Because nothing says “FLX Summer” like a belly flop and a questionable tan line.
Here at FLX Tee Co, we know two things to be true:
- The Finger Lakes are nature’s gift to anyone trying to escape both heat and responsibility.
- You haven’t truly lived until you’ve cannonballed into a gorge pool wearing a shirt that says something like “Stay Moisturized & Hydrated.”
So grab your swim trunks, slap on that SPF 100 (you’re not fooling anyone), and let’s dive into the best public swimming holes in the Finger Lakes.
🧊 1. Enfield Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park (Ithaca)
Aka: The One with the Epic Waterfall and Natural Pool.
This place is like nature’s infinity pool — complete with lifeguards and stone steps that make you feel like you’re in an old Roman bathhouse.
Swim under a 70-foot waterfall and then go hike the Gorge Trail to pretend you’re outdoorsy.
Cost: $9 per car
Vibe: Ancient jungle energy meets Ithaca chill.
Pro Tip: Bring snacks. The water’s cold enough to reset your metabolism.
🌲 2. Lower Falls at Stony Brook State Park (Dansville)
The locals call it “Stony Brook”, but you’ll just call it “ahhhhh.”
This natural stream-fed pool has just the right mix of shade, sun, and slippery rocks that may or may not send Uncle Larry into a surprise split.
Cost: $9 per car
Vibe: Old-school summer camp with better swimming trunks.
Pro Tip: Leave the flip-flops in the car. This is barefoot-on-slick-rocks territory.
🏞 3. Taughannock Falls State Park (Trumansburg)
Yes, the waterfall is 215 feet tall (taller than Niagara, but we’re not bragging… okay, we are), but the swimming happens at the lakeside beach.
The beach is on Cayuga Lake, complete with a roped-in swim area, lifeguards, and all the lakefront chill you could ask for.
Cost: $9 per car
Vibe: Big lake energy with family-friendly facilities
Pro Tip: Show up early, claim a picnic table, and pretend you reserved it 3 weeks ago.
🌊 4. Clift Park (Skaneateles)
Want your swimming hole with a side of boutique shopping and overpriced lattes? Skaneateles Lake has you covered.
Clift Park is free, open to the public, and offers a swim dock and clear, glacier-fed water that’ll make your pores sing.
Cost: FREE
Vibe: Classy splashin’ in bougie town.
Pro Tip: Pack a polo. You’re not at your cousin’s mud pond anymore.
🌿 5. Buttermilk Falls State Park (Ithaca)
Don’t be fooled by the name — there’s no dairy here, just cool stone pools formed by cascading waterfalls.
The lower falls swimming area is open seasonally, and yes, it’s chilly enough to remind you you’re alive. And mortal.
Cost: $9 per car
Vibe: Gorge-ous, literally.
Pro Tip: Hike after you swim. Wet hiking boots = instant regret.
🏖 Bonus: Long Point State Park (Cayuga Lake)
Tucked on a quiet bend of Cayuga Lake, this park has a low-key beach vibe, a dock, and zero pressure to “do something active.” Just float.
Cost: $7–$9 per car
Vibe: Floating while contemplating your snack choices.
Pro Tip: Bring a floatie shaped like something ridiculous. Giant pizza slice? Yes. Inflatable llama? Even better.
🐊 Final Thoughts:
Don’t be the person swimming in jeans. And if you are, at least wear a FLX Tee Co shirt to distract people from the denim drag. Whether you’re soaking in the spray of a waterfall or lake-lounging like a pro, the Finger Lakes has a swimming hole with your name on it (and possibly some leeches, but that’s just part of the thrill).
Now get out there and get wet responsibly. And hey — if you post a pic in your FLX Tee at one of these spots, we just might feature you. #FLXLegends