Point Au Roche State Park

Point Au Roche S.P. lies in New York, where Lake Champlain moves through a wooded corridor. Visitors trade crowds for a quieter bank access. This is not a crowded beach resort. It's a place where the water laps softly against a sandy shoreline, ospreys wheel overhead, and the blue-green silhouette of the Adirondack Mountains rises across the lake to the west like a painted backdrop. The atmosphere is unhurried, the setting is genuinely beautiful, and admission is free. As you emerge from the trail, a quiet bay opens before you, framed by tall grasses and the kind of soft, sandy beach that invites bare feet. Lake Champlain stretches out in every direction, its waters surprisingly clear and glittering in the summer sun. On a calm morning, the Adirondack peaks reflect off the surface in wavering shades of purple and green. Great blue herons stalk the shallows while ospreys dive from the sky. The wildlife here is as much a part of as the water itself. The lake is deep and expansive beyond the bay, but the sheltered cove creates calmer, shallower conditions closer to shore. A strong choice for children splashing in the shallows or adults wading out for a leisurely float. It's worth noting that this is an unofficial . Come prepared and stay aware of conditions. After your swim, the park's accessible hiking trails wind through wetlands and forest, offering some of the best birdwatching in the Champlain Valley. If local lore interests you, keep an eye on the deeper water. Lake Champlain is famously home to "Champ," the region's own mythical lake monster, a legend that stretches back centuries to the days of French settlers and the War of 1812 battles fought on these very shores. Treat Point Au Roche S.P. as a wild swim: no lifeguard, variable depth, and rules that can change by season.

Point Au Roche S.P. works well as a day trip from Plattsburg. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Nearby options include Burlington Area (about 22 mi away) and Red Rocks Park Swimming Area, Burlington Vt (about 25 mi away). For the full list in New York, see our state directory.

Access is via a marked trail from the Nature Interpretation Center parking lot. This is an unofficial swimming area; swimming is at your own risk. No fee information is provided for park entry; check official sources for current policies.

Point Au Roche State Park reflects the region’s historical significance as part of early French settlements and its proximity to Plattsburgh, a key location during the War of 1812.

Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on designated trails, and avoid littering to protect the park’s ecosystems. Efforts are in place to preserve native flora and provide safe habitats for wildlife.