Skip to main content
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
  • See & Do
    • See & Do
    • See all
      • See all
      • Seasons
        • See all
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
      • Accessibility
      • Arts
      • Attractions
      • Downtown
      • Health & Wellness
      • History
      • Live Music
      • Parks
      • Shopping
      • Stories
      • Weddings
  • Outdoors
    • Outdoors
    • See all
      • See all
      • Hiking
        • See all
        • Nature Walks
      • ADK Guides & Tours
      • Birding
      • Boating
      • Camping
      • Cross-Country Skiing
      • Cycling
      • Downhill Skiing
      • Fishing
      • Golfing
      • Ice Fishing
      • Mountain Biking
      • Paddling
      • Snowmobiling
      • Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
    • Eat & Drink
    • See all
    • Cafés & Coffee Shops
    • Craft Beer & Cocktails
    • Restaurants
  • Events
    • Events
    • See all
    • Adirondack Snowshoe Fest
    • ArtWorks ArtMarkets
    • Can-Am Rugby Tournament
    • Celebrate Paddling ADK
    • First Night Saranac Lake
    • Plein Air Festival
    • Winter Carnival
    • 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
    • Stay
    • See all
    • Cabins & Cottages
    • Camping
    • Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
    • Resorts, Hotels, Motels
    • Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
    • First Time Visitors
    • See all
      • See all
      • Accessibility
      • Downtown
      • Getting Here
      • Greater Region
      • Stories
      • Seasons
        • See all
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
  • Local
    • Local title-header
      • Live Here
        • See all
        • Meet the Locals
        • Real Estate
        • Town of Harrietstown
        • Town of North Elba
        • Town of St. Armand
        • Village of Saranac Lake
      • Do Business Here
        • See all
        • Chamber Job Board
        • Essex County IDA
        • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
        • Professional Services
        • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
      • Community Initiatives
        • See all
        • Arts & Culture Master Plan
        • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
        • Saranac Lake Brand
        • Village Community Development Department
What can we help you find?
  • See & Do
      1. See & Do
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Seasons
          • See all
          • Spring
          • Summer
          • Fall
          • Winter
        3. Accessibility
        4. Arts
        5. Attractions
        6. Downtown
        7. Health & Wellness
        8. History
        9. Live Music
        10. Parks
        11. Shopping
        12. Stories
        13. Weddings
  • Outdoors
      1. Outdoors
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Hiking
          • See all
          • Nature Walks
        3. ADK Guides & Tours
        4. Birding
        5. Boating
        6. Camping
        7. Cross-Country Skiing
        8. Cycling
        9. Downhill Skiing
        10. Fishing
        11. Golfing
        12. Ice Fishing
        13. Mountain Biking
        14. Paddling
        15. Snowmobiling
        16. Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
      1. Eat & Drink
      2. See all
      3. Cafés & Coffee Shops
      4. Craft Beer & Cocktails
      5. Restaurants
  • Events
      1. Events
      2. See all
      3. Adirondack Snowshoe Fest
      4. ArtWorks ArtMarkets
      5. Can-Am Rugby Tournament
      6. Celebrate Paddling ADK
      7. First Night Saranac Lake
      8. Plein Air Festival
      9. Winter Carnival
      10. 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
      1. Stay
      2. See all
      3. Cabins & Cottages
      4. Camping
      5. Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
      6. Resorts, Hotels, Motels
      7. Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
      1. First Time Visitors
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Accessibility
        3. Downtown
        4. Getting Here
        5. Greater Region
        6. Stories
        7. Seasons
          • See all
          • Spring
          • Summer
          • Fall
          • Winter
  • Local
      1. Local
        1. Live Here
          • See all
          • Meet the Locals
          • Real Estate
          • Town of Harrietstown
          • Town of North Elba
          • Town of St. Armand
          • Village of Saranac Lake
        2. Do Business Here
          • See all
          • Chamber Job Board
          • Essex County IDA
          • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
          • Professional Services
          • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
        3. Community Initiatives
          • See all
          • Arts & Culture Master Plan
          • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
          • Saranac Lake Brand
          • Village Community Development Department

Our Five Favorite Swimming Holes

Watch Video
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
ADK Blogger
July 11, 2018

It’s been a wonderfully warm, sunny summer in the Adirondacks, and there’s no better place to be than in the water. Saranac Lake doesn’t quite have the deep, mountain-stream pools synonymous with swimming holes, but there are some fantastic spots with rocky shores or sandy beaches to hit up when the mercury climbs. Check out our five favorites below, then head into town and ask one of our local outfitters to point you toward more.

