PENNSYLVANIA 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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Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | HARRISBURG, LANCASTER, MIDDLETOWN, ELIZABETHTOWN, ABERDEEN | ||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.1772,lon= -76.6237(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | ||
| STATE | PA | ||
| WATER | Conewago Creek | ||
| TYPE | Creek | ||
| DESCRIPTION | Very beautiful swimming spot, but very rocky. It has been used as a swimming hole for years. Swimming hole is big with many pools up and down the creek. Water will be muddy and high after a good rain. Be careful of rocks as there are many big rocks & boulders in the water. Area is surrounded by boulders but has lots of shade. This swimming hole sees lots of use too. NOTE: We received this email in 6/2006:"Unfortunately, Aberdeen Mills has been posted as private property with no trespassing signs as a boy broke his leg after swinging from a rope. I don't know of any more information. I was there during the summer of 2005 for the first, and probably last time, as everyone there was asked to leave by two men who were posting the signs on trees next to the trail. They also said the area would be patrolled for unwelcome visitors." | ||
| AREAS | None | ||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | ||
| FEE | No | ||
| FACILITIES | Unknown | ||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming | ||
| PHONE | None | ||
| CAMPING | None at site. | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Customary | ||
| DIRECTIONS | From Harrisburg I-283 south to RT 283 southeast. Continue on RT 283 to the Toll House Road exit. Make a right to take the overpass back over RT 283. Come immediately come to a "T" intersection at RT 230. Make a left on RT 230 heading east. From here, there are two alternate ways: Way 1: After "Ed's Landscaping" and before the bridge, make a left on to Hertzler Road. Come to a fork of Hoffer and Hertzler Roads. Bear right to continue on Hertzler Rd. At Mill Road, make a right. A stone farm house is on the left with barns and buildings on either side. This is Aberdeen Mills. Cross over the bridge and creek. This is the creek with the swimming hole. As you bear to the left you'll see a space to park cars at the elbow in the road. You may park your vehicle here. The swimming hole is through the trees and to the left. Enter the swimming hole either by the path at the parking area or through the "Conewago Trail" to the left about 10 yards from the area. If you walk the Conewago Trail, you'll hear the water off to your left. Very rocky area all around. Find a path, but be careful! Way 2: Stay on RT 230 east. Do not turn on to Hertzler road. Instead, continue on RT 230 and cross over the bridge. You'll see the Conewago Trail parking on your left. This is the start of the trail. Park your car here and hike the Conewago Trail for about 1.5 miles to the swimming hole. You'll know you've reached it when you have to cross over Mill Road to continue on the trail. You'll hear the water off to your left through the boulders and trees. Be careful climbing over the boulders or look for a pathway to get to the swimming hole. This route will give you some exercise. | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | ||
| VERIFIED | No | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 7/1/2006 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | WILLIAMSPORT, WELLSBORO, BLACKWELL, CEDAR RUN | ||||
| STATE | PA | ||||
| WATER | Varies-see below | ||||
| TYPE | Creek | ||||
| DESCRIPTION | Swimming holes in creeks near Blackwell at the southern end of the very spectacular Pine Creek Canyon (aka "The Grand Canyon of PA") in the Tioga State Forest. If you canoe through the canyon (usually there is only enough water in the early spring), you may end your trip near here at Blackwell. See "DIRECTIONS" below for details. THERE ARE MANY RATTLESNAKES IN THE CENTRAL PA AREA, BE CAREFUL! DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS OR FEET ANYWHERE YOU CANNOT SEE FIRST, LIKE UNDER A ROCK OR LOG OR ON A LEDGE. SNAKE ALERT . | ||||
| AREAS | Tioga State Forest, Pine Creek Canyon | ||||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | ||||
| FEE | None | ||||
| FACILITIES | Toilet facilities at Rattlesnake Rock | ||||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming (Tubing, Canoeing on Pine Creek) | ||||
| PHONE | Unknown | ||||
| CAMPING | Camp north of here on the rim of the PA Grand Canyon at Leonard Harrison S.P. or Colton Point S.P. or camp south of here at Little Pine S.P. (Little Pine has nicest facilities and swimming beach on lake). | ||||
| BATHING SUITS | Varies-see below | ||||
| DIRECTIONS | From Wellsboro (on RT 6 in north central PA) go south on RT 287, then: STONY FORK [STON]: Several very scenic swimming holes in Stony Fork Creek. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 , PHOTO 4. This description from a visitor in 2007:" At Little Falls, Stony Fork PA, the depth of the water here in the summer during the hot season is 7-10 feet deep. Great place for swimming, must be careful jumping because there are two large boulders in the water that are larger enough to stand on in the middle and keep you above water. Within Within 30 feet of Little Falls, downstream around the bend is another deep pool 6 to 8 feet deep during the summer season. From where the pull off is for Little Falls, go down the road less than a half a mile and there is a steep trail that goes over the bank. At the end of this trail is the prime jewel of the creek. Big Falls, Stony Fork PA. It is a deep azure colored hole that is rumored to be 35 to 85 feet deep. People jump off the tops of the pine trees around the hole into the water and never touch bottom. No one ever has." Bathing suits may be optional. To get here from Wellsboro, go south on RT 287 to Knapp then take SR 3008 west (right turn) to town of Stony Fork. In Stony Fork, go south on SR 3007 a short way to Draper and take the fork that goes off to the left (set your odometer here) this is no longer RT 3007, this is now Stony Fork Rd. Continue south on Stony Fork Rd, it becomes dirt, through a little area called Paint Run (see wooden building on left that says "Paint Run" on sign) a total of 4.8 miles where there is a pull-out on the right - park here. Follow the wide, obvious trail from this parking spot upstream to where the falls is. One swimming place is at the foot of this falls. There are several other falls and swimming places along this road. LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=41.595,lon= -77.352 (source: measured-p) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 6/07/05. Updated 1/29/08.
