Vault toilet
Public bathroom
5 (1)
5555 E Black Canyon Hwy, Emmett, ID 83617
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
River/CreekID
Old Dam Rope Swing
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Check the historical Old Dam Road river reference without assuming swing access, and distinguish it from separately managed Black Canyon recreation areas.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
The Emmett-area context is supported, but current permission for the historical Old Dam Road trail and swing remains unresolved. Black Canyon Park and other Reclamation areas are separate destinations.
Water type
River/Creek
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
Confirm charges for the destination and activity; no general free swimming claim
Best season
Check current access, weather and notices before choosing a date
Nearby towns
Emmett
Water body
Payette River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Emmett
Place-name search
Old Dam Road Emmett Idaho
Map searches for the named location. Confirm the entrance and current access with the park before you go.
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.
A historical river reference, not a confirmed rope-swing attraction
The archive places this stop near Emmett through Waterwheel Road, North Plaza Road and Old Dam Road. It does not identify a present operator or establish a public trailhead. The listing name is retained for continuity, not as confirmation that a swing exists or can be used.
Resolve the entrance before visiting
Confirm the land manager, allowed parking and a lawful public approach to the particular riverbank. Do not treat roadside space or an old footpath as permission. This review withholds the old approximate pin because it has not been corroborated as an authorized swimming entrance.
Keep nearby managed parks separate
The Bureau of Reclamation lists Black Canyon Park, Wild Rose Park, Cobblestone Park, Triangle Park and Montour Campground near the Payette River northeast of Emmett. Their current contact is bcparks@usbr.gov or 986-256-4973. These are alternatives to investigate individually, not an identification of the Old Dam Road swing. Their facilities or permissions cannot be transferred here.
What the record cannot tell you
No usable swing, safe landing depth, water-quality clearance, lifeguard service or easy approach was established. Avoid jumping and swing use. Arrange an independently confirmed destination if a public entrance for this historical stop cannot be identified.
Getting There
The archived Waterwheel Road, North Plaza Road and Old Dam Road route is retained as historical evidence only. Verify property management, legal parking and a public entrance before any visit; no current trailhead or swing route is confirmed.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The Emmett-area context is supported, but current permission for the historical Old Dam Road trail and swing remains unresolved. Black Canyon Park and other Reclamation areas are separate destinations.
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
The Emmett-area context is supported, but current permission for the historical Old Dam Road trail and swing remains unresolved. Black Canyon Park and other Reclamation areas are separate destinations. 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.
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
Emmett RV Park - Sapphire RV Park
RV park
2.5 (8)
2002 N Washington Ave, Emmett, ID 83617
Park here
Parking garage
Emmett, ID 83617
Little Gem Cycle Park
Off roading area
4.6 (124)
Sand Hollow Rd, Emmett, ID 83617
Emmett Ranger District and Office
Government office
5 (3)
1857, A, Emmett, ID 83617
Restroom
US Forest Service
Federal government office
1805 ID-16, Emmett, ID 83617
Restroom
Emmett RV Park
RV park
4.2 (81)
400 E 12th St, Emmett, ID 83617
Picnic tablesPublic restroomPublic showerRunning water
Montour campground
Campground
4.3 (85)
Montour Rd, Emmett, ID 83617
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Dam Rope Swing
Is a rope swing still there?
Its current presence and condition were not established. The retained listing name is historical, not an equipment guarantee.
Where can I park?
No legal parking location for this historical entrance was verified. Obtain destination-specific instructions before travel.
Is the mapped point a verified swim entrance?
No. The old approximate coordinates are withheld pending entrance and permission corroboration.
Is this Black Canyon Park?
No such equivalence was established. Reclamation's named parks are separate destinations with their own rules.
Who handles Black Canyon recreation questions?
Reclamation lists bcparks@usbr.gov and 986-256-4973. That contact is for its recreation areas, not confirmation that it manages the old swing.
Are toilets or camping available at the swing?
No exact-site services or camping permission were verified. Nearby campground data does not supply amenities for this historical riverbank.
Highlights
Old Dam Rope Swing, Emmett: Access Still Unverified
Historical directions separated from current access
No invented swimming pin or gallery
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump, dive or use a rope swing based on historical descriptions
- Current conditions, depth, submerged hazards and water quality are not certified by this listing
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical visitor accounts are retained in archived directions, not presented as current permissions.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Use permitted public viewpoints only; no site-matched gallery approved.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect property boundaries and posted restrictions, use authorized routes and carry out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current access, weather and notices before choosing a date.
Difficulty Level
No measured or verified approach to an exact swimming entrance.
Fee
Confirm charges for the destination and activity; no general free swimming claim
Facilities
No verified exact swimming-entry inventory of toilets, drinking water, changing facilities or lifeguards.
Activities
Authorized destination-specific recreation; no verified jumping or rope-swing itinerary
Phone
No verified exact-site contact
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
Book an authorized campground separately; no camping permission at the historical water entry established.
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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