In today’s post I want to share with you an amazing gem called Peekamoose Blue Hole, a “potentially” amazing spot worth visiting for a day trip in the Catskill Mountains. I say potentially because depending on when you come here, it can either be one of the most amazing experiences you’ll ever have, or potentially one of the worst because of all the crowds but this post will help you get it right!
Info:
- Name: Peekamoose Blue Hole
- Location: Sundown NY
- Cost to enter: $10 (required between May-September 15th)
- Distance from NYC: 3 hours
- Ideal time to go for: 1 day
- Reviews: 4.5 out of 5
Overview:
Peekamoose Blue Hole is the most famous swimming hole in Upstate NY. It used to serve as a local secret for years, often shared through word of mouth among nature enthusiasts. As its turquoise waters gained fame, it has seen a surge in visitors each summer, bringing a blend of excitement and challenges to the area and that is both a good and bad thing.
So why does Peekamoose Blue Hole draw people from all over? I think it’s the combination of its pristine condition, accessibility, and the sheer beauty that makes it a bucket list destination for many. However, with popularity comes responsibility, and it’s essential to visit with an awareness of preserving its natural state, something that I have seen many not abide by at all.
Things to know:
First and foremost, always check the latest visitor information before you head out on the main Peekamoose Blue Hole site. Regulations can change, and you don’t want any surprises ruining your day and in this case we’re talking potential closings or requirements to pay for a permit before you go.
Entry to Peekamoose Blue Hole doesn’t typically include an entry fee if it’s between October-April but if you wish to go there between May 15th-September 15th, you’ll need to sign up with the site above and get a day permit.
As for visiting the area, it’s very easy to get to, although cell phone reception there is often bad so make sure your GPS is set to the area well before you get there, but once you do get to the official parking lot, the blue hole is only about 100 feet away. You don’t even need any hiking gear to head down to it.
- How cold is the water? It’s honesly freezing all throughout the day, even if you go during mid day in the summer so I wouldn’t recommend diving right in and slowly getting comfortable with it.
- How deep is the water? I measured it about 25 feet.
- Is diving allowed? No but I’ve seen tons of people do it anyway.
- Is the color of the water actually blue? It can be depending on the time of day. If you visit during most days, it’ll be more emerald green. If it’s very cloudy, it can be more blueish.
Tips for getting the best experiences:
I’m going to share some expert advice to help you navigate Peekamoose Blue Hole like you’ve been there a hundred times. There’s a lot happening very quickly in the peak season (pretty much May-September), and knowing the ropes is essential.
Let’s start with timing: To avoid the peak crowds and have a more tranquil visit, consider going on weekdays or during the very early mornings. Summer weekends can get ridiculously packed, so if you want a quieter dip, timing is everything.
Getting there early not only helps you avoid the crowds but also secures you a great spot. If you’re planning a full-day trip, bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection (although there are plenty of areas with good shade).
Clean up after yourself: Now another thing I’m also going to advise is to remember the ‘leave no trace’ principles. Pack out what you bring in, This place is a treasure, and it’s up to visitors like you to keep it pristine. And yes I am fully aware that there’s tons of people who come here who could care less about the rules, but that doesn’t excuse adding to the mess, set an example.
Accessibility info: If you’re bringing kids or you have accessibility concerns, remember the area is pretty accessible for just about everyone. Just be prepared to supervise closely, as some spots can be slippery.
Maximizing your adventure:
Now what is going to make your trip to Peekamoose Blue Hole truly unforgettable? It’s about striking a balance between the allure of pristine waters and the rich, surrounding Catskill environment. This is why I’m going to recommend a few things to help you make an awesome day trip out of visiting this place and here’s how to do that:
- Start by going very early to the Blue Hole if you can (and on a weekday)
- After you’re done, visit Buttermilk Falls that’s located right by the Blue Hole
- Consider taking a hike right by the main Blue Hole parking lot to finish up
- If you do the hike and end up being sweaty, consider revisiting the Blue hole afterwards to cool off
- Finish up the day by visiting a local town, like Peekamoose or Woodstock afterwards
Remember that Peekamoose Blue Hole isn’t just a summer destination or a place you “have to” go swimming in. You can very well just visit it during off seasons and enjoy the sights too. For example, the changing leaves of autumn create a breathtaking backdrop around Peekamoose Blue Hole and are perfect for photography.
I’ll leave you with this: Please respect the area. Pretty much everyone I know who posts about this place (including me) gets a lot of complaints for locals who say we ruined it by sharing it too much. I honestly don’t blame them, but the cat is really out of the bag at this point. All we can do is be responsible visitors, enjoy the area but clean up after ourselves to not ruin it for others. I know a lot of people don’t get that message but that doesn’t change the fact that we can still be responsible visitors.