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| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | ||||
| VERIFIED | Yes, 6/05 | ||||
| DATE UPDATED | 6/9/2005 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | PITTSBURGH, SOMERSET | |||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=39.9733,lon= -79.2981(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | |||
| STATE | PA | |||
| WATER | Laurel Creek | |||
| TYPE | Creek | |||
| DESCRIPTION | Beautiful, small, crystal-clear swimming hole in scenic setting. | |||
| AREAS | Forbes S. F. | |||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | |||
| FEE | No | |||
| FACILITIES | None | |||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming | |||
| PHONE | Unknown | |||
| CAMPING | Nearby at Kooser S. P. and Laurel Hill S. P. (there is none at Laurel Ridge S. P. or Laurel Summit S. P. or Laurel Mountain S. P.) | |||
| BATHING SUITS | Required | |||
| DIRECTIONS | From Pittsburgh, take I-70/76 (PA TPKE) east to the Somerset exit. From the Somerset exit, take RT 31 (W. Main St.) a short way west then RT 281 (New Centerville Rd.) southwest (through New Centerville and New Lexington) about 10.5 miles to Barronvale (the road is now called Scullton Rd.). In Barronvale, take Ream Rd. north 1 mile then jog right on Covered Bridge Rd. then quickly left on Fall Run Rd. (Here is a picture of the covered bridge . Go about 1 mile on Fall Run Rd. then turn right on Blue Hole Rd. (a definite clue) (gravel). Go about 1.3 miles on Blue Hole Rd. and ... guess what... a beautiful blue hole on the right (just before you get to Gary Run on the left, see a post on the right that says "Blue Hole"). | |||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | |||
| VERIFIED | Yes, 5/2008 | |||
| DATE UPDATED | 5/28/2008 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | WILMINGTON (DE), CHADD'S FORD (PA) | |||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=39.8818,lon= -75.6025(source: Topozone ) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | |||
| STATE | PA | |||
| WATER | Brandywine Creek | |||
| TYPE | Creek | |||
| DESCRIPTION | Primarily a tubing/canoeing place, but also some swimming holes. (See also BRANDYWINE in Delaware) | |||
| AREAS | None | |||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | |||
| FEE | No | |||
| FACILITIES | None | |||
| ACTIVITIES | Tubing, Canoeing, Swimming | |||
| PHONE | Unknown | |||
| CAMPING | Unknown. | |||
| BATHING SUITS | Required | |||
| DIRECTIONS | From Chadd's Ford, PA (at the Brandywine Museum) on RT 1, go north
on RT 100. There are some apparent parking areas and swimming holes along RT 100 here,
before you get to RT 926. When you get to RT 926, continue north on RT 100 then bear left onto RT 3071 (called Brandywine Rd. or South Creek Rd.). Just before you get to RT 842 on the left is parking for a few cars. Follow the wooden steps down to the creek. Continue on a path 100 meters to a rope swing over the creek and another 100 meters to a wide spot for swimming. There's a picnic table and bench, too. If you turn left on RT 842, just after you cross the bridge over the river, there is a railroad track and a road on the left and some possible swimming places if you park and walk downstream along the railroad track. | |||
| CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident | |||
| VERIFIED | Partial, 5/99 | |||
| DATE UPDATED | 11/08/2005 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | ERIE, WARREN | |||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.75008,lon= -79.17522 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | |||
| STATE | PA | |||
| WATER | West Branch of Tionesta Creek | |||
| TYPE | Creek/Lake | |||
| DESCRIPTION | Official, lifeguarded swimming at sand beach on dammed, spring fed creek. Good clarity and real cold because of being spring fed! PARK WEB SITE. | |||
| AREAS | Chapman S. P., near Allegheny N. F. | |||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | |||
| FEE | Unknown | |||
| FACILITIES | All facilities | |||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming | |||
| PHONE | 814-723-0250 | |||
| CAMPING | Developed camping at site | |||
| BATHING SUITS | Required | |||
| DIRECTIONS | From Warren, take RT 6 south to Clarendon. There is one traffic light in Clarendon. Turn west (right) at the light onto Railroad Street. Railroad Street becomes Chapman Dam Road just outside of town. The park is at the end of Chapman Dam Road. Chapman State Park, 4790 Chapman Dam Road, Clarendon, PA 16313. | |||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | |||
| VERIFIED | No | |||
| DATE UPDATED | 1/28/2008 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | HARRISBURG | |||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.25669,lon= -76.88981(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | |||
| STATE | PA | |||
| WATER | Susquehanna River | |||
| TYPE | River | |||
| DESCRIPTION | City Island Park is a Harrisburg City beach in the middle of the Susquehanna River reached by bridge. It has a swimming beach on the Susquehanna River and lots of other attractions including a scenic boat ride, miniature golf, minor league baseball and others. LINK TO WEB SITE. | |||
| AREAS | City Island Park | |||
| SANCTION | Official | |||
| FEE | Uncertain | |||
| FACILITIES | All facilities | |||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming | |||
| PHONE | 717.255.3020 | |||
| CAMPING | no | |||
| BATHING SUITS | Required | |||
| DIRECTIONS | LINK TO DIRECTIONS. | |||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | |||
| Not VERIFIED | no | |||
| DATE UPDATED | 1/18/2007 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | HAGERSTOWN (MD), CHAMBERSBURG (PA) | ||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=39.93664,lon= -77.66441(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | ||
| STATE | PA | ||
| WATER | Conococheague Creek | ||
| TYPE | Creek | ||
| DESCRIPTION | Tubing and swimming place in Conococheague Creek right in the town of Chambersburg. Definitely not a scenic setting - it right behind a chain link fenced parking area and industrial storage area. Here's a report from a visitor who didn't think it was a very nice place:"I visited the conococheague creek (cono) swimming hole in Chambersburg, PA on 8/13/06 and sadly report that it is not in very good shape. The river has a sulfuric (read polluted) smell to it, and has a milky color. The watering hole appears well-used, but by that I mean well-littered - clothing, cans and bottles litter the shore and are floating in the water. Where the water was shallow, we could see that the river bottom is covered in silt. We saw several fish in the water so it might not be THAT bad, but we decided to wade in the crystal-clear river at the nearby Caledonia State Park." | ||
| AREAS | None | ||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | ||
| FEE | None | ||
| FACILITIES | None (but it is right in town) | ||
| ACTIVITIES | Tubing, Swimming | ||
| PHONE | None | ||
| CAMPING | None at site; Pine Grove Furnace, east of here, has camping and lake swimming. | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Customary | ||
| DIRECTIONS | From Hagerstown, MD go north on I-81 to Chambersburg, PA. The Conococheague Creek goes right through Chambersburg and has many swimming and tubing places. One place: In downtown Chambersburg, going west on RT 30, after you cross RT 11 and go over small bridge, see the Texas Lunch Family Restaurant and a parking lot on your left (south side). (There may also be a sign for the restaurant and another parking lot across the street, to your right, on the north side. You want to walk though the parking lot on the left or south side of the street.) Park here and walk through the restaurant parking lot. There is an old piece of railroad trestle (now a pedestrian bridge) that spans the creek and a path next to it that leads right to a swimming hole (go around behind the chain link fence) with a rope swing. | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | ||
| VERIFIED | Yes, 6/2006 | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 1/18/2007 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | MARIENVILLE, CLARION, COOKSBURG | |||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.32586,lon= -79.19111(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | |||
| STATE | PA | |||
| WATER | Clarion River | |||
| TYPE | River | |||
| DESCRIPTION | Very nice (and popular) water-play area along the beautiful Clarion River in Cook Forest S.P.. Lots of tubing and canoeing (rentals available locally) and playing in the water on a warm summer day. River is mostly pretty shallow but there are some waist-deep places where on could swim a bit. (There is also a swimming pool in the State Park.) | |||
| AREAS | Cook Forest S.P. | |||
| SANCTION | Official | |||
| FEE | None | |||
| FACILITIES | All facilities nearby | |||
| ACTIVITIES | Tubing, Canoeing, Swimming | |||
| PHONE | (814)744-8407 | |||
| CAMPING | At site; Cook Forest S.P. | |||
| BATHING SUITS | Required | |||
| DIRECTIONS | From I-80 east of Clarion at Brookville (Exit 78), take RT 36 north about 15 miles to Cook Forest S.P.. In the State Forest, drive along the Clarion River, park (legally) grab a tube and and jump in! | |||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | |||
| VERIFIED | Yes, 7/04 | |||
