Peekamoose Blue Hole

• Open for Recreation: A half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.
• Fee: $10
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 3 Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:30PM), 845-256-3076; [email protected]
  • Enforcement Matters: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) or 911
• Location: Town of Denning, Ulster County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 3C
• Map: Parking Map for Peekamoose Corridor (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The Peekamoose Blue Hole is located in Sundown Wild Forest, set within the Catskill Forest Preserve. The Blue Hole is a depression in the streambed rock of the Rondout Creek, a unique natural feature formed by sand and swirling gravel in an ancient whirlpool. The creek is part of the New York City drinking water watershed. Over the last few years, the visitor experience has been affected by the presence of large crowds on summer weekends.

Please keep in mind that parking is extremely limited and parking along the roadway is prohibited. Any vehicle parked along the roadway will be ticketed or towed.

This is a carry in/carry out facility - users are required to take out any trash that they bring in. Two portable toilets and a dumpster are provided during the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Special Regulations

DEC has issued special regulations for the Blue Hole and Peekamoose Valley because of the huge increase in visitors. The purpose of these regulations is to increase public safety and reduce impacts to the environmental resources.

• Require visitors to obtain a permit for a $10 fee through Reserve America, consistent with fees for other recreation-oriented Day Use areas in the Forest Preserve;
• Each permit will be linked to a vehicle, with a 5 person maximum capacity.
• Limit parking to designated parking areas only. Parking along the shoulder of the road is prohibited by the Town and is a Tow Away Zone;
• Users are required to use portable restroom facilities for human waste disposal and the dumspter for all other waste;
• The following are prohibited at the Blue Hole (limited use will be allowed at the nearby designated camping area only):
  • Except for the nearby designated camping area, the Blue Hole is only open to the public from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
  • Camping
  • All fires (including charcoal fires, wood fires, gas grills, propane stoves or other portable stoves)
  • Use of portable generators
  • Alcohol
  • Glass containers
  • Coolers larger than 12" in any dimension
  • Radios and other audio devices
• Parking is limited to designated parking areas only. Parking along the shoulder of the road is prohibited by the Town and is a Tow Away Zone.

Directions

There is one 60 car parking lot that provides access to the Peekamoose Blue Hole and Peekamoose Table trail- see the Parking Map for Peekamoose Corridor (PDF). 

Visitors will be required to show a valid permit to gain entry to the parking lot. Please follow the posted one-way directional signs and park in designated parking spots only. Trailers and vehicles over 20ft long cannot be accommodated due to limited space. Please plan accordingly. 

Parking along the roadway is prohibited. Any vehicles parked along the roadway will be ticketed or towed. The parking lot is located at 41°54'59.1"N 74°26'07.3"W Google Maps. 

When you arrive, follow the 0.6-mile trail from the parking lot to the Peekamoose Blue Hole and Peekamoose Table trail. For your safety, avoid walking on the road. 

A secondary lot located at the Lower Trailer Field provides parking for campers. There is no additional parking available in the corridor. Parking anywhere outside of the designated lots is prohibited.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating in the Catskills to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other backcountry users.

All users of the Peekamoose Blue Hole must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

How to Get a Permit

A permit will be required for all visitors to the Peekamoose Blue Hole and the entire nearby Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor along the Rondout Creek, including campers, picknickers, hikers, and anglers everyday between May 15 and September 15 of each year. Hunters and anglers with a valid license are exempt from the permit requirement. Please keep in mind that there is no cell service in the Peekamoose Valley.

Permits are $10, and must be acquired at least 24 hours in advance, but no more than a week in advance. Only advance registrations will be accepted. No walk-in registrations are available. Your permit does not need to list the names of all members of the visiting party, but it does need to list the total number of people in the group. Each permit will be linked to a vehicle, with a 5 person maximum capacity, and the permit must be displayed on/in the vehicle. 

Permits can be acquired from our Blue Hole permit page on Reserve America.

Planning and Management

DEC currently manages these lands in accordance with activities described in the Sundown Wild Forest Unit Management Plan (UMP). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Because of heavy use of this area, DEC encourages users to enjoy these other nearby state lands.

Gas, supplies, lodging and dining opportunities are located in the nearby communities of Boiceville (13 miles away) and Ellenville (21 miles away).

Discover the Catskills can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guide books and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.