New Jersey Swimming Holes | USA Today
[h=1]New Jersey Swimming Holes[/h] [h=4]
Travel Tips[/h]
Kimberly Sharpe, Demand Media
You should only swim in designated areas.
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In New Jersey, when the temperature soars above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the refreshing water beckons. An all-natural swimming hole provides you with fresh, chemical-free water to splash in. Some areas within the state provide on-duty lifeguards, picnic tables, hiking trails and expansive vistas.
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[h=2]Hiking and Swimming[/h]In 2010, Turtle Beach opened at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Warren County. At the swimming site, you can utilize one of the numerous picnic tables. You can also hike or bike the 32-mile Joseph M. McDade Trail, or hike along the Coppermines Trail to Kittatinny Ridge. The trail passes by a historic copper mine and provides hikers with a panoramic view of the region. Wawayanda State Park in Passaic County also provides a swimming hole during the summer. Visitors can also hike the historic Appalachian Trail for 20 miles here. The Pumphouse Trail/Laurel Pond Trail Loop circles the lake and has numerous areas where you can jump into the water.
[h=2]Legends and Swimming[/h]North of Folsom and south of Winslow, New Jersey sits the Blue Hole. Also called Devil's Hole, the swimming site is a place of legends -- the swimming hole was said to have been created when a meteor smashed into the ground. Legend also states that the hole is bottomless and the infamous New Jersey devil drinks from it. Fed from an underground spring, the swimming hole maintains a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees F. Its bottom has a quicksand consistency. The region is often infested with mosquitoes, so bring a mosquito repellent with you. Geo hunters frequent the region and access to the swimming hole is gained from the East Piney Hollow Road.
[h=2]Natural Swimming Holes[/h]The Dunnefield parking area off Interstate 80 is where the trail that leads to Sunfish Pond begins.
Sunfish Pond was carved out by an ancient glacier and has a depth of 600 feet. The 9-mile loop trail to the pond is evenly graded, but does have a few areas where you will have to climb. In northeastern New Jersey sits Norvin Green State Forest. Within the forest setting sits the Brooks falls swimming hole, a small creek that cascades into a petite waterfall. The swimming area measures 4 feet deep by 20 feet long. It has clear water, but the bottom has an algae covering.
[h=2]Doggy Swimming Holes[/h]If you have a four-legged friend that enjoys a dip in the water, head to the Dunnefield Creek Trail at the Delaware Water Gap. Along the trail you will find several swimming spots where you can dip a foot or your dog can dip a paw. The Ramapo Reservation has a diverse trail system with numerous places to swim. Canines are welcome. The dogs must be leashed when walking on the trail. The Manasquan Inlet Beach allows dogs to frolic without a leash and wade in the water.
That is why I hiked up with my Sherpa - his meager wages pale to the Pack Wheel...
