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Swimming in the Gunks

While there's a great public pool right outside of New Paltz, NY, those who want a real swimming experience need to go to the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. There, swimmers will find two exquisite mountain lakes that have an almost unbelievable color. Truly emerald green, the waters of Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting lie waiting, surrounded by magnificent white cliffs. Both have their own charm.

Lake Minnewaska has a small special beach for those who are not content with merely viewing the inviting water. A dock surrounds the swimming area, and the swimming is a bit confined, but for cooling off, it's perfect. Many families enjoy swimming here, since the beach is close to the parking area and, unlike Lake Awosting, does not require a hike to take a dip. A lifeguard is on board.

Lake Awosting is a very special place for swimmers who value the hike it takes to get there (about three miles from Lake Minnewaska and from the lower parking lot). Needless to say, this is more of an "adult" beach because of the hike, but that's to its benefit. It's not rare to find bathers on the sloping stone slab beach reading the New York Times and sipping mineral water while others step off the rock base and into the waters beyond. The swimming here is much more adventuresome - a swimmer can get a feeling of absolute freedom as he or she swims far out from the beach and into the deep green waters, looking up at the cliffs, the overhanging pine trees, and the expanse of sky above.

A lifeguard is also stationed at this beach to make sure that everyone stays within the confines of the swimming area, not to be tempted to swim into the protected rocky coves beyond. Dressing rooms are available so hikers can slip out of their clothes and into swimming gear in private.


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