Unsplash
As July marches on, heat waves strike, and sweat pours down your body — collecting indelicately in nooks and crannies you were told never to discuss in mixed company — the need to plunge into cool water increases dramatically. It’s why so many summer music festivals happen near swimming pools or marshy lakes. Both are grand, of course, but we think it should be universally agreed that swimming holes are the true aquatic adventure to beat all others. Not only do you get to swim in water flowing from a natural source, you generally get to do it tucked in a wondrous landscape.
In addition to providing vistas that cry out to be photographed and a healthy dose of Vitamin D straight from the sun, swimming holes are also built-in adventures. In many cases, you are hiking nature trails to find them and spending the day leaping from cliffs and rocks into swirling pools in the woods. Point being: These little slices of paradise serve your body and soul. Check out our favorites in the 11 northeastern states.
Maine: Frenchman’s Hole (Bethel)
In ordinary circumstances, a suggestion that you leap into a Frenchman’s hole would be a strange but scathing insult, but in the case of this Maine swimming hole, it’s a dope invitation to go cliff diving into a quintessential pool of crystal clear water. This reasonably secluded spot is where the Sunday River, coming off a nearby mountain, eroded a basin.
There is a 10-foot falls that cascades from some decently high rocks, which serve as a jumping off point for people chasing an adrenaline high. The pool is roughly 10-feet deep, so diving can be done with a decent degree of safety (obviously there is always some danger). There’s also a rope alongside the falls that allows jumpers with upper body strength to climb back up rather than having to scale the path up again.
If you were curious, suits are optional in the lower pool so if skinny dipping is one of your interests, get naked and wet.
Massachusetts: Walden Pond (Concord)
When people across the country hear Walden Pond, they rightfully think of Henry David Thoreau strolling around and being inspired. But Massachusetts natives are well aware it is the best place to escape scalding summer temperatures in cool clear water. This pond is 102-feet deep and was created by a melted glacier. Around the perimeter are sandy beaches made for sunning yourself.
Between the blue waters and soft beaches, this has cemented itself as a choice swimming spot — so be prepared for crowds unless you hit Walden Pond early in the day. Before you leave the area, be sure to check out the replica of Thoreau’s single-room cabin.
Recently, scientists have recently come forward and voiced concerns about the levels of urine being added to the water by swimmers — so be sure to get out of the water and use the restroom when you need to pee.
Vermont: Bristol Falls (Bristol)
There is a lot to recommend Bristol Falls, which is one of the most popular falls in the state. Seriously, hundreds of people can be found at this swimming hole when the thermometer reaches the 90s. But fear not: There’s plenty of room for everyone. A 20-foot wide falls, Bristol feeds an immense moss green, 75-yard pool that is ideal for swimming and floating. It also has a large space behind the falls that can be accessed by people willing to swim the length of the massive swimming hole and clamber into the water veiled cave. Most people spend at least part of their time soaring from 25-feet high rocky diving boards sit on either side of the falls or swinging from the rope swing. When you are fully knackered, lie on one of the many wide, flat rocks and let the sun dry your suit.
If you visit the falls from outside the area, be sure to pop into Bristol and check out their historic downtown. The town has a single traffic light and recycling is picked up by a horse and wagon.
Connecticut: Enders Falls (Granby)
You may have noticed a lot of falls and natural waterslides on these lists, but the reality is that they are cool af, and nature has provided nothing more exciting for summer fun. Enders Falls is a total oasis along these same lines.
The highest set of falls (there are five in the area) is thirty-feet, so it is a genuine thrill ride, unlike smaller rock slides. You don’t ride the rocks smoothly into the water. Instead, you are ejected off and free fall into the swimming hole. When you aren’t being a daredevil, you can swim in the pool or wait on the rocks cheering on your brave brethren.
Because there are multiple falls and pools, you shouldn’t have to fight crowds, and you have plenty of options to keep the watery fun going all day. Plan to do some easy hiking and take in as much of this state park area as you can.
New York: Fawn’s Leap (Catskills)
Fawn’s Leap (the name refers to the legendary cliff at the side of the water) is a delightful Eden tucked in the Catskills and populated by people looking to both stretch lazily across warm waterside rocks and hurl themselves off of the towering 40-foot cliffs that ring the swimming hole. As for the name, we have seen a lot of people leap into the water and not a single screaming, flipping one of them looked like a baby deer. But, lest you exhibit that telltale unsteadiness as you make your way up the cliff to jump, there is a rope on the path to help you up the steep grade surefootedly.
This used to be an isolated oasis known only to locals, but more weekenders and visitors are heading upstate to immerse themselves in swimming hole culture. That means you could be surrounded by loads of people, but it’s equally possible you could be rolling alone if you are there mid-week or early in the day.
If you wanna hit another falls while in the area, consider Kaaterskill Falls, a massive double waterfall in which you can also take a dip.
