Outdoor things to do near High Falls, NY

The newly opened Lake Sophia gives visitors a chance to swim in the exceptionally clear waters of a former limestone quarry while enjoying the amenities at Sojourner Truth State Park.

Things to Do at Lake Sophia

Lake Sophia is the centerpiece of the park's new swimming area, but visitors can also enjoy the surrounding park and its developing recreational spaces.

Swim in Lake Sophia: The lake offers two designated swimming areas, including an accessible swim crib approximately four feet deep and a larger open-swim area about 20 feet deep. Lifeguards monitor the swimming areas during designated swimming hours.
Explore the park: Sojourner Truth State Park includes trails and natural areas, giving visitors opportunities to walk through the landscape and enjoy views of the former quarry.
Enjoy the new facilities: The swimming area includes restrooms, changing facilities, and other visitor amenities.

Know Before You Go

A few details are particularly important when planning a visit to Lake Sophia, especially because the swimming area is new and extremely popular.

Swimming is seasonal: Lake Sophia's public swimming area is generally open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
Parking can fill quickly: Arrive early to secure an on-site parking space The state park is popular and parking is limited.
The swimming area is designed for accessibility: The swim crib provides a shallow, accessible area for visitors who may not be comfortable in the deeper open-water section.

With its high-elevation lakes, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and extensive trail system, Minnewaska State Park Preserve is one of the Hudson Valley's best destinations.

Things to Do at Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Minnewaska offers enough variety that visitors can easily tailor a day at the preserve to their preferred pace and activity level.

Hike around Lake Minnewaska: The approximately two-mile loop around the lake is a relatively easy way to experience one of the preserve's most scenic areas.
Visit Awosting Falls: A trail leads to the 60-foot Awosting Falls, one of the preserve's most popular waterfalls.
Enjoy the lakes: Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting provide beautiful settings for relaxing outdoors, and seasonal swimming is available at designated areas.
Visit the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center: The visitor center has restrooms, maps, lake views, and interactive exhibits.

Know Before You Go

Minnewaska is a large preserve with rugged terrain, so a little preparation can make your visit considerably more enjoyable.

Plan to pay a parking fee: There is a small parking fee for visiting the preserve.
Bring water and snacks: Hikers should carry enough food and water for the length of their planned outing.
Allow plenty of time: With dozens of miles of trails and carriage roads, visitors can spend anywhere from a couple of hours to an entire day exploring the preserve.
Keep dogs leashed: Dogs are permitted in many areas but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet and are not permitted on beaches or groomed cross-country ski trails.

Peekamoose Blue Hole is a popular Catskills swimming destination where clear, deep water fills a natural pool along Rondout Creek.

Things to Do at Peekamoose Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is primarily a swimming destination, but the surrounding Peekamoose Valley provides opportunities to turn the visit into a broader outdoor outing.

Swim in the Blue Hole: The deep, remarkably clear pool is the main attraction, offering a refreshing place to cool off during the warmer months.
Explore the Peekamoose Valley: The surrounding area provides opportunities for hiking and enjoying the Catskills.
Have a picnic: Visitors can bring food and enjoy a meal outdoors, although all trash must be packed out.

Know Before You Go

Peekamoose Blue Hole has a reservation system designed to protect the popular swimming area and surrounding natural resources, so visitors should plan ahead.

A permit is required: From May 15 through September 15, visitors must obtain a permit to use the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor, including the Blue Hole.
Reservations are limited: Only 50 permits are issued per day, and permits can be reserved up to seven days in advance.
Parking is restricted: Visitors must park in designated areas, and parking along the road shoulder is prohibited and subject to towing.
Expect a short walk: The Blue Hole is approximately 0.6 miles from the parking area.
Swimming conditions can be challenging: The Blue Hole is deep, natural water, so visitors should be confident swimmers and use caution.

After a day spent hiking, swimming, and exploring the Hudson Valley, return to The Gray Barn for a peaceful place to relax. Our award-winning vegan inn has five modern bedrooms, each with its own en suite bathroom and private balcony overlooking the surrounding landscape.

Every stay includes our homemade vegan breakfast, and guests can also enjoy access to the grounds of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary and weekend tours that provide an opportunity to meet the sanctuary's rescued residents.

Book your stay today!