Pennsylvania is home to some of the best swimming holes in the nation. Known for its factory industries, the state is also littered with dozens of swimming holes. I haven’t been able to spend much time in Pennsylvania, but in my few trips there, I have been able to locate some of the best swimming holes in the state. Here is a composite list of those natural wonders.
1. Martin Mills Bridge
Martin Mills Bridge is a beautiful covered bridge located in Greencastle, Pennsylvania. What makes this swimming hole unique is the picturesque covered bridge. The area looks like a still photo from the movie Bridges Of Madison County. The area is great for kids, as it offers some easy rapids to tube down the river. Very relaxing part of town, with small patches of sand and easy access to the rivers edge. Although the bridge does cross the river, there is no jumping from the bridge itself. Teenagers and young adult may find this swimming hole kind of boring. Much more appropriate for families with smaller children.
2. The Gorge
The Gorge is located in the southern part of the state. Simply known as the gorge, its a vast river that runs roughly 3 miles long. There is a trail through the woods adjacent to the river. Many spots throughout this 3 mile stretch for swimming and frolicking. Due to its vast size, one could spend all day on this river. Lots of space to accommodate the crowds that come here on any given summer day. Very popular with college aged kids. The first time I went here, there were lots of empty beer cans in scattered place in the woods. But the last time I visited, there was a lot less trash. The water is cold, but not freezing. Very tolerable for children and adults alike. The river is also great for tubing, but you will come upon some severe rapids, so wear a life jacket and never tube alone. There were some friends camping in the area, so it seems like camping is allowed, though there didn’t seem to be any designated campgrounds around the river.
3. Hamburg Hole
The spot lovingly known as Hamburg Hole is located along the Schuylkill River and New Kernsville Dam. Tremendous spot for the avid thrill seeker. This swimming hole has a little bit of everything. The area is large enough to house large crowds, although there is only one large rock to jump from. There are places for lap swimming as well. The main event of this outstanding Pennsylvania swimming hole is the rock ledge. With a height of approximately 40 feet, the rock sees hundreds of visitors each summer. Locals and daredevils alike use the rock as a springboard diving board. Many flips and back dives can be seen on any given day. For those who are just visiting, I recommend playing safe and jumping feet first. Wear swimming shoes too, as the rocks can be jagged and really dig into your feet. The water here is warm and somewhat murky. Depth is said to be close to 12 feet. The damn up river keeps it at 12 feet, so don’t be too worried about the swimming hole losing depth due to lack of rain. The only bothersome thing were the mosquitoes and black flies. No matter where you go, you will run into the pests, but this area seemed to have an abnormal amount. Very pesky.
4. Hackers Falls
Hackers Falls is a beautiful medium sized swimming hole in the northeastern part of the state, straddling the New Jersey border. Hackers Falls is in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This swimming hole has a beautiful cascading water fall and a fairly large pool that will accommodate many parties. Its family friendly although the water can get deep. The slope to get into the water is gradual, but youngsters should wear life jackets. The hole is surrounded by a lush forest which adds to the atmosphere of seclusion. Bathing suits here are customary. The cascades run over a large rock, but not worth trying to slide down. In the next million years I expect the falls to be smooth enough to slide down, but at this point, it’s not worth ripping open your legs and swim shorts.
5. Stony Fork
Stony Fork is one of a few swimming holes located in the Pine Creek Canyon area. Pine Creek Canyon is known to locals as “the grand canyon of Pennsylvania.” A cute nickname but the area doesn’t bare any resemblance to the Grand Canyon. The swimming hole is great and offers many rocks to jump off and large slabs for sunning. However, the swimming hole is fairly small and can get over run quickly. There are a few large rocks in the water, so if you’re going to jump, be sure you check the area first. There have been a few injuries reported here in the last few years. There is another small hole down the stream along a bend that is about 7 feet deep. You can get good use out of this area if the main swimming hole starts to get over populated. The water is cool and clear, and there’s plenty of ledges to jump off, so you’re not waiting in line for one particular rock. Suitable for all ages.
These swimming holes are only a handful of the great places Pennsylvania has to offer. The large open lands and dense forests produce swimming holes both small and large, family friendly and strictly for adults. These 5 areas are the best swimming holes I’ve encountered in my travels to Pennsylvania. As always, keep the areas you use clean. Always bring out any trash that you’ve brought in.
