Ore Pit Pond

About Ore Pit Pond

Tucked within the folds of Taconic State Park near Copake Falls, New York, Ore Pit Pond is one of the Hudson Valley's most quietly compelling swimming destinations. What was once an active iron ore quarry is now a spring-fed pond of striking clarity, framed by the rugged ridgelines of the Taconic Mountains. The industrial past adds a layer of intrigue to every visit — this is a place where history and wilderness have grown together into something unexpectedly beautiful.

The Setting and Landscape

The pond sits in a natural bowl carved by decades of quarrying, and the surrounding terrain still hints at its industrial origins. Stone remnants of the Copake Iron Works linger nearby, mossy and atmospheric, giving the site a character that purely natural swimming holes simply can't match. Tall deciduous trees lean over the water's edges, and the hillsides beyond the park burst into vivid color each autumn. Birdsong, rustling leaves, and the occasional splash from a fellow swimmer are about as loud as it gets on a weekday morning. Wildlife — from great blue herons to white-tailed deer — moves through the surrounding woodland with comfortable familiarity. Whether you're arriving with a camera, a fishing rod, or simply the desire to float in cold, clear water, the landscape rewards attention.

Swimming in the Pond

Because Ore Pit Pond is spring-fed, the water stays remarkably clear and refreshingly cool even during the heat of summer. You'll notice the clarity almost immediately — the kind that makes the bottom seem closer than it is, light bending gently through the water column. The flooded quarry shape means the pond has meaningful depth, which contributes both to that crystalline quality and to the slightly bracing chill that makes every plunge feel like a reward. Families with young children will appreciate the wading pool on site, which offers a gentler entry point for little ones. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, especially mid-week, when the pond feels almost private.

Practical Visit Information

Ore Pit Pond is an officially sanctioned swimming area within Taconic State Park, with day-use access available for $6.00 per person. Facilities are genuinely comfortable: showers, lockers, and restrooms are all on site, making it easy to rinse off after a long swim before hitting the road. Camping options run the full spectrum — from basic ground sites and platform tent sites to RV hookups in two sizes and even cabins. Reservations for camping can be made by calling 1-800-456-CAMP. Activities extend well beyond the water: the park's trail network offers hiking and biking routes ranging from beginner-friendly loops to moderate ridge climbs. Fishing is also permitted on the pond. Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable swimming weather, with summer weekends drawing a lively crowd and weekdays rewarding those who prefer solitude.

Plan Your Visit

Ore Pit Pond is located near the small community of Copake Falls in Columbia County, New York. The village of Millerton, just across the state line in Connecticut, offers dining and provisions for those coming from the south. A visit pairs naturally with a trip to nearby Bash Bish Falls, one of the most dramatic cascades in the Northeast and only a short drive from the park. Whether you're making it a day trip from the Hudson Valley or settling in for a long camping weekend, Ore Pit Pond earns its place on any serious swimmer's list.