Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots — creek/falls swimming hole near Rhinebeck, NY
Creek/FallsNYFree

Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots

Swimming hole in Rhinebeck, New York · Waterfall

Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots is a creek/falls swimming hole. It is near Rhinebeck, New York. Access is free. Best season: Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best conditions, with warm weather and accessible trails.

Typical season: Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best conditions, with warm weather and accessible trails

About Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots

Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots sits in New York along Varies - See Below. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities. This loose collection of unofficial . Stony Creek Falls, Twin Lakes, and Jansen Kill. Each has its own personality, its own rhythm, and its own reward for those willing to seek it out. These are not manicured state beaches with snack bars and entry gates. They are the kind of places locals whisper about, where the moss-covered rocks hold the chill of the water long after you've dried off in the afternoon sun. The Landscape and Setting Each site sits within the lush, green corridor that defines this stretch of the Hudson Valley. At Stony Creek Falls, you'll find cascading water tumbling over ledges into hidden pools below, framed by hemlocks and ferns. The kind of scene that makes you stop mid-trail and just listen. The moderate hike required to reach it means the reward feels earned, and the relative quiet is part of the prize. Twin Lakes offers a completely different atmosphere: a tranquil, open setting with a floating dock and a grassy stretch of shoreline that practically invites you to spread a blanket and stay all afternoon. Meanwhile, Jansen Kill winds beneath a historic bridge in an easy, accessible setting that feels genuinely family-friendly. Shallow, gentle, and approachable for swimmers of all ages and confidence levels. These are creek and lake environments, not tropical lagoons. The water runs cool even in midsummer, fed by woodland runoff and underground springs. At Stony Creek Falls, you'll find deep-enough pools at the base of the cascades to actually swim and float, while the surrounding rocks make natural perches for sunning between dips. Swim at your own risk at Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.

Key facts

Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.

Water type
Creek/Falls
Water body
Varies - see below
Fee
Free
Nearest town
Rhinebeck
State
New York
Coordinates
42.04623, -73.91142
Best season
Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best conditions, with warm weather and accessible trails. Spring brings robust waterfalls, while summer provides ideal .
Access difficulty
Stony Creek Falls: Moderate hike required; Twin Lakes: Easy access with some property considerations; Jansen Kill: Very accessible and family-friendly.
Parking
Designated area
Restrooms
None on site
Lifeguard
None — assume unguarded
Camping
No camping at sites
Activities
Swimming
Facilities
No facilities are available at these . You should plan accordingly by bringing adequate water, snacks, and trash bags.
Listing last updated
May 12, 2026

The experience

  • Best time to visitLate spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best conditions, with warm weather and accessible trails. Spring brings robust waterfalls, while summer provides ideal .
  • AccessStony Creek Falls: Moderate hike required; Twin Lakes: Easy access with some property considerations; Jansen Kill: Very accessible and family-friendly.
  • FacilitiesNo facilities are available at these . You should plan accordingly by bringing adequate water, snacks, and trash bags.
  • Camping nearbyNo camping at sites

Highlights & features

  • Stony Creek Falls' cascading pools
  • Twin Lakes' floating dock and grassy beach
  • Jansen Kill's family-friendly creek swimming
  • Picturesque landscapes for photography
  • Accessible swimming spots in Hudson Valley
  • Stony Creek's cascading waterfalls and hidden pools
  • Twin Lakes' tranquil setting with a floating dock
  • Jansen Kill's easy creek access under a historic bridge

How to get there

Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots lies in New York near Rhinebeck, Red Hook, and Elizaville. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Stony Creek Falls (Tivoli Bays Area) This . Please be mindful to clean up after yourself and consider picking up any trash you see. Starting in Rhinebeck, head north on Route 9 toward Red Hook. In Red Hook, turn west (left) onto Route 199 (West Market Street). Continue on Route 199 and turn north (right) onto Route 9G. Follow Route 9G north for about 3.5 miles.

  1. Turn west (left) onto Kidd Lane.

    Follow Kidd Lane into the Tivoli Bays area. You will cross a bridge over Stony Creek. Immediately after the bridge, you will find a dirt parking area on the right. Park here. Walk toward the falls; you may hear the sound of the falls before you see them.

  2. Additional Information: If you follow Stony Creek downstream toward its junction with the Hudson River, you may find additional pools for swimming. Coordinates

    Latitude 42.04623, Longitude -73.91142 Google Maps Link Twin Lakes (Elizaville) This lake . Please note that as of 2013, there were concerns about access via private property. Be respectful of the situation and follow any posted guidelines. Starting in Red Hook, head north on Route 9.

  3. Turn east (right) onto Kerley Corners Road and continue toward Elizaville.

    At the intersection in Elizaville, turn west (left) onto Route 19. Drive a short distance until you see a large dirt turnout on the north (right) side near North Twin Lake.

  4. Park in the turnout and walk to the lake. Coordinates

    Latitude 42.05981, Longitude -73.7955 Google Maps Link Jansen Kill (Clermont) This family-friendly . Starting in Red Hook, head north on Route 9, passing Kerley Corners Road. Continue toward Clermont. In Clermont, turn east (right) onto Buckwheat Road.

  5. Drive about 1 mile to the bridge over Jansen Kill. Coordinates

    Latitude 42.09946, Longitude -73.8088 Google Maps Link

  6. Helpful notes

    Always respect local rules and private property boundaries. Be mindful of the environment and leave no trace.

  7. Parking areas may be unpaved or limited, so plan accordingly.

    Have a safe visit to these beautiful ! 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

Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots works well as a day trip from Rhinebeck or Red Hook. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Glenerie (about 3.8 mi away) or browse more New York creek spots in our directory. For the full list in New York, see our state directory.

Access & fees

All listed spots are unofficial with no facilities. Parking is in informal, unpaved areas. Access at Twin Lakes has historically involved private property concerns; always respect boundaries and posted rules. There is no fee information provided for these locations.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots?

Yes. Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots near Rhinebeck, Red Hook, and Elizaville in NY has waterfall / cascade pools on Varies - see below used for swimming. Rocks are slippery and there are no lifeguards at informal access.

Is Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots 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 Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots?

Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots is in NY within day-trip range of Rhinebeck, Red Hook, and Elizaville. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.

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Map & location

Open in MapsGet directions42.04623, -73.91142

Culture & history

The Red Hook area's rich history includes ties to agriculture and early settlement in the Hudson Valley. Tivoli Bays and Clermont have historical significance in regional conservation efforts.

Conservation

Visitors are urged to pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the delicate ecosystems. Be mindful of private property and wildlife habitats.

Sources & updates

Listing last updated
Researched by
Md Monayem Islam, Founder & Editor

Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.

Planning a trip to Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots?

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Safety notice: Natural swimming conditions change with weather, season, and water quality. Verify current conditions with local land managers before you go. Swim at your own risk — there are rarely lifeguards at these sites.

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