| DATE UPDATED | 7/8/2004 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | PITTSBURGH, CONNELLSVILLE, SCOTTDALE, LAYTON | ||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.10722, lon= -79.67806 (source: Topozone ) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | ||
| STATE | PA | ||
| WATER | Jacobs Creek | ||
| TYPE | Creek/Falls | ||
| DESCRIPTION | Small waterfall deep in the woods with fine swimmming hole at bottom. This from one happy user: "Cliffs to jump and dive off of, you can even swim up behind the falls and they spill down onto your shoulders! This place was very secluded for sure! It is a little hike (think long and hot in summer) about 15 minutes I think! I will find this place this summer and try to give you better directions...it is tough...I've been there a dozen times and still get lost everytime!" This (more recently) from another happy user: "Small waterfall deep in the woods with fine swimming hole at bottom. The waterfall is accessible by a short hike along railroad track or along a rugged dirt road passable only to off road vehicles. When we visited, some people on dirt bikes and jeeps arrived. The site had some problems with graffitti, litter and broken glass. Nonetheless, it was a very nice swimming hole with a deep pool and great cliffs to jump from." And another report:"It was a pretty good spot. Total mileage was about 50 miles from Pittsburgh, took about an hour to get there. Scottdale is the closest town, pretty tiny rural community. Some organization/club was raising money so they were selling hoagies on the street corner at the main intersection of the town. And they were HUGE hoagies, at least a foot. From there, just a few miles on small roads, then a turn down a gravel road. A railroad runs essentially along the creek, so once the gravel road becomes a total off-road "road," you can park and climb up on to the tracks for an easy walk -- or hike along the creek/off-road till you get to falls. Not sure if the jeep would make it. Apparently it's a hot spot for locals to ride quads and dirt bikes, and we saw a bunch of folks out for a ride. Several spots were pretty tough for the quads, and you can see where the path/road has sparked off into little alternate routes because the wear/weather/etc has torn up some pretty deep trenches. It was definitely a climb/scamper as well as a walk, not a simple hike. So that was pretty fun." "In addition to ourselves, a few groups of high school or college age kids came down and were "cliff jumping" and swimming and goofing off. Some of the quad riders stopped down at the falls for a few minutes to hang out. The water level was really low, and I'd say the falls were sort of a 2- or 3-section tiered fall, first about 5 or 6 feet, then a longer 8 or 10 foot drop. You could jump into the water from any of a number of rocks at different heights. The highest jump was probably a 25 foot plunge into the water, which was pretty sweet. Lots of trash. BROKEN GLASS everywhere, so barefoot was not a good idea.It was definitely a remarkable amount of glass, so that was the one negative quality. It would be impossible to ruin the location, though, since it was such a prime little swimming hole.Definitely worth revisiting!" | ||
| AREAS | PA State Game Lands 296 | ||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | ||
| FEE | No | ||
| FACILITIES | Unknown | ||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming | ||
| PHONE | Unknown | ||
| CAMPING | At Ohiopyle S.P. southeast of here. Get reservations if it is rafting time. | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Unknown (probably optional, secluded place) | ||
| DIRECTIONS | From Pittsburg, take I-76 southeast to Exit 8 then RT 119 south then RT 819 southwest into Scottdale. In Scottdale, take SR 3002 west about 1 mile then go left on Creek Rd.. Follow Creek Rd. about 3 miles to Chaintown. At the bridge in Chaintown, there begins an unmarked gravel road that goes west along Jacobs Creek. (NOTE: there is no TOWN to Chaintown. The bridge is a railroad bridge on a secluded country road. Don't expect any stores or a post office). This road gets very rough and is passable only to off road vehicles. At one point the road fords the stream. You can park and walk up the road or you can follow the railroad tracks. The swimming hole is about 300 yards downstream after the tracks cross the stream the second time. | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | ||
| VERIFIED | no | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 1/16/2007 |
Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | PHILADELPHIA, MT. AIRY |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.05022, lon= -75.21458(source: DeLorme ) (accuracy: approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | PA |
WATER | Chresheim Creek |
TYPE | Creek/Falls |
DESCRIPTION | This from a local fan: "Devil's Pool (AKA "Devil's Pond") is a swimming hole on a side creek (Cresheim Creek) feeding the Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia. The creek pours over a giant boulder into a pool about 12 feet deep. There are many places for jumping. This place can get crowded and overused - it's really a shame, because it is gorgeous. We like to go there in the winter, particularly after a snow. In the interests of full disclosure, more than a few people have drowned there over the years -- hence, its name. It's an incredible swimming hole and it's within the limits of a big city. If it were in the country, it would figure prominently on the list." | It is indeed a very perfect little swimminghole. But I would recommend caution about swimming here - there have been many accidents and the creek drains a developed suburban area and may be unhealthy.
AREAS | Fairmount Park (City) |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, jumping |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | None |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Chestnut Hill or Mt. Airy, in northwest Philadelphia, take Germantown Ave. then west on Springfield Ave.. Bear right at Valley Green Rd. and descend into Fairmount Park. Cross the bridge over Wissahickon Creek then park. Walk back over the bridge and turn right onto a trail that heads downstream. This trail forks right away -keep right to stay close to the creek. In about .5 mile you will come to a foot bridge high up above a side creek (there is a rock viaduct very high above) and the swimming hole is very visible right below here in the side creek just before it empties into Wissahickon Creek. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 11/05 |
DATE UPDATED | 11/21/2005 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | SCRANTON, BLOOMING GROVE, HAWLEY | ||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.4980, lon= -75.1956(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | ||
| STATE | PA | ||
| WATER | Lackawaxen River (?) | ||
| TYPE | Falls | ||
| DESCRIPTION | Small waterfall, with approx 25-30 foot jumping rock, clean water, usually lots of broken glass, long walk to the top, but worth it. Waterfall can be walked underneath and behind, very cool, water is usually in shade, so its usually cold. You can jump off almost any parts of the rock waterfall. Watch out for broken glass, and clean up anything you leave. Just posted "no trespassing" signs in 2002, so leave without a fuss if anyone tells you to do so. | ||
| AREAS | None | ||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | ||
| FEE | No | ||
| FACILITIES | None | ||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming, Jumping | ||
| PHONE | None | ||
| CAMPING | None at site. | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Unknown | ||
| DIRECTIONS |
From Scranton, take I-84 east to RT 402 (near Blooming Grove). Take RT 402 north to RT 6. Take RT 6 northwest to Hawley. From the intersection of RT 6 and RT 590 in Hawley, go about 2 miles more on RT 6. There you will see an antique shop on the right, with a large parking area; on the left is a body shop. Turn off, and park in the gravel (on the left, I think). Follow one of the few paths until you come to a rocky stream, follow it to the left about 600-700 feet until you come to a large waterfall. This is the swimming hole. We could not find this place in 8/2008. If you find it, please send us a report. | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Very uncertain | ||
| VERIFIED | no | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 8/21/2008 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | PHILADELPHIA, ALLENTOWN, BETHLEHEM | |||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.7021, lon= -75.3203(source: DeLorme ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | |||
| STATE | PA | |||
| WATER | Quarry | |||
| TYPE | Quarry | |||
| DESCRIPTION | From their web site www.dutchsprings.com "Dutch Springs Diving and Recreation Facility features a 47 acre freshwater lake which has been set up specifically for SCUBA diving with underwater platforms, submerged vehicles, aircraft, and other sights to see, and a variety of interesting fish life including rainbow trout, palamino trout, largemouth bass, bluegills, carp, and goldfish. For non divers, Dutch Springs is a place for picnicking, boating, swimming, and snorkeling." | |||
| AREAS | None | |||
| SANCTION | Official | |||
| FEE | Yes, see web site | |||
| FACILITIES | Yes | |||
