EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BOILING POT

If you're looking for a unique swimming spot in New York, look no further than the Boiling Pot. This hole-in-the-wall location is the type of place that's hard to find unless you know a local or look on Google Maps, and it's a spot I just stumbled upon one day while searching Google Images. It's also one of those places where, when you actually arrive and look around, you're in awe. After driving 3.5 hours to the Boiling Pot with friends on numerous occasions, I've put together this guide so you know exactly how to get there, where to park, what to expect, and more.

WHAT IS THE BOILING POT?

The Boiling Pot is a hidden swimming spot located in Canajoharie, New York. It’s made up of a series of deep, clear pools formed along a rocky streambed. Despite its name, the water doesn’t actually boil—the name comes from the way the water swirls and bubbles as it flows through the rock formations. The water is relatively warm though, and each rock pool has a different size and depth to it, making it fun to go from one natural pool to the next.

WHY IS IT CALLED THE BOILING POT?

While many think that the name is related to the water's super warm temperatures, this is actually not the case. The reason this natural swimming spot is called "The Boiling Pot" is because of the way the water swirls and bubbles against the rock formations that act as the pool's structure. It does have pretty warm temperatures in the summer though! Since the pools are relatively smaller, if it doesn't rain for a while then the water does heat up quickly. It will never be boiling hot though.

WHERE IS THE BOILING POT LOCATED?

The Boiling Pot is located at the very end of Floral Avenue, which is a residential neighborhood dotted with homes in Canajoharie, New York. "The Pot That Washes Itself", which is the largest and most iconic natural swimming hole in the area, is located alongside the Canajoharie Creek. To get there, all you have to do is park at the end of Floral Avenue and then walk about 5 minutes on a path through the woods and then you will come upon a clearing where you see rocky landscape, the largest water hole, a small waterfall, and more.

HOW DEEP IS THE BOILING POT SWIMMING HOLES?

This depends on which pot we're talking about! The largest natural swimming hole in the area, known as "The Pot That Washes Itself", is about 10 feet deep and 20 feet wide. There are also smaller, more narrow, but deeper pots located near the main pot. For this reason, I would advise bringing floaties or noodles with you so if you plan on swimming and enjoying the water for a bit then you could just float!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE BOILING POT?

The best time to visit the Boiling Pot is in the summer because this is when the water is the warmest and people can actually comfortably swim in the natural swimming holes. If you're looking to escape any groups though, make sure to also go during the week and the earlier the better. While it's not a well-known swimming spot in the northeast, it is well-known to the locals in Canajoharie. If you don't care about swimming, it's even more quiet during late fall because people are unable to swim and hiking/walking in the area is then the only option.

WHERE DO YOU PARK AT THE BOILING POT?

Parking can be a bit tricky to find when visiting the Boiling Pot because the entrance is actually in a residential area at the end of a neighborhood street. In order to find it, navigate to the end of Floral Avenue in Canajoharie, New York and you'll find a little grassy area with a picnic table or two and a walking path through the woods. You'll park near the grassy area, likely on the side of the road, and follow the walking path through the woods for about 5 minutes until you find yourself at a clearing with rocky landscape and water features. One of the first things you'll see is "The Pot That Washes Itself", which is the largest and most well-known natural swimming hole in the area, and that's how you'll know you've successfully made it.

HOW LONG IS THE WALK FROM PARKING TO THE BOILING POT?

The walk from the parking lot to the Boiling Pot is no longer than five minutes long. All you have to do is walk from where you parked at the end of Floral Avenue and you'll see a little path through the woods. Follow this path for a few minutes until you come across a rocky clearing with water. That water is the Canajoharie Creek and the swimming holes are all right in that area! Super easy and walkable, you don't even need sneakers.

CAN YOU SWIM IN THE BOILING POTS?

There is conflicting information about whether or not people are allowed to swim at the Boiling Pot. While there is messaging on the NY Falls website   about how there is no swimming allowed in Wintergreen Park, the photo above that warning has a photo of a woman who IS swimming in the natural watering hole. Personally, I've visited this spot a couple of times over the years and continue to make the trip up to New York every so often, and I usually do swim. I haven't currently seen any signage about no swimming, but I would say that if you choose to swim then swim at your own risk. Some people do say that visitors have been hit with a trespassing sign for swimming here, but I've never read an actual person saying that and continue to hear that countless locals swim here on a regular basis.

MY EXPERIENCE AT THE BOILING POT

I personally love the Boiling Pot and will continually love to drive the 3.5 hours up to this area for the day trip every once in a while during the warmer months. While some may argue that it's not worth the trip, I think the natural swimming holes and small waterfall are beautiful and super unique. There are also other spots in the area further into Wintergreen Park that are absolutely stunning. It's a fantastic spot to take some cool pictures, bring a tube or floatie, enjoy the water, take a long walk along the Canajoharie Creek, and have a picnic lunch. Above are some photos my brother and I took during our last trip out to the Boiling Pot.

Plan Your Visit to the Boiling Pot and Beyond

The Boiling Pot is one of those magical, off-the-beaten-path swimming spots that makes summer on the East Coast feel special. As someone who lives in Connecticut and loves discovering hidden gems across the region, I’m always searching for unique adventures like this—whether it’s a tucked-away swim hole or a charming town hike. I’ve explored 17 countries and counting, but there’s something about the beauty of the East Coast that keeps calling me back. If you're into spontaneous road trips, refreshing summer dips, or just exploring new places, be sure to subscribe for more insider tips—and scroll down for more New York travel content and ideas for your next local escape.