Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes

About Keene's Ausable River Swimming Holes

Tucked into the heart of New York's Adirondack Park, the Keene area offers some of the most beloved unofficial swimming spots in the Northeast. Along the cold, clear waters of the East Branch of the Ausable River, you'll find three distinct spots that each deliver their own flavor of outdoor magic — whether you're chasing a waterfall, a calm eddy, or a sandy stretch of riverbank where kids can splash without worry. Ringed by the peaks of the High Peaks Wilderness and framed by second-growth forest, these swimming holes feel like a reward earned simply by showing up.

The Setting and the Spots

Each location along this stretch of the Ausable has its own personality. At Marcy Field, the river spreads into a wide, flat pool where the current slows and the water — fed by mountain snowmelt and Adirondack springs — runs cool and surprisingly clear even on busy summer days. It's the kind of place where you wade in gradually, gasping a little at the chill, and then find yourself floating on your back watching clouds drift over the ridgeline. The Community Center spot offers a convenient river beach, easy to reach and well-suited to families who want a low-key afternoon by the water. Then there's Hulls Falls — the dramatic one. Here the East Branch drops over a rocky ledge into a churning plunge pool, and the roar of the falls fills the air before you even see it. Footing on the rocks near the falls demands real care; the stones are perpetually slick with mist and algae, so take your time and watch your step.

What the Water Is Like

This is genuine Adirondack river swimming — bracing, beautiful, and utterly unmanicured. The water runs fast and cold in late spring, mellowing into something more inviting by July and August when temperatures climb enough to make long swims feel earned rather than endured. Clarity is excellent in dry stretches; after heavy rain, expect some cloudiness and stronger current, particularly at Hulls Falls. There are no lifeguards on duty at any of these unofficial spots, so swimmers should honestly assess their own comfort in moving water and keep a close eye on children near the falls. The flat-water areas at Marcy Field and the Community Center are far more forgiving for less experienced swimmers.

Plan Your Visit

The best window for a visit runs from late May through early October, with mid-July through August offering the warmest water and the most reliable conditions. Autumn is a spectacular alternative — foliage in the Ausable Valley rivals anything in New England, and the crowds thin considerably after Labor Day. Facilities at these spots are unconfirmed, so arrive self-sufficient: bring water, snacks, and whatever sun protection you need. Fees are unknown, so carry cash just in case. The nearby hamlets of Keene and Keene Valley are your closest bases, with Elizabethtown a short drive east. For overnight stays, Sharp Bridge Campground and Lincoln Pond Campground are located east of the area off I-87, offering wooded campsites that put you in prime position for a full day on the river.