager instructions for travel.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
The gallery illustrates the separately named Jay option on the East Branch AuSable, with rock shelves and flowing water. It is not the historical Dam near Ausable Forks, a relocated archive pin or a present depth and current assessment.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow current manager routes and fire restrictions, respect private parcels and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
River flow, weather and posted restrictions determine an appropriate visit. No seasonal guard schedule, safe depth or temperature is established for either river location.
Difficulty Level
Use the named lawful route and assess your party's abilities. No surveyed accessible bathing entrance or guaranteed easy descent established.
Fee
No current swim admission rate established on the town page; check parking, pavilion and event requirements separately.
Facilities
Douglas Memorial Park has a pavilion, picnic benches, courts and a walking path. These services belong to Jay, not to the unresolved historical Dam.
Activities
Swimming only at the named authorized destination within current operating, access and water-condition limits; other regional entries remain separate.
Phone
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
No camping authorization established at either bathing approach.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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