A newly constructed Peekamoose Blue Hole parking lot and first phase of a 3,270-foot accessible connector trail is hoped to improved the visitor experience and promotes sustainable use of natural resources in the three-mile Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor in the Catskills.
Peekamoose Blue Hole in the town of Denning in Ulster County is one of the most popular and oft-visited wild places in New York State.
Located in Sundown Wild Forest in Catskill Forest Preserve, the Blue Hole is a depression in the stream bed 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.
The new parking lot features a new educational kiosk in both English and Spanish that provides a map and overview of the area.
Starting from the kiosk, a 0.6 mile trail meandering along the stream and through the forest guides visitors to the Blue Hole. Hikers can continue to Table and Peekamoose mountains.
The second and final phase of the connector trail is expected to include constructing a footbridge and retaining wall.
Visitors are reminded that a $10 permit is required for use of the entire Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor between May 15 and September 15 and can be obtained through DEC’s website.
A new video detailing the Blue Hole visitation requirements and recommendations can be found at DEC’s YouTube page.
Photo: The first phase of a new trail at Peekamoose Blue Hole, 2025.
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