NEW JERSEY SWIMMING
HOLES |
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ON STATE MAP BELOW: BLUE = swimming hole, GREEN = road trip dip (click here for info) , RED = hot spring. Hold cursor over map tags for info(click here if you don't see this info), then click to go to detailed listing. The map location is very approximate. Use our directions with a highway map.
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Some great swimming hole LINKS for this State:
N. J. PADDLING BARES Yes, nude canoeing in the garden state!
Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | VINELAND, HAMMONTON, BERRYLAND |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=39.626111, lon= -74.896416(source: Geocaching) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Spring |
TYPE | Spring |
DESCRIPTION | Here is a place of legend and mystery - not for the faint hearted and maybe not for anyone who values their life! Said to be 1) bottomless 2)quicksand and 3) haunted by the Jersey Devil, who pulls swimmers to their death. Oh, yes, and if none of the above are real (who knows?) the ticks sure are! WEAR LOTS OF DEET AND CHECK FOR TICKS FREQUENTLY. What more can I say? A fine place for a swim and picnic - if you are a masochist. This is a geocaching site; see GEOCHACHING. | For information about this spooky place and the legend surrounding it, see DEVIL HOLE 1 , DEVIL HOLE 2.
AREAS | Winslow Wildlife Management Area |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, MAYBE - MAYBE NOT! |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Vineland, go northeast on RT 54 then northwest on RT 322 to Berryland where you turn northeast on East Piney Hollow Rd.. It is best to park at the Winslow Fish and Wildlife Management Area gun range off of Piney Hollow Road. Hike on a dirt road off Piney Hollow Road, leading northwest into the Winslow Wildlife Management Area. Hike in three-fifths of a mile and follow blue trail markers, and you'll eventually come to the Blue Hole. (It is not necessary to walk into the woods just follow the road and paths.) WEAR DEET AND CHECK OFTEN FOR TICKS. I CANNOT RECOMMEND SWIMMING HERE. DO NOT SWIM HERE IF IT APPEARS OR FEELS UNSAFE! |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 3/23/2003 | |
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BULLS ISLAND S. P. |
TOWNS | NEW HOPE (PA), LAMBERTVILLE (NJ), STOCKTON (NJ) | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.41217, lon=-75.04261(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Delaware River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | SEE NOTE BELOW REGARDING N.J. PROHIBITION OF SWIMMING HERE. | There are several places people have been observed to swim in the river at the State Park. The main place is at the wing dam, accessed from the campground, at the northernmost camping loop, near campsite #51. You are only supposed to go in this area if you are a camper. There is a small parking area here, at the wing dam, and some benches. The campground restrooms are very nearby. Nice kids playground very nearby. AT HIGHER WATER LEVELS, THIS WOULD BE A VERY UNSAFE PLACE TO SWIM! DON'T DO IT! NOTE: In 7/2003, I received this e mail from a state official: "The State of New Jersey indeed has a myriad of beautiful creeks, rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. Many of these are situate in publicly owned and State administered properties. Among the agencies that are stewards of these natural resources is the Div. of Parks and Forestry, State Park Service." "As a Regional Superintendent employed with the State Park Service, it is my duty to point out to you (as Webmasters) that swimming is PROHIBITED in State Park/Forest waterways unless lifeguards are present. We offer numerous areas from Belleplain State Forest in the southern County of Cape May to High Point State Park in the northern climes of Sussex County in which visitors can relax and swim in clean, safe, guarded conditions." "Bull's Island Recreation Area (D & R Canal State Park) and Sunfish Pond (Worthington State Forest) are two prime examples found on your website where beauty and allure abounds, but swimming/wading is PROHIBITED. I beg to differ with your contention that law enforcement is 'lax' at these areas... State Rangers patrol these sites and will step in to correct illegal activities when sighted." "Signed: Thomas C. Keck, Jr., Regl. Supt. - Northern Region"
AREAS | Bulls Island S. P.; Delaware and Raritan Canal S. P. |
SANCTION | Swimming prohibited |
FEE | No entrance fee |
FACILITIES | All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping at the site. Reservations available.
|
BATHING SUITS | Customary, family crowd |
DIRECTIONS | From Lambertville, (across the river from New Hope, PA) take RT 29 north, through Stockton and in another 3 miles you will come to the sign for the State Park. There are multiple places for river access; the campground entrance road is right next to the park office.
