3 Favorite Swim Spots in the Adirondacks
There are over 3,400 lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks and 860 miles of river. When the upstate humidity starts to get you, explore these wonderful swim spots.
Chapel Pond
This is a favorite stop to cool off for climbers and hikers alike. Situated right along Route 73 with a dedicated parking area, sits Chapel Pond. Chapel Pond is situated under and around some classic Adirondack granite ledges within the High Peaks region. There are crags for most levels of climbers and it’s great entertainment to watch the tiny humans scurrying up the walls as you swim. The parking lot is only a few steps from the delicious water. It’s always a cool and refreshing dip, especially nice after a long and strenuous day of hiking in the High Peaks.
Shelving Rock
Shelving Rock is one of the cleanest and most beautiful public access points on Lake George. Its point hosts blueberry bushes, rock outcrops for sunbathing, and a sandy lake bottom perfect for wading. It’s a popular spot for boaters and swimmers alike to pull up and hang out during those hot summer days. Huckleberry and Log Bay Islands create a nice barrier for this cove, keep boats and wake out. It’s a safe place to swim on Lake George without being stuck inside a rope line. The walk to the lake from the parking lot is about a mile sloping down to the water.
Lows Lake
This spot is the most remote on our list so it requires a bit more planning than just an afternoon drive. Lows Lake is a wonderful place to spend a few days, but the area is accessible only by human-powered boat. Pack your canoes, kayaks, and duckies to weave through beaver lodges, dams, and canals. There is no better feeling than working up a sweat to get your stuff into a lakeside campground and then jumping into the water to cool off. There are some really cool features of this lake to check out, like old camps, wildlife, and floating bogs. Do not swim under the bog because you could get stuck! It is truly amazing how plants have matted their roots together to create a floating bio-island.
Happy swimming!
Lily and Aaron