1. Middle Saranac Lake

If you’re up for it, this idyllic swimming destination is best paired with a hike up Ampersand Mountain, one of the Saranac Lake 6ers. What’s a 6er? It’s one of the six mountains near Saranac Lake, all of which are required climbs for earning the coveted Saranac Lake 6er patch.

It takes a stiff climb to summit Ampersand, so you’ll definitely work up a sweat reaching the amazing 360-degree panorama on the summit. Before you head back to town, take the path to Middle Saranac Lake that’s located at the back of the parking area. You might not feel like another hike after climbing a mountain, but this level, half-mile trail is more nature walk than mountain scramble. In no time at all you’ll be at the long, sandy beach — toss your boots and socks aside and enjoy feeling the sand between your toes. Even without the hike, this is a great place to visit, especially for families since the water is shallow for quite a ways out. Venture far enough and you’ll see Ampersand behind you, towering over the treetops.

Getting there

From downtown Saranac Lake, take Route 3 west for about 8.5 miles and look for the Ampersand Mountain parking area on the right. The trail for the beach starts at the back of the parking area — there's a large wooden sign that's impossible to miss. The trail for Ampersand Mountain is across the road.

2. Moose Pond

There are two ways to get to Moose Pond, and there are plenty of rock outcrops to lounge on while you’re there. The moat direct access to the water is via the state boat launch. If you have a canoe or kayak it’s a breeze launching from the large parking area. If you’re on foot, simply take either path along the shore and you’ll be someplace awesome in no time. Right leads to a campsite and a large rock that slopes down into the water, left goes to a peninsula where there’s also a campsite and numerous rock outcrop areas to swim from.

For an extended adventure, take the path that starts on Route 3, about a five-minute drive from downtown. From the road you'll walk down the driveway, being sure to respect the landowner’s property, then cross a metal bridge over the Saranac River to reach the trailhead. From there it’s a steady but gradual climb that ends in a brief downhill to the shore of Moose Pond. There’s a perfect swimming spot straight ahead with a commanding view of Whiteface Mountain; head left and follow the shore to find more.

Getting there

Boat launch: From downtown Saranac Lake, head east on Route 3. In 6.5 miles, turn right at the four-way intersection to stay on Route 3, cross the bridge, then take the first right after the bridge onto River Road. After 1.5 miles, turn right on Moose Pond Road and follow that to its end in another 1.5 miles. 

Route 3 trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake, head east on Route 3. After about 4 miles there's a large quarry on the left. Just after that, on the right, there's room to pull off on the shoulder of the road followed by a dirt driveway. Park on the road and head down the driveway, toward the river. 

3. Lake Colby

Looking for easy water access without leaving town? Head to the beach on Lake Colby! Pull off the road and you can be in the water in seconds. This is a real beach in the mountains, complete with lifeguards, bathrooms, picnic tables, and a fire pit. It's also a great place for paddling and fishing.

Getting there

If you're in Saranac Lake, you don't have to travel far. Simply take Route 86 toward Paul Smith's and you'll see the beach on the left, just as you're leaving town.

4. Lake Clear Beach

A little more out of the way than Lake Colby, Lake Clear beach is a beautiful swimming area that feels remote even though it’s right off the road. Pine trees line the long, sandy beach and some spots along the water are framed by trees, offering a sense of seclusion from other beachgoers. Stick around until evening and you'll likely be serenaded by the local loons.

Getting there

From Saranac Lake take Route 86 west toward Paul Smith's, turn left on Route 186 after about 4.5 miles, then turn right on Lake Colby Drive after 1.2 miles. The parking area is on the left — follow the short path through the woods to reach the beach.

