Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes
Swimming hole in Elizabethtown, New York · Waterfall
Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes is a river/falls swimming hole. It is near Elizabethtown, New York. Fee varies. Best season: Late spring through early autumn (May to October), with summer offering the warmest water temperatures and autumn providing vibrant foliage.
Typical season: Late spring through early autumn (May to October), with summer offering the warmest water temperatures and autumn providing vibrant foliage
About Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes
Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes is a River/Falls swimming destination near Elizabethtown in New York. The setting stays informal and low-key. Along the cold, clear waters of the East Branch of the Ausable River, you'll find three distinct spots that each deliver their own flavor of outdoor magic. Whether you're chasing a waterfall, a calm eddy, or a sandy stretch of riverbank where kids can splash without worry. Ringed by the peaks of the High Peaks Wilderness and framed by second-growth forest, these . The Setting and the Spots Each location along this stretch of the Ausable has its own personality. At Marcy Field, the river spreads into a wide, flat pool where the current slows and the water. Fed by mountain snowmelt and Adirondack springs. Runs cool and surprisingly clear even on busy summer days. It's the kind of place where you wade in gradually, gasping a little at the chill, and then find yourself floating on your back watching clouds drift over the ridgeline. The Community Center spot offers a convenient river beach, easy to reach and well-suited to families who want a low-key afternoon by the water. Then there's Hulls Falls. The dramatic one. Here the East Branch drops over a rocky ledge into a churning plunge pool, and the roar of the falls fills the air before you even see it. No lifeguards patrol Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes. 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
- River/falls
- Water body
- East Branch of the Ausable River
- Fee
- Fee varies
- Nearest town
- Elizabethtown
- State
- New York
- Coordinates
- 44.22166, -73.78630
- Best season
- Late spring through early autumn (May to October), with summer offering the warmest water temperatures and autumn providing vibrant foliage.
- Access difficulty
- Easy to moderate access; Marcy Field and Community Center are family-friendly, while Hulls Falls requires caution due to slippery rocks.
- Parking
- Roadside / pull-off
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- East of here off of I-87 are Sharp Bridge Campground and Lincoln Pond Campground.
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- Picnic tables available at Marcy Field park; Community Center offers proximity to playing fields and amenities; Hulls Falls has few developed facilities.
- Listing last updated
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitLate spring through early autumn (May to October), with summer offering the warmest water temperatures and autumn providing vibrant foliage.
- AccessEasy to moderate access; Marcy Field and Community Center are family-friendly, while Hulls Falls requires caution due to slippery rocks.
- FacilitiesPicnic tables available at Marcy Field park; Community Center offers proximity to playing fields and amenities; Hulls Falls has few developed facilities.
- Camping nearbyEast of here off of I-87 are Sharp Bridge Campground and Lincoln Pond Campground.
Highlights & features
- Flat-water swimming at Marcy Field
- Stunning waterfall at Hulls Falls
- Convenient river beach at Community Center
- Scenic views of the Adirondack Mountains
- Opportunities for wildlife observation
- Three distinct swimming holes catering to diverse preferences
- Perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and accessibility
- Opportunities for photography at Hulls Falls waterfall
How to get there
Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes lies in New York near Elizabethtown, Keene, and Keene Valley. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Marcy Field
From Interstate 87 (I-87), take Exit 30 and merge onto Route 9 North.
Continue on Route 9 North until it transitions into Route 73 North. Follow Route 73 North, which parallels the East Branch of the Ausable River. Drive through Keene Valley. Before reaching the town of Keene, look for Marcy Field (a small airport) on your left. Directly across from Marcy Field, on your right, is the park and swimming. This location offers flat water, picnic tables, and is a strong choice for families.
Parking is available at Marcy Field.
Cross the road to access the swimming area. Coordinates
Latitude: 44.22166, Longitude: -73.7863 Google Maps Link Hulls Falls
From Marcy Field, continue north on Route 73 for a very short distance.
Before crossing the river, turn left onto Hulls Falls Road. Drive about 1 mile on Hulls Falls Road until you reach a bridge crossing the river. Before crossing the bridge, pull off to the side of the road where parking is available. The waterfall and swimming hole. Please note that the north bank of the river may be posted as "No Trespassing." Obey all posted signs and respect private property.
Be prepared to carry out any trash to help maintain the area. Coordinates
Latitude: 44.2351, Longitude: -73.7947 Google Maps Link Community Center
From Hulls Falls, return to Route 73 and continue north into the town of Keene.
Stay on Route 73 as you pass through Keene. After crossing the river, bear right onto Church Street. Look for the Community Center, which is housed in a converted old school building. Park at the Community Center and walk across the playing fields behind the building. You will find a nice beach and swimming. Coordinates: Latitude: 44.26032, Longitude: -73.79491 Google Maps Link
Additional Notes: All .
Please respect the natural environment by carrying out any trash and leaving the area as you found it. Be cautious of water conditions, as river levels and currents can vary depending on recent weather. 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.
Plan your visit
Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes works well as a day trip from Elizabethtown or Keene. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Split Rock Falls Swimming Holes In The Adirondacks (about 9.3 mi away) or browse more New York river spots in our directory. For the full list in New York, see our state directory.
Access & fees
All swimming holes are unofficial and unsanctioned. There are no lifeguards or formal facilities. Parking is roadside or in designated lots like Marcy Field. Fees are unknown. Always check for and obey 'No Trespassing' signs, especially at Hulls Falls. Practice Leave No Trace principles.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes?
Yes. Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes near Elizabethtown, Keene, and Keene Valley in NY has waterfall / cascade pools on East Branch of the Ausable River used for swimming. Rocks are slippery and there are no lifeguards at informal access.
How much does Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes cost?
Fees for this spot aren't confirmed. Rates and policies change — verify with the land manager before you drive.
How do you get to Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes?
Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes is in NY within day-trip range of Elizabethtown, Keene, and Keene Valley. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
- Swimming holes near Lake Placid (10 mi)
- Swimming holes near Plattsburgh (37 mi)
- Swimming holes near Glens Falls (63 mi)
- New York swimming holes guide
- Catskills swimming holes
- Swimming holes near Ithaca
- Swimming holes near Lake George
- Swimming holes near Watkins Glen
- More waterfall swimming holes
- Check water quality before swimming
- All New York swimming holes
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
Keene and Elizabethtown are rich in local history, with roots in early settlement and connections to the Adirondack conservation movement.
Conservation
Practice Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife and reduce litter. Be mindful of posted signs and respect private property.
Sources & updates
Reference sources
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.