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NEW JERESEY SWIMMING HOLES

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ON STATE MAP BELOW: BLUE = swimming hole, RED = hot spring
STATE MAP
 
See a SLIDESHOW of swimming hole photos in this state.
WHARTON S. F. AREA>>Atl. City Expressway MUSCONETCONG RIVER HOPEWELL QUARRY DELAWARE WATER GAP NJ BULLS ISLAND S. P.>>RT202 BLUE HOLE FARRINGTON LAKE TRESTLE BRIDGE OTTER HOLE>>I-278 HIGHLANDS NATURAL POOL GUNNISON BEACH MILFORD SURPRISE LAKE DEVILS HOLE BUTTERMILK FALLS

This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


BLUE HOLE
(BLUE)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TOWNS VINELAND, HAMMONTON, BERRYLAND
LAT, LON lat=39.626111, lon= -74.896416(source: Geocaching) (accuracy:exact)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE NJ
WATER Spring
TYPE Spring
DESCRIPTION THIS IS NOT REALLY A HOLE YOU WOULD WANT TO SWIM IN BUT... it 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? 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. THIS IS NOT REALLY A HOLE YOU WOULD WANT TO SWIM IN. I CANNOT RECOMMEND SWIMMING HERE.
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 3/23/2003



BULLS ISLAND S. P.
(BULL)

PHOTO TO STATE MAP  
TOWNS NEW HOPE (PA), LAMBERTVILLE (NJ), STOCKTON (NJ)
LAT, LON 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
FACILITIESAll 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.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED Yes
DATE UPDATED7/17/2003



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


BUTTERMILK FALLS
(BUTF)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TOWNS MORRISTOWN, MENDHAM
LAT, LON lat=40.80082, lon= -74.6258(source: map) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE NJ
WATER Waterfall
TYPE Spring
DESCRIPTION A short walk (1 mile loop) in the Buttermilk Falls Natural Area to a waterfall and long-time swimming/water play place at the bottom CAUTION: watch out for tics and poison ivy. See MAP.
AREAS Buttermilk Falls Natural Area/India Brook Natural Area
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE None
FACILITIES None
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE None
CAMPING None at site
BATHING SUITS Customary
DIRECTIONS From Morristown (near I-287) take RT 510 (Mendham Rd.) west about 10 miles, through Mendham, then turn north (right) on Ironia Rd.. Keep left to stay on Ironia Rd., and in about 3 miles you will come to the India Brook Park entrance on the right (before you get to South Road ).Park in the new parking lot. The trailhead and kiosk are located in the sharp bend up the road about 150 feet, on the right.

The India Brook Park Loop Hike is one of the most spectacular short hikes in Mendham Township. From the parking area, follow the white trail along the soccer field down the hill until you see the trail go into the forest at the far left back corner of the field. Follow the steep trail down to India Brook. Where the trail meets India Brook turn right and walk 500 feet to we Buttermilk Falls. The swimming hole is at the bottom of the falls.

For the loop trail, turn around and follow the trail north along India Brook. Continue on the white blazed trail upstream along India Brook. The Loop Trail eventually makes a left turn up the hill. Walk through the field you come to at the top or the hill, passing the old seeing eye dog training facility. Continue on the paved road back to the parking area.
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 10/2014



DELAWARE WATER GAP NJ
[3 PLACES]
(DWNJ)

TO STATE MAP
TOWNS STROUDSBURG (PA)
STATE NJ
WATER Varies - see below
TYPE Varies - see below
DESCRIPTION Swimming places on the NJ side of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Worthington State Forest. WEB SITE. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREAS Worthington State Forest, Delaware Watergap N. R. A.
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE None
FACILITIESAt the Del. Water Gap Information Center and at the campground in Worthington State Forest. See below for directions.
ACTIVITIESSwimming
PHONE (908)-841-9575
CAMPING Camping at Worthington State Forest campground.
BATHING SUITS Customary
DIRECTIONS From Stroudsburg, PA, take I-80 east to Exit 1 (the first exit in NJ). Follow the signs to the Delaware Water Gap Information Center - you will be on Old Mine Road. Then:

FARVIEW [FARV]: From the Information Center, take Old Mine Rd. to the west (upstream on the Delaware) along I-80 and then under I-80 and into the Water Gap/Worthington State Forest area. You will go through a section of Old Mine Rd. that is narrow and is one way and is controlled by a traffic signal. About 1 mile after that, you will see a sign on the right for the Farview hiking trail and ON THE LEFT a large parking area (signed "Karamac"). Park here. From this parking area, several trails zig-zag down to the Delaware river. The swimming place is here in the Delaware River. PHOTO , PHOTO . The southern end has rocky ledges for jumping. The northern end of this swimming area has very gradual slope. Water there is clean/clear with very gentle current MOST of the summer. 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. The Delaware River can have strong currents here - CHECK CURRENTS EVERY TIME AND DON'T GO IN IF IT IS TOO SWIFT! Weekends, beware of jetskiis owned by family across the river. LAT, LON lat=40.9891, lon= -75.1283(source: measured) (accuracy:approximate) , LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident, verified 8/09, updated 8/09.


