** Update / June 2020 ** Town of Woodstock has closed Big Deep and Little Deep to the public. Check online before making any travel plans!
Our kids are really into swimming, so in the summertime we like to check out and explore different places to swim. We were in the Saugerties area, and decided it was a great day to check out some swimming holes. After quick check online, we found the Big Deep and Little Deep swimming holes nearby in Woodstock, New York.
We had no problem finding the Big Deep using Google Maps, and there is even has a sign out along the road for it. The parking consists of unpaved roads and parking spots amongst the woods, and we were able to find one of a few remaining spots on a Saturday afternoon.
Once we parked, we got ready and headed to the trail that takes you to the Big Deep. It is pretty obvious where you are supposed to walk even though you can’t see the water from the parking area.
It isn’t a far walk at all and is an easy trail that ambles through the woods. It is just a minute or two before you are at the water.
We were there the first weekend in July 2018, and we weren’t impressed when we arrived. Of the swimming holes we have visited, they usually have pretty, clear, inviting water. This one unfortunately looked a bit muddy and murky.
There wasn’t much to do there as well. You can wade in or do a little swimming, but nowhere to jump in or really explore.
The kids didn’t want to go in the cloudy water either, even though they are pretty adventurous, so we decided to head out and try somewhere else.
We got ready to leave the Big Deep, and decided to see if Little Deep was any better.
We had no problem finding the Little Deep, and there was a parking lot located off the main road.
The Little Deep swimming hole area is pretty close to the parking area. You can see the bridge where the road passes over the river from just up the river where people are swimming.
We wandered along the stream a little bit to check out the different areas where people were in the water.
The Little Deep was much less crowded than the Big Deep.
The water was nicer than Big Deep, but still a bit cloudy.
There were some spots here where you could wade in up to your waist or so, but we didn’t see anywhere that you could jump in.
We decided to skip swimming at Little Deep as well, and tried heading up to Peekamoose Blue Hole, about 40 minuets away. Unfortunately, we found out that you have to get a permit 24 hours in advance.
See the DEC article here about the Peekamoose Blue Hole permit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/114042.html
I also read that the Big Deep and Little Deep will also be requiring permits, but as of early July 2018, we were able to park and use the swimming hole without a permit. (Read that article here in the Hudson Valley One).
Tips:
~ plan on an alternate destination if these swimming holes are closed or full
~ wear water shoes! You never know what is in the water, from sharp rocks to broken glass – just a chance we don’t take
~ bring sunscreen, and bug repellent if it is bug season
~ you may want to bring a blanket to put down and some lunch for a picnic
~ don’t forget your towel
Check out the other places we have visited in the area:
Falling Waters Preserve, Saugerties, NY
Opus 40 Sculpture Park, Saugerties, NY
Overlook Mountain, Catskills, NY
Saugerties Lighthouse, NY
About the Author: Marysa
Busy blogger and mom of two girls. We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure! If you have any travel questions, contact me! marysa@anationofmoms.com
What a pretty area! I would love to relax near a swimming hole during the summer. I know Texas has several of them. I just need to find a good spot!
We love little swimming holes like this. There aren’t too many near where I live, but there are a ton by our condo up in New Hampshire that we love going to.
This totally reminds me of when I was a kiddo and we used to go to this swimming holes in Wy (where I am from). I loved making DIRT burgers LOL!
These watering holes reminds me of what we have around here where we live. Watering holes are so much fun for the whole family. Great place to visit.
I live relatively close to Woodstock so I would love to go up there and explore the swimming holes. My son has a lot of free time and I will try and go upstate and take him hiking and swimming near Woodstock.
I can understand your disappointment. We drove 4 hours to see a natural swimming hole that was disappointing when we got there. I’m sorry for that, the rocks and trees were lovely!
We don’t have swimming holes like that in our area. I’m sure the kids were a little disappointed they couldn’t really enjoy the water the way they wanted but that is part of the excitement of adventure.
Oh that is such a bummer that the water in the swimming holes was so cloudy. Would be interested in knowing if there are some close to my city.
Wow, that is really cloudy water. I don’t blame your kids not wanting to swim in that. The trail looked fun though.
I’ve never been to a swimming hole. It looks like so much fun. I think I’m too old to get past the fear of what’s inside the water.
Looks like a beautiful place to swim and explore. I’m like your kids and would probably stay clear of swimming but I would love to dip my feet in that cool water for sure. I also love all those trees. What a great way to beat the summer heat. Stunning!
Oh that sounds like so much fun! We don’t have places like that around here {in the Vegas desert} but I’d love to visit somewhere like that!
These photos look like you are in the south!! LOL!! I would love to travel to Woodstock and swim in a swimming hole! LOL!
I live in Manhattan and my husband and I have been contemplating a trip up to Woodstock for a while now. I think you have solidified it for us! Booking asap!
That was a very serene place to be, I used to lived in Buffalo,NY . Unfortunately I haven’t heard this place while I was there.
There are spots like that here in the South. I agree…not really somewhere you would want to swim but it is a peaceful place to hangout at and explore. Nice photos!
I love spots like these. I wish I could find some in my area! I will have to check these out next time we are in NY and near Woodstock, how fun!
It looks like a very peaceful place to spend the day. My kids love going out for the day and cooking out while we are there.
I love being outdoors. This looks like such a relaxing place to sit and read a good book.
This looks like the ultimate summer activity. It is cooling down quickly in Alaska so I’m a little jealous ha! Would love to visit Woodstock, NY in the near future.
What a beautiful and relaxing spot outdoors! Nature at its best!
What a beautiful area. This seems so peaceful and calming! I haven’t been to a swimming hole in so many years!
This looks and sounds awesome. I have never been to a swimming hole.
I love hiking along water spots like this. I don’t like to swim in water though unless it’s in a swimming pool but the kids will swim anywhere lol.
My kind of place really. Man! I must go back to New York and search for this place.. Searching for it now in the map lol
Wow, beautiful spots! We have a place called Gold Stream or Sooke Pot holes that we go to in the summer here on Vancouver Island!
I love that you go off looking for adventures with your kiddos! They will remember these moments fondly, even if they don’t always work out.
I can’t help but stir at the trees. OMG. They are huge. Kids love adventures. So it’s nice for them to experiment on mother nature
So exciting I haven’t been here but would love to take my son one day. Thanks
This makes me crave summertime! Now I have spring fever, lol! This swimming hole looks like paradise.
That isn’t very inviting water! lol we have glacier fed rivers here and I’m used to crystal clear ! Nice forest though
I love little atmosphere like this but those rocks make me nervous.
I love finding swimming holes. It’s so much fun especially after a hot hike.
When we went to Smoky mountains, we spent a lot of our time in swimming holes. Thanks for sharing these. Sure to enjoy this list.
Wow, that is really cloudy water. I don’t blame your kids not wanting to swim in that.
Wow! I love to swimming there!