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 7/17/2003 | |
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A Family-Friendly 
Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | NEW BRUNSWICK, N. BRUNSWICK, MILLTOWN |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.44897, lon= -74.45308(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Farrington Lake |
TYPE | Lake |
DESCRIPTION | Nice, deep (15 to 20 ft) informal swim spot in Farrington Lake. Huge rope swing. Nice secluded spot from the urban rush. | I got this negative report in 2003: "Unless I am missing something, the hole isn't usable as described. Thre is a huge fence (I suppose a 12 year old boy could scale it) blocking the dam. The water was very high. There was no way even a 12 year old boy could walk across, though maybe with lower water it would be different. Around to the left (facing the water as described in the site) were some very scuzzy scummy ways to get into the water. There is also a huge no swimming sign. The directions to reach the place don't quite work. Can't turn left on Farrington Road, though I did double back and find it without too much trouble."
AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Rope swing |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From New Brunswick area, take RT 1 south to RT 130 south. Go about .5 miles on RT 130 then turn east (left) on Farrington Blvd. Park at the end of the road (a gravel area with picnic benches.) Walk across dam and follow path to the right for about 100 yards. or just follow the side of the lake. A secluded swimming spot with rope swing is here. |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 3/23/2003 | |
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FARVIEW |
TOWNS | STROUDSBURG (PA) |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.9889, lon= -75.1334(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Delaware River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming place in river. Southern end has rocky ledges for jumping. NOTE: The National Park rangers will summons you for jumping off the rocks (an old collapsed bridge) and for tubing without a life jacket! Also, no alcohol in the park area.
Northern end has very gradual slope. Water there is clean/clear with very gentle current most of the summer. CHECK CURRENTS AND DON'T GO IN IF IT IS TOO SWIFT! Weekends, beware of jetskiis owned by family across the river. (See also "SUNFISH POND" swimming hole nearby.)
| (See also SMITHFIELD BEACH in PA across the river-then use BACK on your browser to return here.)
AREAS | Worthington State Forest, Delaware Watergap N. R. A. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES | Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping at Worthington State Forest.
|
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Stroudsburg, PA, take I-80 east to NJ Exit 1 (first exit in NJ) (Near ranger station/rest areas, alongside Delaware river). Exit and take right turn at stop sign onto Old Mine Rd.. Road goes north along Delaware river. (May still have stop light with 1 lane section due to landslide over half of the road.) Very soon after that, find Farview Hiking Parking lot on left & park. Several trails zig-zag down to river. Swimming holes are here in Delaware River. Also, if you continue north along same road, ( apoor road) other spots along river but not as good.