5. Bluff Island

Bluff Island is an epic adventure, and journeying to it is a great way to spend the day. Paddling is the only way to get there, with the most direct route being from the Saranac Lake Islands public boat launch on Route 3. From the launch, head left to follow this wide, gentle stretch of the Saranac River as it winds through lovely woods before entering the lake. Be aware that Lower Saranac is a large body of water and motorized boats are usually on the water, so if dealing with waves and wakes isn’t your thing take a right out of the boat launch and head downriver instead, where there are a couple of rock outcrops to swim from.

Once on Lower Saranac, make a beeline straight across the open expanse to reach Bluff Island. The paddle on the lake only takes 20 minutes or so, and the island’s enormous, 60-foot cliff is impossible to miss. The most accessible picnic spot is on a small peninsula to the right of the cliff as you’re looking at it from the water. If that’s occupied, continue around the island and you’ll find several more spots, including one with a gigantic slab of rock that slopes into the water — it’s a great spot for swimming. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow one of the many paths leading to the top of the cliff for great views that include Ampersand, McKenzie, and Whiteface mountains.

Getting there

From downtown Saranac Lake, take Route 3 west for about 4.5 miles and you'll see the huge state boat launch parking area on the left, immediately after a bridge.


After a day of swimming and exploration, stay in one of our lodgings. Check out our downtown. There's plenty to do in Saranac Lake.

