Top 6 Best Swimming Spots
Delaware River Rafting
Rafting down the Delaware River is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The river has a current that propels you at a fun but safe speed with a few rapids for a dose of adrenaline. Rafting the Delaware is not overrated; and we still do it once every summer. Rent rafts at the Pond Eddy launch point from Kittatinny and try to go on a sunny day. 8 minute drive from Clearing Farm.
Sparrow Bush Access Point
This the safest and easiest way to swim in the Delaware River. It is also one of the few places with a beach to the river making it an ideal space for swimmers of all ages. If you’re looking for a quick and nice place to take a dip, this is your spot. It can be a bit tricky to find on your GPS, so just enter these coordinates 41°24’17.9″N 74°44’23.1“W to get there. 10 minute drive from Clearing Farm.
Sand Beach
Sand Beach or Highland Lake is the closest lake to Clearing Farm. We have a boat docked at this lake so you might see us here. There is a small beach here as well, making it an easy place for swimming. There is also a bar located right on the water that serves delicious wings. Not for everyone, but a great spot. This is a local’s spot and it can get rowdy, particularly after 3pm. 12 minutes from Clearing Farm.
Skinner Falls
A unique spot along the Delaware River filled with naturally-made swimming pools, river access and chill out points. If you go here, use these GPS coordinates and respect private property signs. This is one of the most popular swimming spots in the area. We don’t frequently visit it because it can quite busy particularly on the weekends, but if you’re looking for that quintessential upstate New York swimming hole this is your spot. 45 minute drive from Clearing Farm.
Delaware River Access Point
This is not a safe or easy place for casual swimming. The current can be dangerous and is rocky with uneven terrain. The law requires you wear a lifejacket here. You’ll also need river shoes to enter and exit the river, unless you want bloody and bruised feet. That said, this is our goto spot in the summer. We’ll bring a raft (plus lifejackets!) and a cooler, then find a calm place in the river and tie our raft to a rock and hang there for hours. This is also just a scenic place to visit, and put your feet in the water and have a drink if you aren’t an advanced swimmer. 3 minutes from Clearing Farm.
Mongaup River
The Mongaup River is located right below Clearing Farm. The waterfalls run right into this river. It’s a close walk. But most people don’t choose to swim here but instead raft or kayak down it due to the rapids. The water can quickly rise as well, so be sure to check the release schedule if you want to go for a swim here.
Thermal Bath at Clearing Farm
Clearing Farm has a great deal of swimming spots right on the property. The waterfall extends for acres and folds right into the Mongaup River, which is a quick hike from any of our structures. The thermal bath experience though is our most popular swimming spot because the water is heated through a wood-burning stove.
Swimming with Kids
- Milford Beach: A life guarded swimming spot run run by the National Park Service. This has a grassy beach that runs right into the river.
- Lake Superior Beach: Open late May to September. 9 a.m. to dusk. This is a great lake run by Sullivan County.
- Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark while this is not an outdoor experience, it’s safe and fun option particularly for the little ones. Kartrite is located Monticello, New York, about 25 minutes from Clearing Farm.