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 10/16/2001 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | MILFORD (PA), DINGMANS FERRY (PA), WALPACK(NJ) |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.12419, lon= -74.94747(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Delaware River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming holes in the Delaware River. No better description. CHECK CURRENTS AND DON'T GO IN IF IT IS TOO SWIFT! |
AREAS | Delaware Watergap N. R. A. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Milford PA (off I-84, southwest of Port Jervis, NY), [See also the "MILFORD" PA swimming hole near here] go south on RT 209 to Dingmans Ferry, PA. Cross the Delaware River here on RT 739 (toll bridge) into NJ. (In NJ, this route becomes RT 560.) Continue on RT 560 until, just before Layton, turn south (right) on RT 640, go about 1.5 miles then onto RT 614 south to Bevans. In Bevans, continue on RT 614 about 4.5 miles more then turn right on Pompey Rd.. Go about 1.1 miles on Pompey Rd. to Old Mine Rd. Here, you can turn north (right) or South (left): | If you turn north (right) onto Old Mine Rd. (road may not be maintained, may be rough) , there is said to be a swimming hole called the Glen. According to a user: "It is between Van Campen's Glen Rec Campsite and the Upper Glen on the mountain side on Van Campen's Glen Brook. It consists of a waterfall that enters a deep, some say is 50' deep but more likely 15-20', circular hole that is really nice to relax in and a natural rock slide down to a shallow pool. The hole is mostly surrounded by a rock face. Jumping is illegal and dangerous here." LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=41.16344, lon=-74.89347(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. If you turn south (left), onto Old Mine Rd., it closely parallels the Delaware River. There are said to be swimming places are along here in the river, before Old Mine Rd. rejoins RT 615 at Flatbrookville. No better directions.
CONFIDENCE | Uncertain |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 1/21/2005 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | LONG BRANCH, RED BANK |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.46489, lon= -73.99406(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Atlantic Ocean (one of the BIGGER swimming holes) |
TYPE | Ocean beach |
DESCRIPTION | Gunnison Beach is a well-frequented public nudist beach in the Sandy Hook Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area (a National Park). Please respect the established etiquette of this place. If you go - GO NUDE, and NO GAWKING, NO CAMERAS, NO SEXUAL BEHAVIOR. link to more info. |
AREAS | Gateway National Recreation Area |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes, see web site above |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Nude sunbathing, nude swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | None at site |
BATHING SUITS | Nudist beach |
DIRECTIONS | From the Garden State Parkway, exit 117, (at Matawan, south of New York City) take RT 36 south (follow sign for Gateway National Recreation Area). Continue on RT 36 about 12 miles. Nearing the ocean shore, watch for sign "Sandy Hook / Gateway National Recreation Area next right" just before a drawbridge. Immediately following the drawbridge, an exit ramp to the right crosses back over RT 36 into the park. Once in the park, follow signs to Gunnison Beach. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 2/21/2007 | |
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HIGHLANDS NATURAL POOL |
TOWNS | PATERSON, POMPTON LAKES, RINGWOOD |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.06975, lon= -74.32103(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Unknown |
TYPE | Pool (Natural) |
DESCRIPTION | This description from a local resident:"The pool is a non-profit community owned pool that was built in the 1930s by daming a small stream. People refer to it as a swimming hole, because: | * No chemicals are used in the pool * It is fed by a mountain stream and rarely goes above 65 degrees * The bottom is mucky * Resident fish, newts and snakes inhabit the pool (Hey- sounds like a genuine swimming hole to me!) There is a membership fee, but daily use passes are available and often used by hikers using the adjacent trails. The pool is located in Ringwood New Jersey, and is close to another listing, Otter Hole." See their web site at www.highlandspool.com .
AREAS | Adjacent to Norvin Green State Forest |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes, see web site for details |
FACILITIES | Picnic tables, grills, volleyball court, playground |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | 973-835-4299 |
CAMPING | Adjacent at Weis Ecology Center, Reservations: (973) 835-2160
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BATHING SUITS | Required
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DIRECTIONS | From I-287 in Pompton Lakes area, take Ringwood Road north about 4 miles then turn west (left) onto Westbrook Road at Rohde's Ringwood Inn (RRI). At the end of the reservoir, there will be a fork
where you must bear left and continue on on Westbrook Road over a small bridge.
The second left is Snake Den Road. Continue about 0.6 miles (drive slowly and
watch for people on this country road!), bearing left at top of hill. You'll
then come to a clearing and the entrance for New Jersey Audubon/Weis Ecology
Center. Follow signs for the Pool..