| ACTIVITIES | Scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming | |||
| PHONE | See web site | |||
| CAMPING | At site. | |||
| BATHING SUITS | Required | |||
| DIRECTIONS | From Philadelphia Area, go north on Northeast Ext. to Lehigh Valley Exit; RT. 22 East to RT. 191 North. See web site for more directions. | |||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | |||
| VERIFIED | no | |||
| DATE UPDATED | 9/16/2003 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | BEDFORD, CUMBERLAND (MD), HYNDMAN, FAIRHOPE (MD) | ||||||||
| STATE | PA | ||||||||
| WATER | Wills Creek | ||||||||
| TYPE | Creek | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Several swimming holes in the scenic Wills Creek. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. | ||||||||
| AREAS | None | ||||||||
| SANCTION | Varies-see below | ||||||||
| FEE | None | ||||||||
| FACILITIES | None | ||||||||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming | ||||||||
| PHONE | None | ||||||||
| CAMPING | Primitive camping at Goosebury (no facilities). Otherwise at Shawnee S.P. | ||||||||
| BATHING SUITS | Customary | ||||||||
| DIRECTIONS | From Bedford (a PA Tpke exit is here) go west on RT 30 a short distance then south on RT 96 to Hyndman to the red flashing light. Turn right at the light then make the first left onto Church St. (also known as Fairhope Rd.). Then:
FAIRHOPE [FAIR]: A series of small holes in a clear, cool creek which fall over 6 foot waterfall into 7 foot deep pool. Apparently the result of blasting for a railroad bed, which is very nearby. DANGERS associated with this hole are several: You have to walk across a railroad track and if you don't cross at the right place (see directions below) you could be trapped if a train comes by. The creek has a very steep gradient and is dangerous when there is lots of water in it. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 , PHOTO 4 , PHOTO 5. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=39.84326,lon= -78.79979(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here, continue on Fairhope Rd to the town of Fairhope to the railroad crossing. Drive (carefully) across the tracks and turn immediately left onto a dirt road by the tracks and go a short way to a wide parking area. Park here and walk up stream on the same side of the tracks, then: CROSS THE TRACKS - OBSERVING THIS CAUTION: You MUST cross the railroad tracks at the right place. Crossing too early puts you on a narrow ledge high above the creek with no room to avoid a coming train which you might not see (because of a sharp curve) or might not hear (because of the waterfall)! Walk about 50 yards up stream PAST the first place where you might be tempted to cross the tracks. Go to the sign for the "Fiber Optic Cable Crossing". Here there is room to cross safely and a path that leads to the streamside. Look both ways and cross here CAREFULLY - DO NOT CROSS THE TRACKS IF YOU ARE NOT SURE YOU CAN DO SO SAFELY! After you cross, go straight into the woods and oyu will see a distinct path down to the creek, upstream of the falls/rapids. The swimming hole is here. Very confident. Verified 4/04. Updated 4/04.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 4/04 |
DATE UPDATED | 4/19/2004 | |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | PITTSBURGH, DONEGAL, STAHLTOWN, RECTOR | |||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.1740, lon= -79.2356(source: Measured ) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | |||
| STATE | PA | |||
| WATER | Linn Run | |||
| TYPE | Creek | |||
| DESCRIPTION | A very popular local swimming hole runs over a huge, flat rock in Linn Run State park. The stream has family friendly waterslides and small pools. Be careful, rocks may be slippery. LINN RUN PARK WEB SITE . | |||
| AREAS | Linn Run S. P. | |||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | |||
| FEE | None | |||
| FACILITIES | Rest rooms, picnic tables | |||
| ACTIVITIES | Sliding, Swimming | |||
| PHONE | None | |||
| CAMPING | Nearby at Kooser S. P. and Laurel Hill S. P.. (there is none at Laurel Ridge S. P. or Laurel Summit S. P. or Laurel Mountain S. P.) | |||
| BATHING SUITS | Customary | |||
| DIRECTIONS | From Pittsburgh, take I-70/76 (PA TPKE) east to the Donegal exit. From the Donegal exit, take RT 31 a very short way east then take RT 711 north (through Donegal and Stahlstown) for 9.3 miles then turn east (right) on Darlington Rd (RT 2043). Go about 1.3 miles to Rector and turn south (right) on Linn Run Rd.. Go about 2.5 miles south on Linn Run Rd. into Linn Run State Park. In the park, look for the (signed) Adams Falls Picnic Area and park there in a large lot by the creek. Walk across the bridge over the creek and turn left onto the (signed) Flat Rock Trail downstream along the creek. Walk this trail less than 10 minutes and you will come to the Flat Rock area - family friendly waterslides and small pools. | |||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | |||
| VERIFIED | Yes, 5/2008 | |||
| DATE UPDATED | 5/26/2008 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | HAGERSTOWN (MD), CUMBERLAND (MD), ARTEMAS (PA) | |||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=39.75608,lon= -78.36467(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | |||
| STATE | PA | |||
| WATER | Sideling Hill Creek | |||
| TYPE | Creek | |||
| DESCRIPTION | Four Quarters Farm is a private "Interfaith Sanctuary" campground, but anyone can join or be a guest of a member. There are several pristine swimming holes here in the creek. Four Quarters Farm also has several festivals each summer that are open to the public and registered campers are welcome to use the swimming holes. See their website FOUR QUARTERS FARM. | |||
| AREAS | Four Quarters Farm (private) | |||
| SANCTION | Unknown | |||
| FEE | Private campground - requires membership or festival registration fee. | |||
| FACILITIES | All facilites at camground | |||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming | |||
| PHONE | See website above | |||
| CAMPING | Camping at site, private, membership or festival registration required. See web site above. | |||
| BATHING SUITS | Very optional | |||
| DIRECTIONS | See directions on web site above. | |||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | |||
| VERIFIED | No | |||
| DATE UPDATED | 5/31/2001 |
Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | WILLIAMSPORT, WELLSBORO, GALETON |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.73392,lon= -77.64386(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | PA |
WATER | Pine Creek/Berger Lake |
TYPE | Creek/Lake |
DESCRIPTION | Informal kids water-play area (not really deep enough to swim) in pertty town park in Galesville. (For travelers: it is right next to library with internet access, too!) [See also nearby "Ole Bull S.P." and "Hammersley Hole" swimming places]. |
AREAS | Galeton Park/Berger Lake |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None (Toilets nearby at library) |
ACTIVITIES |
Water-play |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | East of here at Colton Point S.P. (at PA Grand Canyon) and west at Lyman Run S. P.. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | In Galeton on RT 6, turn south at West St on the west side of town then turn east (left) on Park Lane (next to the gas station). The park is here. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 6/05 |
DATE UPDATED | 6/10/2005 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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|---|---|---|---|
| TOWNS | YORK, LANCASTER, CASTLE FIN | ||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=39.7714,lon= -76.3164(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | ||
| STATE | PA | ||
| WATER | Muddy Creek | ||
| TYPE | Creek | ||
| DESCRIPTION | Tube and swim at various locations along Muddy Creek. Total hike is about 3 miles along the entire creek. Water can be rough at certain locations especially after a rain. People camp sometimes, however, not sure if this is allowed. Diving is, of course, NOT recommended.(See also "THE GORGE".) | ||
| AREAS | Unknown | ||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | ||
| FEE | None | ||
| FACILITIES | Unknown | ||
| ACTIVITIES | Tubing, Swimming | ||
| PHONE | None | ||
| CAMPING | Nearby at Otter Creek Recreation Area (PA Power & Light), reservations available, call 717-862-3628. | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Unknown | ||
| DIRECTIONS | From York, take RT 74 southeast past RT 425 and past RT 372. Just before the town of Castle Fin, turn left onto Paper Mill Rd. In a short distance, this road crosses Muddy Creek. Park just before or after the bridge. The trail along the creek and swimming/tubing places are along here. | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident | ||
| VERIFIED | no | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 10/12/2002 |
Swimmingholes.info
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOWNS | STATE COLLEGE | |||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.6488,lon= -77.7587(source: measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | |||
| STATE | PA | |||
| WATER | East Branch Standing Stone Creek | |||
| TYPE | Lake | |||
| DESCRIPTION | Small lake formed by dammed creek in very beautiful setting. Swimming area is in lake - not really a "swimming hole" but so beautiful that it is included here. Very nicely developed campground at site. | |||
