Jumping into a swimming hole on a hot day wakes every nerve in your body in a glorious gasp of joy. Your mind instantly focuses on right now. It’s nothing like a pool swim; this water is alive and flowing. Here are just a few of the gems in our area.
SPLIT ROCK
At Split Rock on the Coxing Kill in High Falls, there’s both a wading pool and deeper waters in between the cloven rock that gives the place its name. Some believe the waters of this creek have a unique healing quality, and who’s to say they’re wrong? This family-friendly spot is an easy walk through pretty woods, but leave Fido at home— dogs are not allowed to swim here.
HOW TO: From 209 in Kerhonkson, turn onto Samsonville Road. Go for 3.5 miles. Bear left onto Lower Cherrytown Road and go for 1.4 miles. At the intersection with Cherrytown Road and Upper Cherrytown Road, bear right onto Upper Cherrytown, and go 3.1 miles to a parking area on the right.
See the Video at: visitvortex.com/storefront/Split_Rock_at_Mohonk
VERNOOYKILL FALLSThe two-mile walk into the deep old forest and the moment when the trail opens out into a singing multilayered waterfall give this spot the feel of an epic journey. Exploring the creek bed or the trails once you’ve cooled off is a blast.
See the Video at:
visitvortex.com/Vernooy_Kill_Falls
MILLSTREAM
Down by the (timeless) Mill Stream in Woodstock is the place to be on a hot summer afternoon, with a lively random mix of folks sunning, funning, and carrying on. Join on in, or stretch out on a rock and contemplate life. It’s all good here, and you’re just minutes from a fine dinner when the sun begins to sink.
See the Video at:
visitvortex.com/Millstream_
BLUE HOLE
Peekamoose Blue Hole in Sundown is on Ulster County’s western frontier, its outback. Time has stayed itself a bit here; you’re in truly rural territory outside the tourist belt. Bring your own snacks; you’ll be a ways from the nearest store. Though just off the road, you’ll feel like you’re in deep woods. The scenery is glorious and its frigid crystalline waters are plenty deep for a good swim. *The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is implementing emergency regulations effective May 25, 2016 for the Blue Hole and Peekamoose Valley in the Town of Denning, Ulster County. The purpose of the emergency regulations is to increase public safety and reduce impacts to the environmental resources of this very popular swimming area located on Rondout Creek in the Sundown Wild Forest. To read more about these regulations, visit www.dec.ny.gov/press/106316.html
See the Video at:
visitvortex.com/Peekamoose_Blue_Hole_
DO . . .
Respect the solitude of other visitors. Walk carefully. Mossy rocks can be like glass. Avoid drinking from glass. Keep the rocks safe for bare feet. Keep your pet leashed. Stay alert and safety conscious; there are no lifeguards. Bring your camera, notebook, sketchpad, or acoustic instrument. Bring home all your trash, and pick up any trash left behind by someone else. Make sure you understand where the underwater hazards and deep parts are. Walk into the pool rather than dive headfirst. Know you do so at your own risk. Cherish the peace and freedom of living in the moment.