Related Stories

4 Reasons to Hire a Guide
The Taste of Community: Saranac Lake
Bar Flies and Fish Stories
Happy Campers
It's Snowmobile Season
Five Ideas for Winter Family Fun
Saranac Lake Adventure Travel
Three Fantastic Fall Hikes in Saranac Lake
Norman Ridge Ride
A Decidedly Different Fall Day in Saranac Lake
Lake Kushaqua, A Beautiful Place to Rest
Fall Fun in Saranac Lake
Mt. Pisgah: The Adirondacks’ Finest Uphill Bike Park
Perfect Paddling at the VIC
Decidedly Different Saranac Lake
Hiking Haystack
Gravel biking at Kushaqua
It's All Good at the Saranac Lake Skateboard Park
A Week’s Worth of Nightlife in Saranac Lake
Paddling Middle to Lower Saranac Lake
Cycling Loops in Saranac Lake
Hot Town, Summer in the Village
Finding Fun and Snowfleas at the VIC
Cross-Country Ski The Jackrabbit Trail
Finding Winter Finches — and other Cold-Weather Species
Skiing from Placid to Saranac Lake
First Day on the Bog
Saranac Lake's Snowshoe Centers
Snowshoeing at the VIC
The VIC's Black Pond Loop
5 Paths to Winter Adventure in Saranac Lake
Summer Scoop: Five ADK Ice Cream Destinations
Hiking and Birding in Bloomingdale Bog
Rebuilding a Whitewater Park
Extreme Art: Painting Inside the Blue Line
Saranac Inn Golf and Country Club
Our Five Favorite Swimming Holes
Music on the Green 2018
Hiking an Adirondack Mountain for the First Time
Sweet Isle O' Mine - Adventures in Island Camping
Two Ways of Exploring the Natural World at the VIC
The VIC: It's Luxury Hiking!
Walking the Walk: 20 years of ArtWalks in Saranac Lake
Get down! The best low-elevation hikes in Saranac Lake
The Great Adirondack Birding Celebration!
Rejoice!! May Birding is Here!!
Three of Saranac Lake's Best Paddling Routes
The Excitement of Early Spring Birding!
Family Paddling Day: Planned for You
Get away with the girls
WINTER IS COOL
So Much Snow! And Some Great March Skiing!
Let's Glide - Enjoy Fish Creek Park!
Top 5 tips for fishing on Lake Colby
Woods and Waters Trail, a great ski!
A Holiday Ski!
First Skis of the Season!
Get Acclimated!
Feeling Grateful
Detours are great!
Paddling Jones Pond in the Fall
A Fall Hike Up Mount Baker
An Evening Paddle on Lake Clear Outlet
Azure Mountain Adventure
A Fall Paddle on Little Green Pond
Fall Migration is in High Gear!
Fall Seasons Cold Water Paddling
An Evening Paddle on Middle Pond
Crossbills and Boreal Birds
Moose Pond: A Cool Fishing and Camping Combo
Paddling and Birding along Quebec Brook
How to pick your camping spot
McKenzie Road Bouldering
Not just a walk in the park
Rugby — A Gentleman’s Sport
Family fun that's free
Stock up for your stay
Sprung!
Slow paddle to Oseetah
Skiing and Exploring the Jackrabbit Trail
A Great Ski on the Jackrabbit Trail!
Dewey Mountain - Just Wild Enough
Ice Fishing First-Timer
2016 Most Popular Blogs
Cross Country Skiing in Lake Clear
Enjoying Late Fall Cold Fronts And Their Migrants
Great Fall Birding!
New Road Mountain
A Fall Paddle On Lake Clear Outlet
The Possibilities Of Fall Birding
A Fall Hike on Baker Mountain
Ampersand: A Family Tradition Realized
Village of Boulders
Zooming Around in the Fall
So many hikes, so little time
Girls just wanna have fun
Searching for Philadelphia Vireo and other species
The coolest camping is on an island
Tri to stay dry
Puppy's first mountain climb
A Rainy Day Birding Trip in Madawaska
Coolest Places to Get Your Cone On in Saranac Lake
Coolest Adirondack Chopped Challenge!
A beginner's mountain bike adventure
A Friends Weekend in the Coolest Place
Early Spring Birding!
Wonderful Weddings in Cool Places
Springing!
Spring Ice on the McKenzie Mountain loop
Cross-Country Skiing on the Bloomingdale Bog Trail
Yeah, we're cool - no matter what we're wearing!
Gray Jays!
Fun with Ice: Saranac Lake Creativity
2015 Most Popular Blogs
Five Great Wilderness Views
Trotting for Turkeys
Select seven: Family hikes under four hours
Tubing: the sport to please the masses
Timeless Tubing at Mount Pisgah
Excellent October Birding!
Brighton: Dusk 'til Dawn
Paddling and Hiking Around Little Green Pond
Camping in the Cold (Disclaimer: This is NOT a How-To Guide)
A Cool Adirondack Adventure
Fall Warblers and Other Migrants!
Enjoying Late Summer Wildflowers!
Dog Days of Summer aka Beach Time!
Martha Reben: Staring down the Great White Plague
Seeing if the boot fits: Exploring the Bays
Lake Clear: Our Secret Paradise
Paddling and Birding Around Jones Pond
Paddling Middle Pond
Stevenson Cottage - small outside, a world inside
Paddling in the Adirondacks for the First Time!
Hiking with the Crew up Baker Mountain
Riding the Rails, Adirondack style!
Keeping It Local
July is when things heat up!
Great Birding at Intervale Lowlands - It's that Time of Year!
Finding Lots of Birds Just by Taking a Simple Walk
Coming Home to Saranac Lake
Great Birding and Loads of Warblers in Madawaska!
Saranac Inn, golf with a taste of Scotland
Free Water Park Ride In Our Backyard
Summer music is everywhere in Saranac Lake