| AREAS | Greenwood Furnace S. P. | |||
| SANCTION | Official | |||
| FEE | None | |||
| FACILITIES | All facilities at site | |||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming | |||
| PHONE | Unknown | |||
| CAMPING | At site. | |||
| BATHING SUITS | Required | |||
| DIRECTIONS | From State College, take RT 26 south east though Penns Grove Mills to McAlevys Fort (past the turn off for Whipple Dam S. P. where there is also swimming but no camping) then continue straight on RT 305 to signs for Greenwood Furncae S. P.. | |||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | |||
| VERIFIED | Yes, 7/04 | |||
| DATE UPDATED | 7/8/2004 |
Swimmingholes.info
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|---|---|---|---|
| TOWNS | READING, HAMBURG | ||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.57772,lon= -76.01333(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | ||
| STATE | PA | ||
| WATER | Schuylkill River, New Kernsville Dam | ||
| TYPE | River/lake | ||
| DESCRIPTION | This from a fan:"An excellent swimming and jumping spot located on the Schukill river north of Hamburg Pa . There's a dam down stream that keeps the water level at a safe depth. You may still want to wear shoes in case of hitting bottom. I would estimate the water depth in front of the highest perch to be 12 - 15' . A little shallow for my comfort level considering the 30+ ft height of the highest jumping spot. Talking with one of the locals, he remarked, "I've never hit bottom". In addition to the cliff jumping, there are a couple more swimming spots as you head downstream , toward the dam. Follow the trail down the river and you'll find a couple of rope swings. Look across the river from there and you can see a small pier and some picnic benches. That area is only accessible by water ,but it's still public use (swim or canoe across). I would recommend bathing suits near the cliff as it is a very popular spot. The swimming areas downstream are a little more secluded." This from another visitor:"There is a lot of broken glass at the rope swings and the rock, so be careful. So people jump off with shoes on because it stings your feet slightly. If you jump and land the wrong way it REALLY hurts. Only jump if you are experienced or just plain crazy." NOTE: I received the following email in 7/2006:"I am writing concerning the New Kernsville Dam site located on the Schuylkill river near the Village of Hamburg, Pennsylvania which is currently listed in your Swimming Holes website. This are has been the site of numerous injuries and fatalities, and at the request of the Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and local communities, the Department of Environmental Protection has closed the area to swimming. The New Kernsville Dam is a popular recreation area, and will remain open for fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities. However, the Department has posted No-Swimming signs in the area, and the Pennsylvania State Police will enforce the regulation. Please inform your readers that this area is no longer open to swimming. Thank you for your assistance. Signed: DEP, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation , Schuylkill River Project" | ||
| AREAS | State Game Lands #106 | ||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | ||
| FEE | None | ||
| FACILITIES | Unknown | ||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming, jumping (no longer permitted) | ||
| PHONE | None | ||
| CAMPING | Unknown | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Customary | ||
| DIRECTIONS | From I-78 (north of Reading, west of Allentown) at the town of Hamburg, exit onto RT 61 north. Go about 2 miles until just after you cross the the Schuylkill River then turn immediately east (right) onto (I think) Blue Mountain Rd. Park on the shoulder and go down to the river. You could also continue on this road to the dam where there is a small parking lot and follow the trail upstream. The other way to get there is to turn right off of RT 61 north at the intersection where the Burger King is. Go straight and make a right. Continue on that road which goes behind the Cracker Barrel. Make a left turn immediately following the railroad tracks. Once on Kernsville Dam Road, take it all the way you can go. The road is filled with potholes so dont take your new sports car. You will see the dam on the right but keep going. Eventually you will get to the end of the road and see a few parking spots. Get out and walk in the direction you were driving and there is a pretty obvious trail. About 5 minutes on the trail are the two rope swings. They are a lot of fun, and the current isn't that strong there. If you walk about 15 more minutes you will get to the rock. It's pretty hard to miss. | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | ||
| VERIFIED | no | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 1/10/2007 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | WILLIAMSPORT, LOCK HAVEN, REDOVO | ||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.5118, lon= -77.8673(source: measured by another) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | ||
| STATE | PA | ||
| WATER | Hammersley Fork | ||
| TYPE | Creek | ||
| DESCRIPTION | A serious hike (12 miles total, some steep grades) to a small cascade and a deep hole in the Hammersley Fork creek, deep enough to swim even in mid-summer. [See also nearby "Ole Bull" swimming place.] A frequent visitor here warns that THERE ARE MANY RATTLESNAKES IN THE CENTRAL PA AREA, BE CAREFUL! DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS OR FEET ANYWHERE YOU CANNOT SEE FIRST, LIKE UNDER A ROCK OR LOG OR ON A LEDGE. SNAKE ALERT . | ||
| AREAS | Hammersley Wild Area (State) | ||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | ||
| FEE | None | ||
| FACILITIES | None | ||
| ACTIVITIES | Hiking, Swimming | ||
| PHONE | Unknown | ||
| CAMPING | Nearby at Ole Bull S.P. | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Unknown, probably optional, very remote. | ||
| DIRECTIONS | From Williamsport, go west about 25 miles on RT 220 to Lock Haven. Take RT 120 northwest about 30 miles to RT 144, just past Redovo. Take RT 144 north through Tamarack to where RT 144 reaches a "T" intersection and turns right - set your odometer here. Go right on RT 144 and go about 1.75 miles and turn north (left) on a dirt road signed "Hammersley Fork Ave". (This is about 4.75 miles BEFORE you get ot Cross Fork on Rt 144.) This from a hiker who went here:" There are actually two entrances to this road, but only the northerly one is open; the other one crosses a small bridge which is marked "closed." The dirt road proceeds north one-half mile through private land paralleling the Hammersley Fork Run, before entering State Forest land. The road fords the stream but is closed to vehicles; a two-cable foot bridge crosses the stream. You may also cross the stream by foot. Follow the road on the west side of the stream about one mile north. There is a private swinging bridge and another cable bridge to allow you to cross back over the east side of the creek. Follow the stream north until you cross the County Line run. Watch along the foot of the mountain for a very narrow footpath that goes up a grade and runs along the mountainside parallel to Hammersley Fork. This footpath levels off. You will descend once again to Dump Hollow. If you were not able to find the footpath, you can connect with it here. Continue to follow the path. You will come down to the Elkhorn Hollow. Follow the path once again. Finally, the path will descend to stream level. Follow the path a short distance and you will arrive at the Hammersley Pool. This hike is more than 12 miles long, and the terrain is very demanding. The mountainside trail is quite narrow and the slopes are very steep. Also, your warning about rattlesnakes is correct -- we saw one on our hike. A map is essential, because the footpaths are not easy to find and the Hammersley Fork branches off into many tributaries as you head upstream. This hike should only be attempted by a serious hiker with good map skills!" If you are going to hike this, you should get a trail map and/or guidebook from: Susquehannock Trail Club PO Box 643 Coudersport, PA 16915 The map packet is $3.50 plus 6% Sales Tax and $0 shipping for a total of $3.71, The guide book is $10.00 plus 6% Sales Tax and $1.50 shipping for a total of $12.10 ) | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident | ||
| VERIFIED | no | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 11/13/2005 |
Swimmingholes.info
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|---|---|---|---|
| TOWNS | WILKES-BARRE, HAZELTON, WHITE HAVEN | ||
| STATE | PA | ||
| WATER | Varies-see below | ||
| TYPE | Varies-see below | ||
| DESCRIPTION | Swimming/wading places in and near Hickory Run S. P.. For details, see "DIRECTIONS" below. | ||
| AREAS | Varies-see below | ||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | ||
| FEE | None | ||
| FACILITIES | All facilities are available in the State Park | ||
| ACTIVITIES | See below | ||
| PHONE | (717)443-0400 (State Park) | ||
| CAMPING | Hickory Run S.P. has camping. | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Customary | ||
| DIRECTIONS |
From Wilkes Barre: go south on the N.E. Extension of PA Tpke.