TURTLE BEACH [TURT]: Very nicely-developed, small official swimming area on the Delaware River in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with lifeguards, changing rooms, etc.. Good for the whole family! NRA entrance fee. Bathing suits required. To get here from the parking area for Sunfish Pond (above), continue north on Old Mine Rd. about 5 miles to signs for Turtle Beach. LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 11/2014.

THE GLEN [GLEN]: Cove, falls, sliding places, very special little swimming and water play place in Vancampens Brook. Clean, clear water. 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. PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO .

Here is a report on this area from 2009:"We visited "The Glen" last weekend. The Glen is approx 3 -5 miles from Worthington State Forest Campground, along the same road. The campground is south, closer to Route 80. So if anyone wanted, he/she could camp there and visit "The Glen" and "Fairview" in one day, and Sunfish Pond (whole day hike) on the other day. It would be possible to access the trailhead for Sunfish (same parking lot as Fairview), Worthington, "The Glen" -- and also "Watergate" (developed swimming area apx 1 mile from "The Glen") and also "Millbrook Village" (restored 18th century village, no swimming but no charge either) -- all by bicycle. It's a very narrow road but it does seem to attract a fair share of cyclists."


To get here from Turtle Beach (above) continue north on Old Mine Rd. about 4 more miles past the first parking area for Vancampens Glen to the Upper Glen parking area on the east (left) side of the road - park. Park here and follow the trail across the road then walk along Vancampens Brook (downstream to the right) for about 1/2 mile to The Glen swimming place. LAT, LON (of parking): lat=41.0652, lon= -74.9853 LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. LAT, LON (of The Glen): lat=41.05933, lon= -74.99578(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED Mostly
DATE UPDATED11/2014



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


DEVILS HOLE
(DEVH)

YOUTUBE (CAUTION: This video shows unsafe behavior) TO STATE MAP
TOWNS PATERSON, CLIFTON, MONTCLAIR, CEDAR GROVE
LAT, LON lat=40.85369, lon= -74.23016(source: measured by another) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE NJ
WATER Peckman River
TYPE River
DESCRIPTION Swim in deep pool at the bottom of falls. Suburban area. CAUTION: Currents can be swift, rocks under water DO NOT JUMP HERE. There have been recent drownings here of people who jumped
AREAS None
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE None
FACILITIES None
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE None
CAMPING None at site
BATHING SUITS Unknown
DIRECTIONS From Garden State Pkwy Exit 153 head northwest on RT 3, it joins up with RT 46, continue to Pompton Ave. (RT 23) near Paterson. Take Pompton Ave. south to Cedar Grove. Go past where Grove Ave. goes off to the west (right) then look for the next super market (unknown name) on Pompton Ave. and park there in the back (employee) lot. You will see a cargo container - walk down a trail to the right of the cargo container for like 2 min and you will see a bridge. Walk under it and you will be at Devils Hole.CAUTION: Currents can be swift, rocks under water DO NOT JUMP HERE. There have been recent drownings here of people who jumped
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 7/2014



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


FARRINGTON LAKE
(FARR)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TOWNS NEW BRUNSWICK, N. BRUNSWICK, MILLTOWN
LAT, LON 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 (may be cut). 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. Three 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."

Here is another report from 2008:"I have lived in east Brunswick my whole life, a block from the lake. The information on how to get to the lake is correct but that�s about it. The fence does block the entry to the lake from the parking lot but that is for keeping people out of the waters near the water control dam. The "rope swing was moved" closer and with easier access from the parking lot. Directions: walk or drive down the main trail "easy to notice" 200 yards first left 50 feet area to park. SUV maybe needed area by left turn my be muddy, after in lot follow trail to the right which views the water "water on left" noticeable shortly down trail where you can swing/swim safely nice water bottom, no mud. There is a metal cable hanging "must bring own rope" climb the steps built on the tree and hook your rope on. Popular spot for kids drinking and having small party's through out the day" Here is a report in 2009: "Was just here today. Both of your locations are right - there is a rope swing if you cross the damn (beware damn is 50 ft to bottom) but you don't have to worry about enforcement on the far side. The one closer (as noted by the email suggestion from 2008), is paroled by police - it is township property and there are No Swimming signs around. The rope swing has been cut, so you'd have to bring enough rope (at least 100ft) to make your own, and I highly advise against drinking/etc at this location."
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 6/2010



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


GUNNISON BEACH
(GUNN)

LINK TO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TOWNS LONG BRANCH, RED BANK
LAT, LON 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 NOTE: As of spring 2013, there is still some damage from Sandy but the beach is mostly open.
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



