This Hidden Catskills Swimming Hole in Upstate NY Lets You Leap Off Cliffs Into Crystal-Clear Water

Where are all of our adrenaline junkies at?! We may have just found the coolest Upstate NY swimming hole. 👀 Just 2 hours north of NYC , tucked away in the Catskills’ dramatic Kaaterskill Clove , you’ll find a swimming hole straight out of a summer daydream. It’s known as Fawn’s Leap , and it’s a 24-foot waterfall that plunges directly into a turquoise pool —perfect for end-of-summer wild swimming, cliff-jumping, and soaking up mountain scenery . What makes Fawn’s Leap such a bucket-list spot is the mix of adventure and beauty . The plunge pool—roughly 12 to 15 feet deep—draws thrill-seekers who leap from the cliffs, while others cool off and splash around in the refreshing mountain water . Not to mention the area is naturally stunning...being surrounded by steep rock walls and lush forest that seemingly go for miles . Unlike some hidden waterfalls that require miles of trekking, Fawn’s Leap is just a short 0.25-mile walk from the road . That makes it easy to reach—but also means it can get crowded on hot summer days. Early mornings are your best bet if you want a quieter dip. As the story goes, the spot got its whimsical name when a young deer (or in some versions, a dog) attempted to leap across the creek. Whether the animal made it or not depends on who you ask—but the name stuck. Like all of Upstate NY’s beautiful outdoor adventures, we must remind you to be careful and safe if visiting the swimming hole ! Cliff-jumping is dangerous and should be done with extreme precaution and never climb anything that’s wet and looks unsafe . What to know before you go -------------------------- * Parking is limited : stick to official lots to avoid tickets or towing. * Safety is key : slippery rocks and strong currents can make cliff-jumping risky. Always check depth before you leap, and never climb the wet rock faces . * Leave no trace : pack out what you bring in to keep this gem pristine. Looking for more Catskills adventure?! -------------------------------------- Make it a full Catskills day trip: towering Kaaterskill Falls is just down the road, and other secret swimming spots dot the region—including the [Peekamoose Blue Hole](https://secretnyc.co/peekamoose-blue-hole-ny/) , another crystal-clear swimming hole that feels worlds away. If you’d rather keep things low-key, unwind at the dreamy [Hotel Lilien](https://secretnyc.co/hotel-lilien-catskills-getaway-from-nyc/) , a boutique hideaway perfect for weekend getaways. Or, immerse yourself in mountain charm with a visit to [Phoenicia, often called the “Woodstock of the wellness world”](https://secretnyc.co/woodstock-of-the-wellness-world-catskills-town-phoenicia-ny/) . And if small-town vibes are calling, [Hancock](https://secretnyc.co/hancock-new-york-small-town-near-nyc/) offers the perfect Catskills escape with river views, cozy dining, and plenty of outdoor adventure. Source: https://secretnyc.co/fawns-leap-hidden-catskills-swimming-hole-upstate-ny/