(I-476) for about 15 mi to Exit 35. Go west on RT 940 to RT 534 (follow signs to Hickory Run State Park). Take RT 534 southeast (turn left)(BE SURE TO SET YOUR ODOMETER HERE!). Then:
SHANTY RUN [SHAN]: Large, deep, beautiful and very secluded swimming place (suits optional?) in Shanty Run (or maybe in Black Run, not sure) below small waterfall. Rocks to sun on and jump from. In PA State Game Land #40 (Near Hickory Run S.P.). PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=41.0436, lon= -75.743(source: measured-p) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from RT 534 (BE SURE YOU SET YOUR ODOMETER AT RT 940 AND RT 534, AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, THIS PLACE CAN BE HARD TO FIND OTHERWISE! You will read 1.4 miles at the parking area.) (Follow directions very carefully from here or you will never find it.) On RT 534 you will pass I-80 then see a golf course on your right. On your left is State Game Land #40 and you will PASS a number of parking areas on the left. BEFORE you get to Lehigh Tannery and BEFORE you get to Hickory Run State Park, at about the end of the golf course, a total of 1.4 miles from RT 940, (or 1.0 miles from I-80) park on the LEFT in the large parking area (there are PA State hunting signs there, including a large, free-standing "Welcome to State Land, Hunt Safely" sign.) This is the last big parking area in the Game Land before you get to Lehigh Tannery. Now follow these directions carefully: Right next to the sign is a wide grass trail, as wide as a vehicle width, with a large, brown metal gate crossing the trail with a smaller sign "closed to all motorized vehicles" tacked on the gate. Start on this trail and about .25 mile, you will come to an intersection of several grass trails going in all directions. Turn right and walk about 50 feet to another grass trail intersection, turn (sharply) right again. This trail leads down a moderately steep trail and becomes rocky in some areas. At the bottom, it ends with grass trails going to the left and right. Take the right and follow it until it ends at a campfire pit. The swimming hole is shortly downstream from the creek that is on the left side of the campfire pit. There are two options to get to the hole, either walk on top of the large boulders that are in the creek or to go back to the campfire and go further into the woods, walking in parallel to the creek, ducking low tree branches along the way. Either way, you will end at the deep pool below the large rock. Caution: enter the water and scout the pool first before jumping because rocks at the bottom jut upwards. Very confident. Verified. Updated 6/1/2004.
(Another approach - from the south, on RT 903: Turn left (west) from RT 903 on RT 534. On RT 534, you will see a large sign: "Hickory Run State Park" -- exactly 2.0 miles from the intersection of RT 534 and RT 903 -- in a heavily wooded area with the road winding through it. At the bottom, there is a clearing. The parking area is exactly 2.4 miles east of the intersection of RT 534 and RT 903. The parking area is in this clearing, on the left.) Either way: Don't take the trail that begins in the parking area but park and walk west on the road about 100 feet, staying on the left side of the road to a trail that begins at the "Hawk Falls Trail" sign. Caution: trail is moderately challenging so do wear a good pair of walking/trail shoes. After crossing the creek, about 200 feet further down the trail, there is a fork. You will hear the falls off to your right and if you take the right fork here you can go out on a rock ledge to see the falls BUT DO NOT TRY TO CLIMB DOWN THE ROCKS TO THE BOTTOM. If you keep going a bit more on this trail to the end of the trail, it will follow Mud Run then join Hawk Run and you will end up at the bottom of Hawk Falls- much safer and easier than climbing down the rocks from above. PHOTO 1 OF FALLS , PHOTO 2 OF FALLS. The other, deeper place is in Mud Run as the trail parallels Mud Run and before you get to the bottom of Hawk Falls. On the trail to the bottom of Hawk Falls, you will be walking alongside of Mud Run where you will see side trails to the creek for water play and a deep place off to your left at the foot of some large rocks across the creek. PHOTO OF MUD RUN. | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | ||
| VERIFIED | Yes, 8/00 | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 6/1/2004 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | WILKES-BARRE, HAZLETON, JIM THORPE | ||
| STATE | PA | ||
| WATER | Varies-see below | ||
| TYPE | Varies-see below | ||
| DESCRIPTION | Swimming holes in river and lake near Jim Thorpe. | ||
| AREAS | Varies-see below | ||
| SANCTION | Varies-see below | ||
| FEE | Varies-see below | ||
| FACILITIES | Varies-see below | ||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming | ||
| PHONE | None | ||
| CAMPING | Camping at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, see below. Also camping nearby at Hickory Run S.P. | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Customary | ||
| DIRECTIONS | From Allentown, take I-476 (PA Tpke N.E. Extension) north to Exit 34, Leighton. After exiting the PA turnpike at Leighton, head west to RT 209 that leads to Jim Thorpe (sign says "RT 209, South" whereas you are actually traveling north.) Then: MAUCH CHUNK LAKE PARK [MAUC]: This from a visitor:"... we go to Mauch Chunk Lake Park in Jim Thorpe/Summit Hill, PA our girls love it, there is a roped swimming area you have to pay but if you go to the dam end there's some beautiful spots to go in, I've never had a problem with the rangers. Since we live in the coal region we are very careful about what water we go to because of mine run off, this is a good lake. " NOTE: We received this email in 4/2007:"To Whom It May Concern: I'm writing in regards to information contained on your web site about the swimming hole located near the cove at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Jim Thorpe, PA. Please be advised that swimming in this area is not allowed. The cove is patrolled by Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Water Conservation Officers and Carbon County Park Rangers any and all violators are subject to fines and or arrest. Swimming is authorized in designated areas only per Pa Fish & Boat regulations. Thank You, Gerard Healy, Chief Ranger, Carbon County Parks Department" PARK WEB SITE. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=40.84325, lon= -75.79886(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here, at the first traffic light as you come into Jim Thorpe on RT 209, make a left (on West Broadway or Race St ?) and go approximately 4 miles from this stoplight. The entrance to Park is on left. MORE DETAILED DIRECTIONS. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/18/2007. GLEN ONOKO [GLEN]: Trestle over Lehigh River makes a favorite swimming hole for students from Jim Thorpe in the Lehigh Gorge S.P.. There is a swimming place below trestles here in the Lehigh River. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2. I received the following in an email from a state official in 7/2003: "The rope swing under the vehicular bridge is definitely illegal. The Park cuts that rope off as often as we can and has cited people in the past for using it. The train bridge is private property, patrolled by the railroad police. The local patrolman is particularly aggressive towards anyone even walking on that bridge. This is due in part to some serious injuries that have occurred here. Two in particular come to mind. A man caught an iron bar under his armpit and ripped his arm open to the elbow. In another, a teenager struck a submerged railroad tie that was floating down the river. From: David Fry, Ranger for Hickory Run and Lehigh Gorge State Parks." There is also the famous Glen Onoko Falls near here, but it is not known if there is actually a place to swim at the falls, I did not find one on a visit there 8/00. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.883,lon= -75.762(source: Topozone ) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from RT 209 approching Jim Thorpe from the south, (see above), follow this route to Jim Thorpe to the intersection of RT 209 and RT 903. Turn north east (right) at intersection onto RT 903, which crosses Lehigh River and turns to the left. Follow this route about .25 mile -- until it turns sharply to the right. At this point, there is a stop sign, intended for those traveling straight, instead of turning right. Go straight onto this road. (One more roadmark that you will notice is when you approach the "hard-right" intersection is a brown sign with "Glen Onoko Falls (arrow pointing straight)" on the right, prior to the intersection.) Continue down this road, which turns into a steep road with several moderate curves until you see another road on the left, marked with the "Lehigh Gorge State Park" sign. Turn left and follow this road until it ends at the parking area -- there are two parking areas: one before the railroad trestle and the other immediately after you cross the railroad trestle. Both lots are adjacent to the swimming hole. Access to this hole requires virtually no hiking at all. KEEP OFF THE TRESTLE! Very confident. Verified 8/2000. Updated 1/18/2007. | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Varies, see above | ||