>

HIGHLANDS NATURAL POOL
(HIGH)

SEE WEB LINK BELOW TO STATE MAP
TOWNS PATERSON, POMPTON LAKES, RINGWOOD
LAT, LON 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 damming 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
FACILITIESPicnic tables, grills, volleyball court, playground
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE 973-835-4299
CAMPING Adjacent at Weis Ecology Center, Reservations: (973) 835-2160
BATHING SUITS Required
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 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..
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED By another
DATE UPDATED6/9/2004



HOPEWELL QUARRY
(HOPE)

NO PHOTOS TO STATE MAP  
TOWNS TRENTON, PENNINGTON, HOPEWELL
LAT, LON 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.
AREAS None
SANCTION Official
FEE Yes, members only- call phone number below for rates.
FACILITIESYes, 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 UPDATED6/9/2004



>

MILFORD
(MILF)

NO PHOTOS TO STATE MAP
TOWNS EASTON (PA), MILFORD(NJ)
LAT, LON 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.
AREAS None
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE None
FACILITIESUnknown
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.
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED2/21/2007



>

MUSCONETCONG RIVER
(MUSC)

  TO STATE MAP
TOWNS PHILLIPSBURG, WASHINGTON, PENWELL
LAT, LON None. This swimming hole is closed to the public.
STATE NJ
WATER Musconetcong River
TYPE River
DESCRIPTION This swimming hole is now closed. It is on private property and the land owner has posted No Trespassing signs. Please do not visit this place.
AREAS None
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE None
FACILITIESNone
ACTIVITIES Swimming, Jumping
PHONE Unknown
CAMPING None at site.
BATHING SUITS Unknown
DIRECTIONS None. This is no longer available to the public.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED Yes
DATE UPDATED7/2015



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


OTTER HOLE
(OTTE)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TOWNS PATERSON, POMPTON LAKES, WANAQUE
LAT, LON 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



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


SURPRISE LAKE
(SURP)

PHOTO
PHOTO
TO STATE MAP
TOWNS GREENWOOD LAKE (NY), WEST MILFORD (NJ)
LAT, LON lat=41.185479, lon= -74.347283(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE NJ
WATER Surprise Lake
TYPE Lake
DESCRIPTION Nice, deep glacial pond at the top of a mountain. Not sure how good the swimming is here but it is a strenuous uphill hike of about 1.2 miles (each way) to get there so you will be ready to cool off. There may be snapping turtles in the lake - dont know how dangerous these are. For a description of the hike, see HIKE SITE .
AREAS Hewitt State Forest
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE None
FACILITIES None
ACTIVITIES Unknown
PHONE None
CAMPING Unknown
BATHING SUITS Unknown
DIRECTIONS Find West Milford in far northern NJ (south of border with NY). From West Milford, go north on RT 513 (Union Valley Rd) about 2.1 miles. Turn left at County Rd 511 N (Lakeside Rd) and follow it along the west shore of Greenwood Lake to the NY state line where you will see the Greenwood Marina on the east side of the road (right side). Park in the lot opposite the marina and look for the State Line trailhead with a blue-on-white blaze. Take this trail generally uphill (pretty strenuous), past a great overlook of Grenwood Lake, for about 1.2 miles to Surprise Lake.
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 6/2010



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


TRESTLE BRIDGE
(TRES)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TOWNS DELAWARE, COLUMBIA
LAT, LON lat=40.89987, lon= -75.07682(source: map) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE NJ/PA
WATER Delaware River
TYPE River
DESCRIPTION (This place is best accessed from the PA side of the river). Train trestle bridge over the Delaware, south of the Delaware Water Gap area. Swim under it. (Dont jump off it - BE CAREFUL!) CAREFUL- Moving current. 15 feet 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, take Exit 4 (Columbia) cross the river to the PA side (toll bridge) then turn immediately south on River Rd.. Go about 1.75 miles on River Rd. to where the railroad trestle crossed the river. Park somewhere near here and walk to the river. The swimming hole is under the trestle. No better directions.
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 8/2011



WHARTON S. F. AREA
[3 PLACES]
(WHAR)

NO PHOTOS TO LOCAL AREA MAP
TO STATE MAP
 
TOWNS ATLANTIC CITY, EGG HARBOR, BATSTO, ATSION
LAT, LON 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 following 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 -- thank goodness -- are more concerned with drinking and drug use in our forests 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.) LAT, LON lat=39.71508, lon= -74.6910(source: map) (accuracy:approximate) , LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.

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.) LAT, LON lat=39.69279, lon= -74.67557(source: measured) (accuracy:general) , LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.

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! LAT, LON lat=39.65893, lon= -74.65815(source: measured) (accuracy:approximate) , LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
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, primitive, 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 UPDATED7/31/2003


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