Skinners Falls is the swimming hole. Twelve miles of mostly slow Delaware River, and then a quarter-mile of rocky ledges, natural pools, and Class I–II rapids worth driving for.
Most of the Delaware River around Narrowsburg is slow, deep, and gentle — perfect for a float on a tube but not particularly dramatic. Skinners Falls is the exception. About ten minutes north of town, a long band of resistant bedrock crosses the river and creates a stretch of ledges, drops, natural pools, and small rapids that's been Sullivan County's favorite swimming spot for generations.
It's a free, unmanaged, National Park Service-managed access point on the Upper Delaware. There are no lifeguards, no entry fee, and no bathrooms beyond a couple of porta-johns in summer. It is exactly what you want it to be — a real river swimming hole, with all the joys and responsibilities that come with that.
Getting There
From Narrowsburg, drive north on Route 97 for about 6 miles. The Skinners Falls Bridge access road is on the left (river side), marked with a small National Park Service sign. The road descends to a parking area at the river's edge — about 30 to 40 parking spots, free, fills up fast on summer Saturdays.
From the Penthouse: 10 minutes by car. Worth knowing: there is no cell service at the swimming area itself, so download directions before you leave and tell someone when to expect you back.
What's There
The "falls" are a series of low ledges crossing the river diagonally — the river drops maybe four feet total across this stretch. Above and below the ledges you get deep, calm pools that are excellent for swimming. The ledges themselves are mostly flat rock — easy to walk on, comfortable to sit on, and warm in the summer sun.
People do a few different things here:
- Swim in the pools on either side of the falls. Water depth varies — some pools are over your head, some are waist-deep.
- Sit in the rapids. The flow over the ledges is usually mild enough to sit in like a natural jacuzzi — bracing in early summer, perfect in August.
- Jump from low ledges into deep pools. The jump heights are modest (a few feet) and the deep water is below — but always check depth before you jump, especially after dry spells when river levels are lower.
- Tube and float the rapids below the ledges. The water moves fast enough to be fun, slow enough to be safe in normal conditions.
- Picnic on the rocks. Bring a blanket, snacks, and a small cooler. People will spend the whole day here.
Best Time to Go
Season: Late June through Labor Day is peak. The water is usually too cold for comfortable swimming until mid-June. By late September the river chills off again.
Day of week: Weekdays are dramatically better than weekends. On a sunny Saturday in July, the parking area is full by 11 AM and the falls themselves can be standing-room-only. On a Tuesday afternoon, you might have a 30-foot stretch of ledges entirely to yourself.
Time of day: Late morning to mid-afternoon for sun. The falls are in a steep valley, so the sun comes off the water before 6 PM — once the rocks fall into shade, the air cools fast.
Safety — Read This Part
The Delaware River is generally safe, but it's a real river — moving water, slick rocks, variable depth. Things to know:
- The rocks are slippery. Algae growth means even flat rock can be like wet ice. Wear water shoes or old sneakers — never barefoot or in flip-flops on the ledges.
- Don't swim alone, especially if you're going to jump or sit in the rapids. Buddy system.
- Check water levels and weather. The USGS gauge at Callicoon (15 miles upstream) gives a good read on current river conditions. After heavy rain, especially upstream, water levels rise fast and the rapids become genuinely dangerous. If the river is brown or moving visibly fast, find another day.
- Know your jumps. Always check depth before jumping. Submerged rocks shift each season after spring floods. When in doubt, don't jump.
- Lifejackets for kids and weak swimmers are not optional, even in calm pools.
- Watch for strainers — downed trees in the current. Pin you against them and you're in real trouble. Stay away from any visible woody debris in moving water.
The Delaware is dam-controlled. Releases from upstream reservoirs (especially the Cannonsville and Pepacton dams in the Catskills) can raise river levels by several feet within a few hours. The National Park Service occasionally posts hazard notices — check nps.gov/upde before you go on uncertain days.
What to Bring
- Water shoes (essential — see above)
- A towel or two
- Sunscreen and a hat — the rocks reflect everything
- Water and snacks — there's nothing to buy at the falls
- A small dry bag for phones and keys if you're going to swim
- Trash bag — pack out what you pack in, plus anything you find
- A change of dry clothes for the drive home
Eagle-Watching Bonus
The same stretch is one of the best eagle-watching spots in the area, especially early in the morning before the swimmers arrive. If you're a light sleeper or an early riser, drive over at sunrise with a thermos and binoculars before coming back later in the day to swim. More on eagle-watching here.
The Move
The best Skinners Falls day: leave the Penthouse around 10 AM with a packed lunch and a small cooler. Spend 3–4 hours at the falls. Drive back to Narrowsburg, shower off, and walk to The Laundrette for an early pizza dinner with the porch view of the bridge. End the day on the deck back at the Penthouse. River-tired in the best way.