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CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | By another |
DATE UPDATED | 6/9/2004 | |
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HOPEWELL QUARRY |
TOWNS | TRENTON, PENNINGTON, HOPEWELL |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.3754, lon= -74.7676(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Quarry |
TYPE | Quarry |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming place in quarry, said by a member to be, "A gem of a place." NOTE: It is now a club- members and guests of members only. The phone number is below for membership rates and hours. The main entry point is somewhat rocky; water shoes are helpful. There are three diving boards; 4, 10 & 15 feet. There are picnic tables and grills available.
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AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes, members only- call phone number below for rates. |
FACILITIES | Yes, see above |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Diving, Jumping |
PHONE | (609) 466-9887
|
CAMPING | None at site. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Trenton, from I-95 north of Trenton, take exit 4 then take RT 31 (Pennington Rd.) north towards Ewing/Pennington. Go about 6 miles north on RT 31 (though a circle) then turn east (right) onto Mine Rd. Go about .3 miles and turn right onto Stony Brook Rd.. Go about .5 miles and turn left onto Pennington Hopewell Rd. Go another .5 miles and turn right onto Crusher Rd.. The quarry is on Crusher Rd.. | (Another way: from the north - take RT 27 South to RT 518 Through Rocky Hill, towards Pennington at the fork.)
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 6/9/2004 | |
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MILFORD |
TOWNS | EASTON (PA), MILFORD(NJ) |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.56683, lon= -75.09733(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Delaware River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming place in town in small pool in river. CHECK CURRENTS AND DON'T GO IN IF IT IS TOO SWIFT! DONT SWIM OUT INTO THE CURRENT.
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AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES | Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | None at site. Camping south of here at Bulls Island S. P. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Easton (PA) go east on I-78 to exit 7 at Bloomsbury. Then take RT 173 into Bloomsbury, then RT 639 south toward Warren Glen then RT 519 south to Milford (NJ). Take RT 519 to Milford and turn towards the bridge over the Delaware to PA (right if southbound) onto the main street of Milford. Find a path under the bridge and enjoy.
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CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 2/21/2007 | |
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MUSCONETCONG RIVER |
TOWNS | PHILLIPSBURG, WASHINGTON, PENWELL |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.7795, lon= -74.9039(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Musconetcong River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming place in river. Two rope swings. It is an
old mill and there are a couple of big cement pilings from the mill great for sunning.
Deep, slow moving place. CHECK CURRENTS AND DON'T GO IN IF IT IS TOO SWIFT!
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AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES | Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | None at site. Camping north of here at Stephen's State Park.
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BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Phillipsburg, take RT 57 northeast through Washington. About 3 miles past Washington, you will see a sign for Penwell on the right. At the sign, there is a small road to the right. Go down this road, turn left immediately before bridge, and park.
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CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 2/21/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | PATERSON, POMPTON LAKES, WANAQUE |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.04789, lon= -74.34281(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Posts Brook |
TYPE | Brook/Falls |
DESCRIPTION | Nice little swimming hole at cascades in brook. |
