Home / New York / Peekamoose Blue Hole

Peekamoose Blue Hole

Easy Out & Back
Distance
0.5 mi
Elevation Gain
50 ft
Hike Time
15-30 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
State
New York
Weather This Week
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What to bring
Day-hike essentials for this trail. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidLOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozHydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-RBlack Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →
TL;DR: Peekamoose Blue Hole is the Catskills’ best-known swimming hole — clear, cold, genuinely blue water in a natural rock pool along Rondout Creek. The hike in is short and flat. The experience is less about hiking and more about finding a spot at a natural pool that feels too good to be free. Permits required on peak summer weekends.

What to Expect on the Trail

The Blue Hole is a natural swimming hole where Rondout Creek flows over smooth bedrock into a deep pool tinted blue-green by the mineral content and depth. The hike from the roadside parking to the swimming hole is about half a mile on flat terrain through hemlock forest. This is not a hiking destination — it is a swimming destination with a short walk to reach it.

The pool is large enough for a dozen swimmers with rock ledges for sitting and sunning. The water is cold — genuinely cold, even in August. The blue color is real, not a camera trick, though the intensity varies with light and water level. On sunny days with low water, the blue is vivid. On cloudy days or after rain, it softens.

How Hard Is This Trail, Really?

Essentially flat. The half-mile walk is accessible to nearly anyone. The “difficulty” here is getting a permit on peak weekends and arriving early enough to find a spot that is not already claimed. The DEC implemented a permit system for summer weekends to manage overcrowding — check regulations before driving out.

Before You Go

Peekamoose Blue Hole is on Peekamoose Road (County Route 42) in the southern Catskills. Roadside parking — limited and fills fast on summer weekends. Permit required on peak weekends (check DEC website). No restrooms. No facilities. Pack out everything. The water is cold — bring a towel and a change of clothes. Dogs are allowed but the cold water and slippery rocks around the pool require supervision. The nearest services are in Big Indian, about 30 minutes away.

Best Hiking Season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to visit Peekamoose Blue Hole?
Yes, on summer weekends and holidays. The permit is free and available at Reserve America. It covers a specific time slot. Weekday and off-season visits do not require a permit.
How cold is the water at Peekamoose Blue Hole?
Very cold. The water temperature typically stays in the 50s Fahrenheit even in midsummer. Most swimmers acclimate quickly but extended swimming is uncomfortable. The cold is part of the appeal for hot-weather visits.
Is Peekamoose Blue Hole safe for swimming?
Generally yes, in calm conditions. The DEC posts water level advisories when the creek is running too high or fast for safe swimming. Do not jump from the cliffs u2014 depth varies and submerged hazards exist. The current after heavy rain can be dangerous for weak swimmers and small children.
How far is Peekamoose Blue Hole from New York City?
About 2.5 hours from Manhattan via the Thruway (I-87) to Woodstock or Ellenville, then west on Route 42. The access pullout is on Peekamoose Road in Grahamsville.
Are dogs allowed at Peekamoose Blue Hole?
Yes. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash. The site is in the Catskill Forest Preserve, where leash requirements apply on state land.
Plan Your Visit
Always check current conditions before heading out — trails close, roads wash out, and fees change.
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Gear for this hike
Our day-hike checklist — the picks that show up again and again from tested gear roundups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidLOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozHydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-RBlack Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →Patagonia Torrentshell 3L JacketPatagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacketdurable, trail + everydayCheck price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew MidweightDarn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweightlifetime warrantyCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking PolesBlack Diamond Pursuit Trekking Polescork grip, lightweightCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water FilterSawyer Squeeze Water Filterultralight, standard threadsCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent SpraySawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Spraytreat clothing; kills ticksCheck price on Amazon →Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyMountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyUPF 50, hood + thumb holesCheck price on Amazon →
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Trail Map

41.9280, -74.3650

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