Lake Placid Region Swimming Holes

About John's Brook Swimming Holes

Tucked deep in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, the swimming holes along John's Brook offer one of the most rewarding natural escapes in all of upstate New York. This is not a manicured beach or a roped-off lake swim — it's raw, cold, crystalline mountain water carving its way through a glacially-sculpted landscape, pooling into spots that feel like they were placed there just for you. The journey to reach them is part of the experience, winding through forests of birch and balsam fir, over creekside boulders, and across log bridges that creak with character.

The Setting and Landscape

John's Brook flows through a narrow valley flanked by some of the tallest peaks in New York State, and the terrain reflects every geological event that shaped this corner of the Adirondacks. The streambed is lined with smooth, pale granite worn down over centuries, and the pools it feeds are shaded by a dense canopy that filters summer sunlight into shifting green and gold. Tenderfoot Falls is the crown jewel of the area — a natural rock slide polished by generations of snowmelt and rainfall, dropping visitors into a deep, clear pool below. In autumn, the surrounding hillsides ignite in amber, crimson, and orange, making the hike itself worthy of a full camera roll even before you reach the water.

Swimming and Water Character

The water here is cold — there's no softening that truth. Fed by mountain snowmelt and shaded for much of the day, John's Brook stays refreshingly brisk even at the height of summer. June through August offers the most hospitable conditions for swimming, though you'll still want to ease in slowly and let your body adjust to the chill. What you get in return is extraordinary clarity: you can count the pebbles on the bottom of the deeper pools from the surface. The natural slide at Tenderfoot Falls draws the most attention, and for good reason — the smooth rock chute delivers you into the pool below with a rush that draws laughter from even the most reserved visitors. Beyond the falls, multiple smaller pools dot the brook upstream and downstream, each offering its own depth and character for wading, floating, or simply dangling your feet after a long trail stretch. There are no lifeguards on site, and the terrain demands careful footing, so proper footwear and attentive supervision of children are essential.

Plan Your Visit

Access to John's Brook and its swimming holes requires moderate hiking over uneven terrain with creek crossings, so lace up trail shoes rather than sandals and pack accordingly. There is no fee to visit these unofficial spots, but bring everything you need — there are no guaranteed facilities at the swim sites themselves. The nearest towns of Keene, Keene Valley, and Lake Placid all offer lodging, gear shops, and restaurants to anchor your trip. Lake Placid in particular gives you a full base camp, with outfitters, dining along Main Street, and easy access to the broader High Peaks trail network. Spring visits reward you with roaring, dramatic flows from snowmelt, while summer brings warmer air temperatures and the best swimming windows. Come prepared, leave no trace, and let John's Brook do the rest.