Agers Falls is one of the most popular swimming holes in northern New York. On a hot summer day the bedrock beach will be packed with sunbathers, swimmers, picnickers, and cliff jumpers. The popularity is a blessing and a curse; picnic tables and portable toilets have been put in place to ease the impact of the crowds, but there can also be a lot of litter and graffiti.
Located along the Moose River, Agers Falls features two distinct zones: the slow moving pool, and the falls itself.
The slow moving pool just downstream from the falls is a great place for families to swim because there is very little current and a gradually sloping bank. There are some rocks that hide beneath the surface of the water, so take some time to make a mental map of where the water is deepest. Several boulders create rocky islands for some added solitude.
The falls itself is popular with cliff jumpers because the 18-foot face of the falls lands in a deep pool. The best way to reach the top of the falls is either to swim across the pool at the base of the rapids or to swim across the pool directly below the vertical falls. The latter is a bit more risky since a series of natural water slides waits just below the crossing. Aspiring cliff jumpers will then either have to climb up a tough crack or walk through the woods to reach the top of the falls. Always be sure to check out the landing zone yourself before committing to the jump in case something has shifted underwater. This also ensures you will know exactly where to jump. The water slides below take some trial and error to find the smoothest rides, but once you do, they can be quite fun!
Agers Falls is at least partially owned by the local hydro power plant, and it is closed from dusk to dawn. All activities are at your own risk, and no lifeguards are on duty. Serious injuries have occurred here, so use good judgment and assess the risks appropriately.
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