1. Zoar Falls

Zoar Valley in Cattaraugus, NY, has beautiful hiking trails and nice swimming holes. Parking is free. Out of the parking area, the north trail will bring you on a hike to see some gorgeous waterfalls, and the south trail will bring you to several different locations for swimming. Regardless of which path you take, make sure you wear shoes (and clothes) that you don't mind getting wet, as many of the hiking trails also require you to cross some small streams.

2. Enfield Falls

The Enfield Falls are part of Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, NY. The park has something for everyone. For those who like to swim, there's a swimming area underneath the Lower Falls that has a lifeguard on duty. For those who would rather hike, there are winding trails that follow the gorge past a total of 12 waterfalls! The crown gem of the hike is the 115-foot Lucifer Falls. Admittance to the park is $8.00 per vehicle, and the swimming area is open from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (dependent on the weather and lifeguard availability).

3. Buttermilk Falls

These falls can be found inside the Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, NY. This park offers a little bit of everything. The park is divided into two sections, the upper and lower parks. The lower park boasts a swimming hole and nature trails through the wetland area (Larch Meadows). The upper park offers picnic areas, playing fields, woodland trails, and hiking trails along the gorge and rim that offer gorgeous views of the falls. Admission to the park is $8.00 per vehicle. Park is open year round, swimming hole hours and availability are weather dependent.

4. Dunkley Falls

Dunkley Falls in Johnsburg, NY is home to the Black Hole swimming area. The hike to the falls is easy, less than a mile on any one of the three available trails. There are picnic areas available on site. Park on the roadside and take a short hike to a beautiful step-type waterfall with a lovely swimming hole. It's not summer in Upstate NY until you swing from the rope swing into the cool water at Dunkley Falls!