| VERIFIED | Varies, see above | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 1/18/2007 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | WARREN, TIONESTA, KELLETTVILLE | ||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.54308,lon= -79.25792(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | ||
| STATE | PA | ||
| WATER | Tionesta Creek | ||
| TYPE | Creek | ||
| DESCRIPTION | Attractive, isolated National Forest campground along Tionesta Creek. The creek is quite shallow here, more for water-play and tubing than swimming, but there appeared to be a deeper area just north of the bridge to the campground where some swimming might be possible. | ||
| AREAS | Tionesta Lake, Allegheny N.F. | ||
| SANCTION | Unoffical | ||
| FEE | Yes | ||
| FACILITIES | Toilets, Picnic Tables | ||
| ACTIVITIES | Tubing, Swimming | ||
| PHONE | (814)755-3512 | ||
| CAMPING | At site - Kellettville Campground, Allegheny N. F. | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Unknown | ||
| DIRECTIONS | From Tionesta (in northwest PA, at the southwest tip of the Allegheny National Forest), go north 7 miles on RT 62, then east 11 miles on RT 666 to Kellettville campground. | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | ||
| VERIFIED | Yes, 7/04 | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 7/8/2004 |
Swimmingholes.info
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|---|---|---|---|
| STATE | PA | ||
| TOWNS | SCRANTON, FACTORYVILLE | ||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.5522, lon= -75.8331 (source: Topozone ) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | ||
| WATER | Tunkhannock Creek | ||
| TYPE | Creek | ||
| DESCRIPTION | Swimming hole in creek beneath roadway bridge. Access down along the side of the bridge is posted "PRIVATE PROPERTY". Be very careful not to JUMP OR DIVE here, there are hidden rocks in the water and people have been injured and/or killed diving here. | ||
| AREAS | None | ||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | ||
| FEE | No | ||
| FACILITIES | None | ||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming | ||
| PHONE | None | ||
| CAMPING | Lackawanna S.P. is nearby, has camping. | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Unknown | ||
| DIRECTIONS | From Scranton, north on RT 9 about 15 mi to RT 6/11. Go northwest on RT 6/11 through Factoryville. Continue on RT 6 about 2 mi past where RT 11 turns off (do not take RT 11 here) and go left (South) on Lithia Valley Rd.. Go about .4 mi to bridge, swim beneath and on right side of bridge. Access down along the side of the bridge is posted "PRIVATE PROPERTY". Be very careful not to JUMP OR DIVE here, there are hidden rocks in the water and people have been injured and/or killed diving here. | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | ||
| VERIFIED | yes | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 8/21/1999 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | RIDGWAY, WARREN, MARIENVILLE | |||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.39889, lon= -79.07972 (source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | |||
| STATE | PA | |||
| WATER | Millstone Creek | |||
| TYPE | Creek | |||
| DESCRIPTION | Small swimming area between 2 dams in creek, unique spring-fed pool, nice beach. | |||
| AREAS | Allegheny N.F. | |||
| SANCTION | Official | |||
| FEE | Unknown | |||
| FACILITIES | Toilets, Picnic Tables | |||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming | |||
| PHONE | (814)927-6628 | |||
| CAMPING | At site; Loleta Campground, Allegheny N.F. | |||
| BATHING SUITS | Required | |||
| DIRECTIONS | From Marienville, RT 2005 south (Loleta Rd.) about 5 mi to campground. | |||
| CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident | |||
| VERIFIED | no | |||
| DATE UPDATED | 6/30/1999 |
Swimmingholes.info
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| TOWNS | WILLIAMSPORT, LAPORTE, FORKSVILLE | ||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.46775,lon= -76.57925(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | ||
| STATE | PA | ||
| WATER | Loyalsock Creek | ||
| TYPE | Creek | ||
| DESCRIPTION | Many places to swim in the besutiful Loyalsock Creek gorge, generally northeast of Williamsport. See DIRECTIONS below for details. | ||
| AREAS | World's End State Park, Loyalsock State Forest | ||
| SANCTION | Varies, see below | ||
| FEE | Varies, see below | ||
| FACILITIES | Varies, see below | ||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming, Jumping, Tubing | ||
| PHONE | Varies, see below | ||
| CAMPING | At World's End S.P. | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Required or customary | ||
| DIRECTIONS | From Williamsport take I-180 east a short way to Mountoursville then go north on RT 87. Then: SLABTOWN [SLAB] Swimming hole and jumping place in Loyalsock Creek. PHOTO , LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO . To get here, continue north on RT 87 to the town of Loyalsock. Just south of the intersection with RT 973, park in a gravel pull-off on the east (right) side of the road. Cross the road (VERY CAREFULLY!), climb over the guard rail, go down a small path, and you will find yourself on a 15-20 foot cliff directly over Loyalsock creek. You can climb down the embankment to swim, or, most people jump off the cliff with a running start. CAUTION - Do not attempt to jump here unless you are sure the water depth is adequate and you have someone experienced with this place to guide you - you must jump OUT to clear the rocks below which may be hidden by the water! LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=41.32395,lon= -76.91104(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/2008. NEW SHORE ACRES [NEWS]Swimming hole in Loyalsock Creek. PHOTO . To get here, continue north on RT 87 from Slabtown a short way to the New Shore Acres Restarant - about 5 miles north of Montoursville on the west (left) side. Park away from the building - it is a big lot. Walk down to the creek, wade across the creek, and walk up stream to a very nice small hole about 11 feet deep. LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=41.34037,lon= -76.92095(source: measured) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/2008. BARBOURS [BARB]Another swimming hole in Loyalsock Creek. PHOTO . To get here, continue north on RT 87 to the town of Barbours. Go into Barbours and turn west (left) at the sign for the library and go down to the creek and make a left on Lower Barbours Rd and park at the old pole barn on the left. Cross the street and walk to the creek on a path that goes between trees and is also between 2 private properties. >>Please do not go across the peoples lawns.<< This is a popular place to swim and to scuba dive. Water depth in the channel ranges from 8 feet to 16 feet deep. There is a underwater spring here and the thermocline comes in at 10 feet you can feel the water drop 10 degrees. LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=41.39075,lon= -76.80215(source: measured) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/2008 HILLSGROVE BRIDGE [HILL] Another swimming hole in Loyalsock Creek, but this is strictly an on-foot approach, there doesn't seem to be any place close by to park. You may need to park in town and walk to the bridge. To get here, continue north on RT 87 and to the Hillsgrove area. The Hillsgrove Bridge is the bridge with a 13' 8" clearance just south of the Hillsgrove Store and The Beer Distributor. It is a very popular place for the local kids to swim there is a rope swing under the bridge and the water depth is 7 to 11 feet. It is a relaxing place and some snorkel and scuba dive there. LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=41.43949,lon= -76.71186(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/2008 . THE BEND [BEND] Another good swimming hole in Loyalsock Creek, across from the Fairgrounds and popular with locals. To get here, continue north on RT 87 and turn east (right) on RT 154. Go through Forksville. The swimming place is on RT 154 across from the Sullivan County Fairgrounds, halfway between Forksville and World's End S. P.. It is at the far end of the fairgrounds (south end). There are areas of "no parking", please obey these. LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=41.4765,lon= -76.5884(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/2008 .
