Alright, so the other day I was thinking, summer’s in full swing and it’s hotter than heck out here in the city. I needed to get out of this concrete jungle and find somewhere to cool off. I remembered reading something about swimming holes near NYC, so I decided to check it out. Turns out, the Catskill Mountains are the place to be.
I started off by looking up some of the spots. I mean, who wouldn’t want to escape to some stunning natural landscapes and bodies of water? One that caught my eye was this place called Peekamoose Blue Hole. Sounds pretty cool, right? I saw some pictures online, and it looked like a real hidden gem, so I started planning a trip there.
I figured I’d make a day of it, so I packed up some snacks, grabbed my swimsuit, and hit the road. The drive up to the Catskills was pretty smooth, and the scenery was a nice change from all the skyscrapers and traffic. When I got to Peekamoose, I parked the car and started exploring.
It was a bit of a hike to get to the Blue Hole, but totally worth it. The water was crystal clear and so refreshing. I jumped right in and let me tell you, it was exactly what I needed. I spent a good chunk of the day just swimming, lounging around, and soaking up the sun. There were a few other people there, but it wasn’t too crowded, which was nice.
Other Places
After that, I got curious about other swimming spots. I heard about Paradox Lake, which is apparently known for fishing. I’m not much of a fisherman myself, but the idea of a 1.42-square-mile lake sounded pretty tempting. Plus, there are trails around it for hiking and biking, like Spectacle Pond Trail and Berrymile Pond Trail. I’m a big fan of biking, so I figured I might check that out sometime. It’s really nice place to swim and play water sports like boat.
- Berrymile Pond Trail
- Spectacle Pond Trail
- Pharaoh Mountain Trail
Then there’s the Schroon River. I found out it’s a 68-mile-long tributary of the Hudson River, and it’s designated as a recreational river. That means it’s perfect for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. I’ve always wanted to try kayaking, so I’m definitely adding that to my list of places to visit. I also heard about Enders Falls in Granby, so that’s another one I want to explore.
Anyway, this whole swimming hole adventure was a blast. It was great to get out of the city, enjoy nature, and cool off in some amazing spots. If you’re looking for a new place to chill this summer, or you’re just a traveler passing through and want to find some hidden gems, you should definitely check out these swimming holes. Trust me, you won’t regret it. I’m already planning my next trip, and I can’t wait to dive back in!
Man, I’m so glad I took that little trip. It’s amazing what you can find just a short drive from the city. Now, anytime I need a break from the hustle and bustle, I know where to go. And I might even try my hand at fishing or kayaking. Who knows, maybe I’ll discover a new hobby! Anyway, I just wanted to share my experience and encourage you all to get out there and explore. You might be surprised at what you find.