AREAS | Norvin Green State Forest |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Not at site. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | In northeastern NJ, take Exit 53 off I-287 onto RT 511 west. Follow RT 694 through Bloomingdale. Keep right where it becomes Hamburg Turnpike. Turn right at the Y-junction onto Glen Wild Av.. Go about 3.3 miles on Glen Wild Av and park in second parking area. Walk down the road (southeast) about 300 feet until the end of the guardrail. Proceed northeast straight into the woods only 80 to 100 feet, and there is the swimming hole. There is no trail, but you'll find it. There's an upper cascade within a rocky gorge, and then a lower cascade. The lower falls empties into a swimming hole about 4 feet deep and 20 feet long. The water is clean and clear, but the bottom of the swimming hole is entirely boulders covered with algae that stirs up quickly. Not too pleasant. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 7/31/2007 | |
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SUNFISH POND |
TOWNS | STROUDSBURG (PA) |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.0031, lon= -75.0728(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Sunfish Pond |
TYPE | Pond |
DESCRIPTION | SEE NOTE BELOW REGARDING N.J. PROHIBITION OF SWIMMING HERE. | Reputed swimming place in glacially-carved pond that is one of New Jersey's natural wonders. Supposedly over 600 feet deep (hardly a "pond"!). Some places with rocky bottom, others with mucky bottom. Is on the Appalachian Trail and is a favorite stop for hikers. [See also "FARVIEW" swimming hole nearby.] (See also SMITHFIELD BEACH in PA across the river-then use BACK on your browser to return here.) NOTE: In 7/2003, I received this e mail from a state official: "The State of New Jersey indeed has a myriad of beautiful creeks, rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. Many of these are situate in publicly owned and State administered properties. Among the agencies that are stewards of these natural resources is the Div. of Parks and Forestry, State Park Service." "As a Regional Superintendent employed with the State Park Service, it is my duty to point out to you (as Webmasters) that swimming is PROHIBITED in State Park/Forest waterways unless lifeguards are present. We offer numerous areas from Belleplain State Forest in the southern County of Cape May to High Point State Park in the northern climes of Sussex County in which visitors can relax and swim in clean, safe, guarded conditions." "Bull's Island Recreation Area (D & R Canal State Park) and Sunfish Pond (Worthington State Forest) are two prime examples found on your website where beauty and allure abounds, but swimming/wading is PROHIBITED. I beg to differ with your contention that law enforcement is 'lax' at these areas... State Rangers patrol these sites and will step in to correct illegal activities when sighted." "Signed: Thomas C. Keck, Jr., Regl. Supt. - Northern Region" This note form a visitor in 2006:"I find this place scary because its in the middle of the woods on the top of a mountain. It's perfectly still. People say it's something like 3,000 feet deep... or maybe has no bottom? I forget what the legend is - though I know that it IS truly deep. It's also the highest elevation lake in NJ. The water is freezing cold all the time since it's so deep and probably spring-fed. The weirdest part about it is that the water is actually slightly acidic because of the geochemistry surrounding it or something, so that only two species of fish and maybe a snake or two can live in it. They've tried to populate it with bass and such, for fishing, but they always die." Hmm...maybe not a place to visit on a dark night....
AREAS | Worthington State Forest, Delaware Watergap N. R. A. |
SANCTION | Swimming prohibited |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES | Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Camping at Worthington State Forest.
|
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Stroudsburg, PA, take I-80 east to NJ Exit 1 (first exit in NJ) (Near ranger station/rest areas, alongside Delaware river). Exit and take right turn at stop sign onto Old Mine Rd.. Road goes north along Delaware river. (May still have stop light with 1 lane section due to landslide over half of the road.) Go about 3 miles (go past the Farview Hiking Parking lot on left) then park. There are 2 trails here that go up to the A. T. and Sunfish Pond; the Douglas Trail and the Garvey Springs Trail. Take either one up to the A. T. then go north along the A. T. to Sunfish Pond.