ROADSIDE 154 [ROAD] Another well-used informal swimming place in Loyalsock Creek. PHOTO . After you pass Worlds End on RT 154, look on the east (left) side of the road for a pull out with a sign "Area Closed to Camping". LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=41.45335,lon= -76.52856(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/2008 . HAYSTACKS [HAYS]: From a fan:"There is a place known locally as the "Haystacks" on the Loyalsock creek in Sullivan county Pennsylvania. It requires a walk of well over a mile each way, but is well worth the hike. It is a sandstone rock formation that has been worn down by the creek to resemble a series of haystacks; hence the name. During regular water flow, it becomes a fantastic series of whirlpool-like holes that offer background scenery that is unmatched. The tub like pockets offer natural hot and cold running aerated jets in which you can sit and enjoy the surrounding mountain beauty. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 , PHOTO 4 . (Although to be honest, the hot doesn't actually work....)" LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=41.45717, lon= -76.48104(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/2008 . To get here: Continue east on RT 154 then turn north (left) at Laporte onto RT 220. From Laporte, after about 2 miles on RT 220, you will see a sign for the Loyalsock Trail's trailhead - turn left onto Meade Road to parking area. (The trail represents the terminus of the Loyalsock Trail (LT). See trail information below.). In the parking area, read the sign and you will see that the shortest way is to follow the "Haystacks Trail" but you could also follow the Loyalsock Trail (LT). The Haystacks Trail will take you over a trail for about 15 minutes then down to a former RR grade which you will follow about 20 minutes than go right down the "access Rd" for another 15 minutes to the creek. You will soon reach the Haystacks, a boulder reef over which the Loyalsock swirls and tumbles, there are 2 plunge pools and a whirlpool. This is a Class IV-V rapid during periods of high water. A great place to swim and scramble on the boulders. Also offers one of the most scenic primitive camping areas in the Mid-Atlantic. LOYALSOCK TRAIL [LOYT] All of the above swimming places are accessed by road. The Loyalsock Trail will take the hiker to many more remote places. Get the trail map and hike segments or the whole trail and discover your own swimming holes. WIKIPEDIA INFO . This from a contributor:" The Loyalsock (LT) trail is so natural, rugged and scenic that even photographs cannot do it justice. It simply must be experienced to appreciate it. So, if you are in good shape, like rugged, challenging hikes, waterfalls, roaring mountain streams, dense remote woods and wildlife at its finest, get your hiking boots.........." "The Loyalsock wilderness trail runs 59.3 miles through Worlds End State Park on PA154, Lycoming and Sullivan counties in north central PA. between LaPorte on US220 and Loyalsock on PA87. It features dozens of waterfalls ranging up to 75 feet high, many high vistas overlooking the rugged Loyalsock valley, spectacular stream courses, gorges and canyons as it winds through the historic coal mining, timber regions and rail beds of yesteryear. Breathtaking 400 foot high cliffs, hundreds of different rock formations, ledges, crevasses and caves. Hiking effort ranges from easy, flat woods walking to quarter mile sections that climb a rugged rock strewn 1200 feet in elevation. Hardwood forest, thickets of mountain laurel, rhodedendron, blueberries and azalea compliment the countless species of wildf lowers such as violets, trillium, gaywings and hepatica that spring up from the forest floor. A hiker may encounter tiny chicadees, woodpeckers and songbirds, wild turkeys, porcupines, skunks, racoons, deer - all in their natural habitat." "Camping is available in the park and at designated wilderness sites, subject to regulation. The LT follows the cliffs above and drops down through Worlds End State Park where short trail sections may be explored and two spectacular vistas are accessible by auto. (Details and map at park.) The LT has sufficient road access to permit 4 to 10 mile long day hike segments." "Detailed LT trail maps and guides are available for $3.50 from the Alpine Club at P.O. Box 501 Williamsport, PA 17703. Their members do a fantastic job of trail marking and maintenance. Many thanks to them. Also: Worlds End State Park P.O. Box 62 Forksville, PA 18616-0062 Phone (717) 924-3287 (Kudos for the beautiful park area) or the PA Department of Parks at P.O. Box 8551 Harrisburg, PA, 17105-8551." | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | ||
| VERIFIED | Yes | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 8/18/2008 |
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| TOWNS | HAGERSTOWN (MD), GREENCASTLE (PA) | ||
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=39.76452,lon= -77.77577(source: measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | ||
| STATE | PA | ||
| WATER | Conococheague Creek | ||
| TYPE | Creek | ||
| DESCRIPTION | Ad-hoc place to swim in Conococheague Creek under a historic and beautiful covered bridge. There is a park sign here by the bridge so there must be a park but it is not clear what is park land and what is private land. Please respect private property when you go here. | ||
| AREAS | There is a park sign here by the bridge so there must be a park but it is not clear what is park land and what is private land. | ||
| SANCTION | Unofficial | ||
| FEE | None | ||
| FACILITIES | None | ||
| ACTIVITIES | Swimming, Tubing | ||
| PHONE | None | ||
| CAMPING | None at site; Pine Grove Furnace, east of here, has camping and lake swimming. | ||
| BATHING SUITS | Unknown | ||
| DIRECTIONS | From Hagerstown, MD go north on I-81 to Greencastle, PA. Go west through town on RT 16. In about 1 mile from town, go left on Grant Shook Road. Follow it to Weaver Road then go right to a sign for Martin's Mill Bridge over the Conococheague. Place to swim and tube. | ||
| CONFIDENCE | Very confident | ||
| VERIFIED | Yes, 6/2006 | ||
| DATE UPDATED | 6/8/2006 |
Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | MILFORD |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.30889,lon= -74.79800(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | PA |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming places in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. For detailes, see DIRECTIONS below. |
AREAS | Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area |
SANCTION | Varies - see below |
FEE | Varies - see below |
FACILITIES |
Varies - see below |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | On New Jersey side there are several State Parks with
camping. None nearby on PA side. |
BATHING SUITS | Varies - see below |
DIRECTIONS | From I-84, Exit 46 near Milford PA take RT 6 east toward Milford to the intersection of RT 6 and 7th street near downtown Milford. Then: | MILFORD BEACH [MILB] 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. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . Bathing suits required. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=41.30889,lon= -74.79800(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from the intersection of RT 6 and 7th street (above), continue on RT 6 straight through the intersection of RT 209 and RT 6 in downtown Milford (at the traffic light). Now you are on RT 209. Continue on RT 209 a short distance then turn east (left) on RT 2013 (Milford Beach Rd.) to the signs for the Milford Beach area. Very confident. Verified 8/05. Updated 8/05. HACKERS FALLS [HACK] Beautiful, cascade-type falls with huge, deep swimming hole at the bottom. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . This is in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and swimming does not appear to be prohibited here. Short hike. Gradual entrance slope, good for the whole family (but it does get deep!) No entrance fee. Bathing suits customary. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=41.30053,lon= -74.83861(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from RT 6 and 7th street as you enter Milford (set odometer here), go right (southwest) on 7th street then right again on a road that may be signed: RT 2001 or Milford Rd. or Mill St. or Water Street. You will be on RT 2001 and soon driving along the western boundary of the NRA. At about 2.3 miles, (after you pass the "Cliff Park Inn" sign on the left (east) side) there is a very obscure (hard to see) gravel drive on the left (eastern) side of the road. (If you pass it and turn back, you will see the "Entering Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area" sign at this road). Turn in here and drive a very short distance to a large parking area at the end of the road. Hike on the trail here about .6 miles and you will see the Hackers Falls and the large pool below. Very confident. Verified 8/05. Updated 8/05.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 8/2005 |
DATE UPDATED | 8/20/2005 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | HARRISBURG, HERSHEY, MT. GRETNA |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.24514,lon= -76.47747(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | PA |
WATER | Lake Conewago |
TYPE | Lake |
DESCRIPTION | Commercially-operated lake with sandy beach, grass beach, picnic area, rentals, other facilities. A swing for jumping into the lake, a 15 foot high dive, a 3 foot low dive, many docks just to hang out, changing rooms and bathrooms, great fireworks on July 4th, food stand, canoe rentals-2 bucks an hour. Link to web site. |
AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes, see web site above. |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Diving |
PHONE | 717-964-3130 |
CAMPING | None at site. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Harrisburg, take I-76 (PA Tpke)east to Exit 20 (Lancaster/Lebanon). Turn left onto RT 72 (north). Proceed 2 miles to Mt. Gretna/RT 117 exit. Descend ramp to stop sign and turn left onto RT 117 (north). Proceed 2.4 miles to Mt. Gretna Country Deli ("Lake" sign on side of building), follow Lake signs, turn right onto Timber Road, bear left onto Lakeview Drive, bear 1st left into parking lot at Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach. Parking is free. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 4/22/2002 | |
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A Family-Friendly 