Rhode Island: Ashville Pond (Hopkinton)
Located in the Rockville Management Area off of Cononchet Road, this 30-acre freshwater pond is substantial for a swimming hole, but we will allow it. In a past life, this pristine man-made pond was a farm field between two elevated areas. Now, it is state-owned and provides a stunning place to sun and swim without a fee. There is a sandy area close to the road, a dam, a few rocks to be used as diving platforms, and a few jumping cliffs on the pond’s north side. It really has everything you need for a great day in the water. Plus, it’s always between 65 and 70 degrees, making it bracing but welcome when the sun is relentlessly shining.
If you want to pack in some sandwiches or grab them after your day at the pond, head to Ma and Pa’s on Main Street in Hope Valley. Or hit the Wood River Inn five miles east of the pond in Richmond for a beer.
New Jersey: Highlands Natural Pool (Ringwood)
This is a bit tricky, as the Highlands Natural Pool is a manmade Olympic-sized freshwater swimming pool carved out of a hillside in the mid-1930s. So, does it count? Our feeling is that the pool is totally chemical-free, fed by a mountain stream (keeping it under 65 degrees most of the time), mucky at the bottom, and inhabited by wildlife like fish and newts. That all feels like a swimming hole.
Surrounded by the gorgeous Norvin Green State Forest, this body of water opened 80 years ago as part of the United State’s first racially integrated camp, Camp Midvale. Some people claim the waters are healing, but that hasn’t been definitively proven. We think any swimming hole that lets you swim and play and relax is healing to some degree.
When you aren’t swimming, you can enjoy table tennis, volleyball, and softball. Board games are available to borrow, and next door is the New Weis Center, which occasionally offers goat yoga. Seriously, is there a better day than goat yoga and swimming in natural spring water?
Delaware: Brandywine River (Wilmington)
The Brandywine River may not feel like a technical swimming hole as it is…well, it’s a river. But, we think it makes for some awesome tubing, which involves the current pulling you through some riffles into a series of tiny areas that are swimming hole-esque.
It will take you about two hours to float the full course, so allot enough time. And, don’t worry about getting the most industrial tube possible because the gentle nature of the river affords few if any obstructions. June, July, and August are prime tubing, so prepare to share the water. If you can’t deal with traffic, go in May or September, when daytime temps in the 70s are plenty warm enough for some fun in the sun and water.
If lazily floating isn’t what you are looking for, consider renting a canoe and getting some cardio in along with your outdoor recreation.
Maryland: Kilgore Falls (Pylesville)
The 17-foot high Kilgore Falls and the swimming hole into which it cascades are located in the Falling Branch Area of Rocks State Park. This is Maryland’s second highest vertical drop waterfall, and it is popular in late spring, summer, and early fall, so you likely won’t be the only one enjoying the water. However, despite heavy traffic, the area is well-maintained.
The pool of water is cool and clear, making it great for photography as well as recreation. Plus, it is a really short, easy walk from the parking lot, so people who aren’t down with a big hike are gonna love this one. If the lot is full, however, you may be turned away by a ranger. This is definitely a trip to plan for early in the day. Get there, claim your spot, and swim the day away. The shade in the area will make sure you don’t get super hot or sunburned. If you plan on spending the day at this swimming hole, be warned that there aren’t any bathrooms.
After spending hours in the water and working up an appetite, drive into Pylesville and snag a pizza or a sub at the family-run Buon Gusto Pizzeria and Grill. We think their white pizza is first rate.
Pennsylvania: Meadow Run Natural Waterslides (Ohiopyle)
The Meadow Run Natural Waterslides are the kind or noteworthy swimming locale that appears on Google Maps, so though this is a completely naturally occurring slice of paradise, it is one that people know about. Prepare to have company while you frolic in the water.
Sandstone rock that has been chiseled into channels and potholes by years of spinning rocks and currents forms the foundation for this unique swimming hole in the Ohiopyle State Park. And though there are multiple falls in the park (30-foot Cucumber Falls is particularly cool) Meadow Run is the only place you are allowed to swim. The water rushes quite swiftly in winter and spring, so even though you are allowed to swim here, there are times when doing so could be really dangerous.
If you are really into outdoor activities, this state park is also a great place to hike, cross-country ski, mountain bike, horseback ride, and snowmobile. Consider visiting year-round and making the most of the recreation available.
New Hampshire Horseshoe Falls (Wilton)
New Hampshire has a lot of awesome swimming holes, so this was a pretty tough deliberation. Ultimately, Horseshoe Falls edged out the other options because it is so damn fun. During busy times, the area is filled with the laughter and screams of people scrambling up a grand natural ledge and launching themselves into the cool water below.
The Souhegan River feeds into this area and just upstream is pretty fast and rocky, but at the small falls, the water slows. Most people really will spend the day taking exhilarating 15-foot plunge after plunge into the blue water. But, you can also sit in an area under the falls, swim to the bottom of the 12-foot deep swimming hole, or sit in pools that the river causes to bubble like a jacuzzi.
This swimming hole gets packed, but there are some others a short drive away. Consider the Old Wilton Reservoir as a backup. It’s on private property but owners are pretty chill with respectful visitors.
from UPROXX https://ift.tt/2MSCTEv
via IFTTT