Whetstone Gulf Swimming Hole

Whetstone Gulf State Park is home to many outdoor activities, but few are as enticing on a hot summer day as the swimming hole. Located near the center of the park, the man-made pond is a fantastic place to beat the heat, with crisp, cool water and a sandy beach. 

Whetstone Creek starts high on Tug Hill and flows through the incredibly narrow Whetstone Gulf on its way to the Black River. The gulf is so narrow that, in some places, the streambed rarely sees direct daylight. Because of this, the water can be quite cold by the time it reaches the swimming hole. Here, a small man-made dam backs up the water adjacent to a sandy beach. There is also a bathhouse and playground nearby. This swimming hole is staffed by life guards. It's a great place for families looking to cool off on a warm summer day.

After you've had your fill of swimming, be sure to check out the hiking trails, the picnic areas, or the campground. The Whetstone Gulf Rim Trail is a 5.6-mile trail with incredible views into the gorge that feeds the swimming hole.

Visitors will have to pay an $8 day use fee to enter the park, and dogs are not allowed at the swimming area.