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26 Hudson Valley Parent ■ July 2015 26 Hudson Valley Parent ■ July 2015 T ired of the crowds at the public pool? Then cool down this summer by taking the family for a dip in the great outdoors! It can be so satisfying to work up a sweat hiking out to an obscure swim- ming hole. If the woods aren't your thing, the Hudson Valley has so many beautiful lakes to o er, many of which have been made into private and state parks avail- able for public day use and camping. We've worked hard to compile a list of the best family-friendly swimming holes and beaches, so visit us online at hvparent.com/top-swimming-holes for a glimpse of our favorites! A big thanks to our readers who sub- mitted photos of their children cooling o in nature's playgrounds! So take the plunge and try one or more of our favorite swimming holes and beaches. Don't forget the sunscreen, bug spray and a taste for adventure! Wet 'n wild! Hudson Valley's best natural beaches and swimming holes Tom, 7, and T.J., 4, at West End Beach in Port Jervis Dutchess County Lake Wilcox 1639 Route 199, Stanfordville 845-758-6100 Two lakes o er swimming and paddle boat rentals, shing and a play- ground. Amenities include showers, toilets, pavilion rental and snack bar. Lifeguards on duty. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ulster County Big Deep and Little Deep Route 212, Woodstock These swimming holes in Sawkill Creek are ideal spots for swimming or having a picnic on the rocks. There's even a rope swing for older kids. Orange County Greenwood Lake Windemere Ave., Greenwood Lake 845-477-9215 Thomas P. Morahan Beach is Greenwood Lake's public beach with life- guards. In addition to swimming, there's a picnic area, volleyball nets, swings and restrooms. The beach has both day rates and season passes. Sullivan County Hanofee Park Sunset Lake Road, Liberty Enjoy swimming, shing, tennis, baseball, a playground and more at this popular family-friendly town park. Worth the drive: Wawayanda State Park 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, N.J. So many of our readers recommended this lake that we simply had to include it! The lake includes swimming beaches with lifeguards, shing, changing areas and restrooms, a concession stand and more. TOP 5 SWIMMING HOLES AND BEACHES: