swimming holes – Syndication Server

Dive into Peekamoose Blue Hole and see a different side of the Catskills

Take a peek at Peekamoose.

Hidden within New York’s Catskill Forest Preserve, a shimmering pool of cool water awaits hikers who trek through Sundown Wild Forest. This gorgeous spot is known as Peekamoose Blue Hole, and it might just be your new favorite swimming hole.

What can Blue Hole visitors expect from their trip? First, guests will have to keep their fingers crossed to find a parking spot. The nearby Peekamoose Mountain Trailhead parking area can only fit 10 cars. On hot summer days, the lot can fill up fast.

After parking, guests only need to tackle a short hike to reach the serene beauty of Peekamoose Blue Hole. Rondout Creek’s chilly waters power this swimming spot and make it especially refreshing during warm months.

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How to responsibly enjoy Peekamoose Blue Hole

Like many beloved outdoor destinations, Peekamoose Blue Hole has attracted numerous visitors seeking adventurous wilderness experiences. Over time, growing crowds began damaging the area through overuse and littering. Today, such issues are mitigated with help from New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Potential visitors can responsibly enjoy Peekamoose Blue Hole by getting a $10 permit through Reserve America. As always, outdoor adventurers are also highly encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles. This means properly disposing of all waste and keeping to established trails. The DEC also prohibits alcohol, glass containers, and using audio devices like radios in the area.

Agree to those rules? Then you’re ready to enjoy a day at Peekamoose Blue Hole. Whether you plan to dive into the deep or lounge on the bank, expect to enjoy views of a glittering stream flanked by lush trees. Guests who don’t plan on swimming can also visit in the fall to see the surrounding Sundown Wild Forest’s colorful foliage reflected in the water.

Learn even more about this special location here. Discover more swimming holes in Outdoors Wire’s round-up of the best spots in all 50 states.

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The best swimming holes in all 50 states

Get ready for swimming season.

Swimming is the perfect way to cool off and relax on hot summer days. In the United States, numerous beaches welcome coast-dwellers looking for a summer swim destination. But what about people in landlocked states? If you don’t want to drive to the beach, or prefer swimming in freshwater instead of saltwater, try swimming holes.

These special spots are a dream for any swimmer. Swimming holes are natural bodies of water that are large and safe enough for swimming. In the U.S., there are countless incredible swimming holes to explore. Want to find one to swim in this summer? Check out this list of the best swimming holes in all 50 states.

Swimming hole safety tips you need to know before diving in

Swim smarter when you’re out in nature.

Nothing beats floating in a picturesque swimming hole near a waterfall. Swimming pools simply can’t compare to the serenity found in natural swimming spots. While wild swimming can be fun, it’s important to make sure a swimming hole is safe before you jump in. Unfortunately, factors like pollution and currents can sometimes put swimmers in danger. Before diving into the water, keep yourself safe with these swimming hole safety tips.

How to tell if a swimming hole is safe

Many conditions affect whether or not a swimming hole is safe. Pollution may come to mind first when considering water safety — after all, no one wants to wade through sewage. In the United States, agencies often test the water at some swimming holes to ensure they are safe for swimming. Searching a swimming hole’s name online will likely return resources on whether or not the area is safe for swimming. If the internet returns no useful information, there are also some water testing kits you can buy to evaluate for yourself. Look for a kit with information on bacteria levels, as this is a helpful indicator for water safety.

Additionally, you can use your senses to help determine a body of water’s safety. Check for water with an oily sheen, strange smell, or dead fish — these can all point to polluted water. Even if an area’s water seems clean, exercise caution by not putting your head underwater, swimming after a heavy storm, or jumping in with open wounds.

Swimming hole safety tips

Aside from pollution, swimming holes can pose a few other dangers. Some safety tips, such as not swimming alone or under the influence, apply to all bodies of water but are occasionally forgotten in the excitement of wild swimming. Be mindful of basic swimming safety before dipping your toes in the water. First aid and rescue equipment is also good to keep on hand.

Safety rules specifically for swimming holes include keeping an eye on the weather and checking the water’s depth and speed. Deep waters can overwhelm even experienced swimmers, as can fast currents. Natural swimming spots often also host local wildlife, so keep an eye out for any creatures nearby. Avoid water surrounded by snakes and leeches, and check yourself for ticks after returning home after a swim.