If today’s temperatures are any indication, summer is about to make quite the splash in our favorite city. And what better way to combat that than by doing the same?
NYC is made up of a fantastic amount of public pools and beaches, from man-made oases to iconic spectacles that have been here for generations. But a day trip is always a good idea, especially in the summer. If you’re looking to cool off just outside of the city and have a subsequent adventure, we, of course, have you covered.
Located just over an hour from Manhattan, Highland Park, New Jersey is home to a historic, chlorine-free, Olympic-sized swimming pool. Even cooler? The spectacle was carved out of the earth in 1935, and is fed by a shimmering mountain stream.
🌊 What to Know
Needless to say, the Highlands Natural Pool isn’t your average public swimming facility; it is a literal swimming hole of Olympic proportions.
Because the pool is entirely chemical–free, guests are swimming in fresh, untreated water straight from the Wyanokie Highlands. This means you’ll be sharing the water with a bit of local aquatic life, don’t be surprised if you spot a few friendly fish or newts darting past your goggles!
The water is constantly refreshed by the mountain stream, meaning the temperature rarely rises above 65°F (18°C). It can be quite chilling at first dip, but it is incredibly refreshing during the dog days of July and August.
- The Setup: The pool features a concrete and hand-assembled stone bottom in the shallow end for younger swimmers, which tapers down to a 10-foot-deep end with a natural clay bottom.
- Amenities: On-site changing rooms, restrooms, beach sand volleyball courts, ping-pong tables, and a small concession stand serving up hot food, ice cream, and drinks.
- Beyond the Pool: The facility sits directly adjacent to the 5,400-acre Norvin Green State Forest. You can easily pair your swim with a morning trek across 21 miles of nearby hiking trails, some of which offer stunning, distant views of the New York City skyline
📚 The History
The pool’s roots are anchored in a fascinating piece of tri-state history. In 1921, an outdoor enthusiast group called the Nature Friends (Naturfreunde) founded Camp Midvale on this site. It was established as a progressive, nature-focused haven for people seeking refuge from the crowded city.
📅 Details for the 2026 Season
The Highlands Natural Pool welcomes both seasonal members and daily visitors, meaning you don’t need a full membership to enjoy a day on the grass.
- Operating Schedule: The 2026 season officially kicks off on Memorial Day Weekend (May 23–25). The pool operates on weekends only until late June, shifts to a daily schedule through Labor Day, and wraps up the season on weekends through the end of September.
- Hours: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily.
- Daily Pass Rates:
- Adults: $20
- Seniors & Active Military/Veterans: $15
- Children: $10 (Ages 2 and under are free.
🚙 How to get there from NYC
By Car (Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes)
- The Route: Take the GWB to Route 4 West, merge onto Route 208 North to Route 23 North, then follow Macopin and Westbrook Roads toward Ringwood.
- The Final Stretch: Turn onto Snake Den Road and take it slow; the final approach turns into a rugged, unpaved woodland road leading straight to the parking lot.
By Public Transit (Approx. 2 hours)
- The Rideshare: Hail an Uber or Lyft from the bus stop for the final 10-to-15-minute drive up the mountain to the pool entrance.
- The Bus: Catch the NJ Transit 197 Bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal and ride it to the Ringwood Avenue at Bergen Avenue stop in Wanaque, NJ.