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CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 7/17/2003 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | DELAWARE, COLUMBIA |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.89992, lon= -75.07439(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Delaware River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Train trestle bridge over the Delaware, south of the Delaware Water Gap area. Swim under it. (Some jump off it -BE CAREFUL!) CAREFUL- Moving current. 15 deep.. Inner tube all the way down the little rapids right to the campground. Real nice time. |
AREAS | None (near Delaware Water Gap N.R.A.) |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Tubing |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From I-80, Exit 4 (Columbia) go south on RT 46 along the Delaware River. At the old gas station (not as far as the riverside campground) is the trestle bridge. The swimming/tubing place is here. (I think this is about 2 miles south on RT 46 from I-80. Not sure though.) |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 3/23/2003 | |
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WHARTON S. F. AREA |
TOWNS | ATLANTIC CITY, EGG HARBOR, BATSTO,
ATSION | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=39.70289, lon=-74.75014 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NJ |
WATER | Mullica River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | There are several places very close to Batsto in the Wharton State Forest (Pine Barrens) in the Mullica River. The three listed here are all thanks to Al Braley, AMC Webmaster at AMC-NY
| PLEASE NOTE: I received the following e-mail in 7/2003: "... the places listed are not authorized swimming areas. The authorized swimming area for Wharton State Forest, is the Atsion Recreation Area. There are no other areas on Wharton State Forest where swimming is allowed, because there are no lifeguards. Anyone found swimming illegally will be fined by the State Park Rangers. Your site does indicate that you may tube, which is correct. You may also canoe or kayak down the rivers. Signed: Wharton State Forest, Supt. Lynn E. Fleming" PLEASE NOTE ALSO: I received the followin in 1/2004: " Though New Jersey's official policy is no swimming in the many creeks, rivers and lakes of the Pine Barrens, there is no real patrol out there banning people from the rivers. Many of the creeks and swimming holes are less than three feet deep so they are not even dangerous. Most are so hidden, that the few rangers we have never get out to them. Our rangers -- thankgoodness -- are more concerned with drinking and drug use in our forrests than bothering a few swimmers. How do I know? I live 3.3 miles away from Batsto and the 12 swimming holes located nearby. " Be sure to visit Batsto while you're here, learn the interesting history of 200 years of industrial efforts in the Pinelands of NJ that are almost all gone today. And read "The Pine Barrens", an excellent book by John McPhee. OLD STATE CAMPGROUND [OLDS]: (See red circle on local area map, left panel): This is just above a beaver dam that creates a nice hole with a sand beach at the Old State Campground. To get there: from Atsion on RT 206, go E on Quaker Bridge Rd. about 2 mi to a fork in the road. Here take the right fork (shown on map as "Bad Road") to the river access point at the Old State Campground. (No camping here, see "camping" below.) MULLICA RIVER WILDERNESS CAMPGROUND [MULL]: (See red circle on local area map, left panel) This hole is at the current Mullica River Wilderness Campground where there are several beaches along the river bank. To get there: Follow the directions above (for OLD STATE CAMPGROUND) as far as the fork in the road. This time take the left fork for about 1/2 mi further to a second fork. Take a right at the second fork and then park. There are signs and parking areas about 15 minutes walk north and south of the campground. (It is a traffic violation if you are caught driving in campground.) Walk from parking to the MULLICA RIVER WILDERNESS CAMPGROUND. (No car-camping here, see "camping" below.) CONSTABLE BRIDGE [CONS]: (See red circle on local area map, upper right panel) Lots of folks like to tube and swim along the Mullica from Constable Bridge to the Route 542 access area. To get there: To get to Constable Bridge by car it's a short drive, about 1 mile, on a good sand road off 542 starting along the split rail fence for the Batsto Village. DO NOT GO BAREFOOT HERE - BROKEN GLASS!
AREAS | Wharton State Park (Pine Barrens) |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES | Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Tubing, Canoeing |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Wharton State Forest ( HQ is at Batsto), has about 6-7 different car-
camping areas, 3 are marked on the local area map and the others are within 4-5 miles along the Wading River a bit east of here. | Wharton State Forest campgrounds shown on the local area map are: Atsion Family Campground: on the map where Mullica crosses Rte 206, hot showers, flush toilets, tables; Goshen Pond: 1 mile or so west of Atsion Family, primiive, pit toilets; Buttonwood Hill Camp: Off Rte 542, East of Batsto. Mullica River Wilderness Campground: Is the only one that is off-limits to vehicles. There are signs and parking areas about 15 minutes walk north and south of the campground. It is a traffic violation if you are caught driving in this campground. It is considered a walk-in, canoe-in or ski-in area. There are pit toilets there and a pump for fresh potable water, no tables. Private campgrounds shown on the local area map are: Paradise Lake: On shuttle route map off 206, store Forks Landing Marina: Near Sweetwater; Bell Haven Lake.
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | See site information above. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 7/31/2003 | |
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