You’re driving through the "Grand Canyon of the East," mesmerized by the Genesee River carving through rock, and suddenly you see it. A massive, Olympic-sized concrete oasis tucked into the woods. That's the Harvey Swimming Pool at Letchworth State Park. Most people come for the waterfalls. They want the mist of Middle Falls on their face or the perfect Instagram shot of the Inspiration Point overlook. But honestly? On a humid July afternoon in Upstate New York, the waterfalls are just scenery. You can't jump in them. If you try, the park rangers will have a very serious conversation with you.
The pool is where the actual relief happens.
It’s named after William P. Harvey. He wasn't some distant politician; he was a long-time park employee who dedicated decades to this landscape. There’s something kinda poetic about naming a place of literal refreshment after a guy who spent his life maintaining the dust and grit of a massive state park. Located in the Highbanks Recreation Area—the north end of the park near the Mt. Morris entrance—this isn't your average backyard dip. It’s a legitimate facility with a bathhouse, a snack bar that smells like nostalgic soft-serve, and enough concrete to host a small army of sunbathers.
Why the Harvey Swimming Pool is the North End's Best Kept Secret
Letchworth is huge. If you enter at the south end near Portageville, you’re looking at a 17-mile drive just to reach the pool. Most tourists never make it that far. They get stuck at the Glen Iris Inn or the Upper Falls and call it a day. That’s a mistake. The north end is where the park breathes. It’s quieter.
The Harvey Swimming Pool serves as the anchor for the Highbanks area. You've got the Highbanks Tent and Trailer Campground nearby, which means by 11:00 AM, the pool is the social hub of the entire northern forest. It’s a 100,000-gallon rectangle of blue that feels slightly out of place among the ancient shale cliffs, yet it works perfectly.
The Logistics of a Highbanks Dip
Don't just show up in your trunks and expect to dive in at 8:00 AM.
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State park pools have rules. Strict ones. Usually, the Harvey Swimming Pool at Letchworth State Park opens for the season in late June—traditionally around the time schools let out—and runs through Labor Day. But here is the thing: hours are subject to lifeguard availability. In recent years, New York State Parks have faced the same lifeguard shortages as everywhere else. Always check the official NYS Parks website or call the park office at (585) 493-3600 before you make the trek.
- There is a separate fee.
- You already paid $10 to get your car into the park.
- You’ll pay a few more bucks per person to get into the pool enclosure.
- It’s cash or card usually, but have a tenner on you just in case the machines are acting "park-like."
The bathhouse is functional. It’s not a spa. It’s a stone-and-wood structure that feels like 1950s Americana. It’s clean, it’s cold, and it echoes. It’s exactly what a state park bathhouse should be.
The Weird History of Water at Letchworth
We think of Letchworth as this pristine wilderness, but it’s actually a highly managed landscape. The pool exists because the river itself is dangerous. The Genesee River has wicked currents, hidden debris, and "keep out" signs for a reason. In the early days of the park, people swam in the river. It didn't end well.
The construction of the Harvey Pool was a move toward safety and modernization. It allowed the park to offer recreation without the liability of the river's unpredictable nature. Interestingly, the pool sits near the Mount Morris Dam, the largest dam of its type east of the Mississippi. You can actually see the dam from nearby overlooks. The dam controls the water to prevent flooding downstream in Rochester, while the pool provides the water for the people.
What to Expect on a Saturday in July
It's loud. It’s chaotic in that wonderful, summer-vacation way. You’ll hear the "thump-splash" of the diving boards every ten seconds. The snack bar—formally known as the Highbanks Snack Bar—will be slinging hot dogs and those pre-packaged ice cream sandwiches with the soggy wafers.
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The pool has a deep end with diving boards and a shallow area that is basically a magnet for toddlers in floaties. If you’re looking for a quiet, meditative swim, go at 11:00 AM on a Tuesday. If you go on a weekend, prepare for a sea of colorful towels and the smell of SPF 50.
Hidden Amenities Near the Water
Most people hit the pool and then leave. Don't.
Right next to the pool area, you have the Highbanks Recreation Area trails. Trail 20 (Highbanks Trail) runs right along the rim of the canyon. You can literally walk out of the pool gate, dry off for five minutes, and be standing on a cliff edge looking down 500 feet into the gorge. It’s a jarring transition from a suburban-feeling pool to prehistoric geology.
There is also a playground nearby. If you have kids who still have energy after swimming (how?), the playground is decent. Plenty of picnic tables are scattered under the oaks and maples, too. Pro tip: Claim a table with a charcoal grill early.
Safety and Park Realities
NY State Parks don't mess around with safety. The lifeguards at Harvey Pool are often local college kids, but they are trained rigorously. They will whistle at you for running. They will whistle at you for "inappropriate" diving. Respect them. They’re the reason the facility stays open.
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Also, the weather in the Genesee Valley is fickle. A thunderstorm can roll over the canyon walls in minutes. If there’s lightning within a certain radius, the pool clears out instantly. No refunds for weather, usually. That’s just the gamble you take with outdoor recreation in New York.
Comparing the Harvey Pool to Other Park Features
Is it better than the falls? No. Is it better than the Balloon Festival? Probably not. But the Harvey Swimming Pool at Letchworth State Park offers a different kind of value.
- Accessibility: It’s one of the few places in the park where people with limited mobility can easily enjoy the water. The paths are paved, and the facility is ADA-compliant.
- Family Sanity: Hiking with kids is great until it’s 85 degrees and everyone is crying. The pool is the "reset button" for a family trip.
- The View: Even from the pool deck, you can see the sky opening up over the gorge. It’s a sense of scale you don't get at a YMCA.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to the Harvey Pool, do it right. Don't just wing it.
First, pack a cooler. The snack bar is fine for a treat, but for a real lunch, use the grills. Bring charcoal and some burgers. Second, bring a change of clothes. Staying in a damp swimsuit while driving the 17 miles back to the south end of the park is a recipe for a bad mood.
Third, hit the Dam overlook first. Since you’re already at the north end, go see the Mount Morris Dam. It’s a feat of engineering that makes you feel tiny. Then, head to the pool to cool off.
Finally, check the capacity. On peak holidays like the Fourth of July, the pool can reach maximum capacity. If the parking lot looks like a stadium, they might be doing "one out, one in" at the gate. Arrive early or wait until after 4:00 PM when the morning crowd starts heading home to fire up their own grills.
Letchworth is more than just a place to look at rocks. It's a place to live. And for a huge chunk of the summer, life at Letchworth happens poolside at the Harvey. It’s a bit of mid-century charm in the middle of a wilderness, and honestly, that’s why it’s great.
Summary Checklist for Your Trip:
- Call Ahead: (585) 493-3600 to confirm the pool is open and lifeguards are on duty.
- Entrance Fees: Budget for the $10 vehicle entry PLUS the per-person pool fee.
- Location: Set your GPS for "Highbanks Recreation Area" or the "Mount Morris Entrance" of Letchworth.
- Provisions: Bring sunblock, towels, and charcoal for the grills.
- Explore: Don't leave the north end without walking at least a quarter-mile of Trail 20 for the canyon views.