Kaaterskill Area
Swimming hole in Kingston, New York · Other
Kaaterskill Area is a natural swimming hole. It is near Kingston, New York. Access is free. Best season: Summer months (June-August) for swimming.
Typical season: Summer months (June-August) for swimming
About Kaaterskill Area
Near Kingston in New York, Kaaterskill Area offers a straightforward outdoor swim on Varies - See Below.
Set along Cook Brook in the historic Kaaterskill region, this informal natural pool draws those willing to earn their swim with a short hike across rocky, uneven terrain. What you find at the end of that walk is a small, roughly four-foot-deep bowl of cool, clear water. Modest in size, but rich in atmosphere and history.
The Kaaterskill region is one of the most storied natural landscapes in American history, and Litner Rock sits comfortably within that legacy. The same mountains that inspired the Hudson River School painters in the 19th century surround you here, layered in hemlock and hardwood, threaded with streams that run cold even in the height of summer. Cook Brook tumbles over and around worn boulders before gathering in the carved rock bowl that forms the . The defining feature of the spot is Litner Rock itself. A large boulder whose surface has been inscribed over generations with names and dates, creating a kind of open-air register of everyone who has found their way here. Tracing those carvings with your fingertips while the water pools below you is a genuinely strange and moving experience. What Litner Rock offers is something more intimate: a clean, cold plunge into a four-foot bowl carved by water and time.
No lifeguards patrol Kaaterskill Area. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Varies - see below
- Water body
- Varies - see below
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Kingston
- State
- New York
- Best season
- Summer months (June-August) for swimming; spring and autumn for scenic views and photography.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate; requires short hike and careful navigation of rocky terrain.
- Parking
- Roadside / pull-off
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Nearby at North South Lake State Park
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- No facilities available. Bring essentials like water, snacks, and towels. Camping nearby at North-South Lake State Park.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer months (June-August) for swimming; spring and autumn for scenic views and photography.
- Access Moderate; requires short hike and careful navigation of rocky terrain.
- Facilities No facilities available. Bring essentials like water, snacks, and towels. Camping nearby at North-South Lake State Park.
- Camping nearby Nearby at North South Lake State Park
Highlights & features
- Historic carvings on Litner Rock
- Cool, clear waters perfect for swimming
- Rich biodiversity and wildlife
- Proximity to Kaaterskill Falls
- Seasonal beauty with vibrant foliage in autumn
- Rock wall inscribed with names and dates
- Secluded swimming hole away from crowds
- Historical connection to Hudson River painters
How to get there
Kaaterskill Area lies in New York near Kingston, Saugcerties, and Palenville. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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Starting Point: Kingston, NY
Begin in Kingston, NY:
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Head north on Interstate 87 (I-87) and take Exit 20.
From Exit 20: Merge onto Route 32 North and continue for about 6 miles. Transition to Route 32A:
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Turn onto Route 32A North and follow it until it intersects with Route 23A West. Route 23A West
Continue west on Route 23A, passing through the town of Tannersville.
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Turn onto Bloomer Road
On the west side of Tannersville, turn left (south) onto Bloomer Road. Reset your odometer at this point. Follow Elka Park Road: Stay right at the fork to continue onto Elka Park Road. Do not proceed straight onto Platte Clove Road.
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Landmarks Along Elka Park Road
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Cross Schoharie Creek.
Pass the post office on your right.
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Cross Cook Brook shortly afterward.
Locate Utility Pole #32: After crossing Cook Brook, look for a utility pole on the left side of the road marked with the number "32." This is about 2.25 miles from where you turned off Route 23A.
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Parking and Final Approach
Park safely along the roadside near utility pole #32. Ensure your vehicle is not obstructing traffic or private property. From here, walk to the west side of the road. The . Look for a large boulder forming the eastern wall of the pool, which is inscribed with carved names and dates.
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Helpful notes
The area may have limited parking, so arrive early to secure a spot. Be cautious when walking along the road and approaching the . Respect the natural environment and leave no trace. Have a safe visit to Litner Rock!
Plan your visit
Kaaterskill Area works well as a day trip from Kingston or Saugcerties. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Roscoe Catskills Swimming Holes or browse more New York other spots in our directory. For the full list in New York, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial, unsanctioned swimming area with no maintained facilities or services. Parking is limited to roadside pull-offs near utility pole #32 on Elka Park Road; do not block traffic or private property. Access is at your own risk.
Top picks for this trip
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
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Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
A do-everything bottle that holds ice through a full hot day at the water.
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What to pack for Kaaterskill Area
Gear we compare side by side for other swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Kaaterskill Area?
Yes. Kaaterskill Area near Kingston, Saugcerties, and Palenville in NY is a varies - see below swimming spot on Varies - see below. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
Is Kaaterskill Area free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “No”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Kaaterskill Area?
Kaaterskill Area is in NY within day-trip range of Kingston, Saugcerties, and Palenville. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Culture & history
Once a favored retreat of Hudson River School artists, the area reflects a blend of artistic heritage and natural beauty.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Avoid disturbing wildlife and flora. Pack out all trash.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.