Early May Wildflowers: A Kaleidoscope of Color
Fun and Free (or almost)
A Spring Hike Up Baker Mountain
5 reasons we are the Lake Country
Learning to Love Every Season
Exciting Beginnings of Spring Migration!
In Defense of Mud Season
Skiing in April and on Easter - No Foolin'!
Boreal Birding In and Around Town
The Joy of Spring Skiing
Adirondack Cure for Cabin Fever
Jackrabbit Trail: Lake Placid to Keene
Jackrabbit Trail - Day 2: McKenzie Pond to Lake Placid Pub & Brewery
Newbie Skier Tackles Titus
Memorable Firsts: Carnival & Cross-Country Skis
Skiing the Fish Pond Trail
Wedding planning with the pros
Two sides of the Trifecta
Enjoying Winter Birding
Adirondack Traditions, then and now
Enjoying White Snow to Take Away the Winter Blues
Wellness Resolutions: Easy does it!
Four Seasons of High Points
Skiing - and Falling - in a Winter Wonderland
Early Season Cross-Country Ski Destinations
Fly our Adirondack skies
St. Regis Canoe Area - An Interesting Ski Tour
The First Ski of the Season!
Birding Along Lake Colby
Saranac Lake Remembers the Great War
New fun at Titus Mountain Ski Area
Doing the Doggie Paddle: Paddling the Adirondacks with your pet!
An Apt Pair: Ampersand Mountain & Follensby Clear Pond
Learning to Identify Fall Leaves
The Horse Knows The Way
Mount Pisgah getting ready for winter ski season
Paddling and Snorkeling Little Green Pond
A Red Phalarope at Little Clear Pond!
Searching for Fall Warblers and Other Songbirds
Boat Trip Massages: Two Roads to Wellness
Forks, Fests, and Flatwater: 3 Featured Fall events
Paddling Little Clear Pond
3 Short Paddles found in the St. Regis Canoe Area
Paddling Lake Clear Outlet
Hiking and Exploring Azure Mountain
An Evening Paddle on Moose Pond
A Great Place to Break Down
A cure cottage tour, a step back in time
The Art Walk is a path to art, music, and fun!
Mid-summer events in Saranac Lake
Adirondack Paddling, Choosing the Right Paddle
Adirondack Paddling - Choosing The Right Boat
Birding at the Spring Pond Bog
“One Particular Island” all to ourselves
Events roundup for Saranac Lake
Roughing it in style: a tour of White Pine Great Camp
The Great Adirondack Birding Celebration
Spring Paddling on Lake Colby
One Magic Canoe: The Seven Carries Canoe Route
Roadside Gems, Paddling the Saranac Lake Region
5 Hidden Gems for Hiking, Paddling & Trail Running
Our lakes were born for boating
Top 10 Spots for Paddling in Adirondacks
Get Ready For Fishing Season
VIC music sweetens a ski Sunday
Night Skiing at Mt. Pisgah
Mid-Winter Events 2014
Best Ice Fishing Holes
Building the Ice Palace
Silent Night
Snowshoe Shopping
Lost and Found
Short & scenic hikes
Debar Mountain and Black Peak
Ducks and Otters at Lake Colby
Muskrats!
Goodman Mountain
Ducks on the Pond
Saving Einstein
You Don't Paddle Into the Wind
Hiking St. Regis Mountain
Fall at the VIC
A Fall Paddle on Jones Pond
A Fall Hike Up Baker Mountain
Sparrows Along Lake Colby
Going to Church
Visitors in My Yard
A Hike Up Panther Mountain
Where the leaves are on fire with color
The Colors of Late Summer
Bloomingdale Bog Birds
Fifth Annual Hobofest: Music, Food and Fun on the Tracks
Late Summer Yard Birds
Stomping out the Saranac 6 – Week 2 – St. Regis Mountain
Hobofest tops the calendar this weekend
FlavorFest at The Wild Center
Hobofest Returns to Saranac Lake
Lows Lower Dam to Lows Ridge, A surf and Turf Adventure
The Osgood's
A Birding Trip in Madawaska
Black Pond to Bridge Brook Pond – A new trail
Local Massage Therapist Takes It Up A Notch
Local Family Friendly Swimming Spots
A peaceful afternoon on Jones Pond
Take A Swim!
Ampersand Mountain
Hiking and Birding on Baker Mountain
Entertaining events will keep you hopping this weekend
A Birding Trip to Bloomingdale Bog
Blog on Bogs
Top 5 Family Friendly Activities in the Saranac Lake Area
Searching for Spruce Grouse
Camping in the rain - better known as "damping"
Safe Guiding Services with High Adventure!
Follensby Clear Pond to "Round Pond"
Trail Running the Deer Pond Loop
Birding in Spring Pond Bog
Hiking and Birding on the Jackrabbit Trail
Birding in Massawepie Mire
Lower Saranac Lake Path
Long Pond to Pink Pond's
The Amphibious Choirs of Spring
Little Clear Pond and Grass Pond, a Canoeing experience
The Kettle Trail
Hiking from the North End of the Bloomingdale Bog Trail
What can we help you find?
Sign up to receive more information.
Enter Email
Do•Stay•Eat•Shop•Events
Work Here•Contact Us•DEI•Media Kit•Privacy Policy
39 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Powered by the Regional Office of
Sustainable Tourism
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE
We’ve got the best ideas for things to do on your next Adirondack adventure, and we will deliver them right to your inbox! THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING! Your next adventure awaits you in your inbox! Tell us more about what interests you, and we can help you plan your next trip.
MANAGE YOUR PREFERENCES