Summer In Millerton - Need Something To Do?

During the Dog Days of Summer a great place to spend a hot day is at the Ore Pit Pond, Copake Falls, about 20 minutes north of Millerton's town center (rt 22 to 344).

In the mid 1800’s the Ore Pit Pond was an iron ore quarry. The ore was removed and taken to local furnaces to create the highly marketable iron steel for railroads, firearm and other items in high demand at the time.

When the industry dried up so to speak, in 1888 the mine closed, and subsequently flooded to creating this beautiful swimming hole. Now part of Taconic State Park, the largest open pit is a popular swimming location and measures 500 feet long by 200 feet wide and up to 40 feet deep, filled with very clear (and cool) upwelling groundwater.

As you can see from the photos, there is an expansive area for swimming, and a smaller, shallow wading pool for children. I’ve visited the location several times this summer and have yet to see a crowd. There is plenty of shade, plenty of sun and the restrooms and dressing areas are clean. There are lifeguards on hand in both areas and to be able to swim in the deeper area, if you’re under 15, a simple swimming test is required.

The wading pool and Ore Pit Pond are open for weekend swimming on Memorial Day, then expand to weekday use at the end of June, and finally close on Labor Day. From 11 a. m. to 7 p. m., swimming is allowed, and both locals and campers take advantage. Like most of the state parks, there is a strictly enforced “no dog policy” (even on a leash) in the swimming area. But you can bring your pet up the trail to Bash Bish Falls. (More on Bash Bish Falls to come.)

Off a small dock on the side of the pond (visible in the last photo) I’ve noticed people fishing and am told you can find a variety of fish such as Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Golden Shiner, Banded Killifish, Rainbow Trout and Pumpkinseed.