Listing correction
Otter Hole: Swimming Prohibited
Norvin Green State Forest, NJ
Do not swim here
No swimming under current forest rules; remain on authorized trails and do not jump, dive or use waterfall rocks as slides.
We previously described this location as a swimming spot. That recommendation was incorrect. We have removed it from our swimming recommendations, directory results, and swimming maps. This page remains available to correct that information for anyone following an older link.
Do not treat older directions, photographs, or reports of people swimming as permission to enter the water. Check the managing authority's current notices and obey all posted access restrictions, including any park or trail closures.
Otter Hole is a hiking destination, not a permitted swim
Otter Hole is a Posts Brook cascade landmark in Norvin Green State Forest. The current NJ forest page explicitly prohibits swimming. Plan to enjoy the water from an authorized trail or viewpoint, not enter the historical pool.
Use the mapped trail network
The official forest map places Otter Hole on the Hewitt-Butler route through the southern forest. A trail named Otter Hole and a parking area with that name are not themselves designated bathing entrances. Choose the current mapped route that matches your starting lot and intended hike.
Do not follow the old guardrail shortcut
The historical directions tell visitors to leave the road and walk straight into the woods without a trail. That is not the visitor route to promote now. Use marked paths and lawful parking, and do not scramble down wet rocks to reach a pool.
Plan for a rugged forest outing
Bring drinking water, suitable footwear and a map you can consult during the walk. No lifeguard, changing-room or accessible pool-entry service is established at Otter Hole. The old depth and clear-water descriptions do not assess present conditions.
Forest rules and a different swimming option
Carry out trash and keep pets leashed under forest rules. Highlands Natural Pool is a separate managed facility with its own admission, season and lifeguard requirements; its permission does not extend to Posts Brook or every forest waterbody.
Manager sources
Check the current Norvin Green rules and official trail map before your visit.
Visitor questions
Can I swim at Otter Hole?
No. The current Norvin Green State Forest page explicitly says no swimming.
Which forest and waterway are involved?
This Otter Hole is the Posts Brook cascade landmark in Norvin Green State Forest, not a separate staffed swimming facility.
How should I choose a trail to the falls?
Use the official forest map and a route from an authorized starting area. Do not follow the historical guardrail shortcut into unmarked woods.
Does Otter Hole Parking Lot mean swimming is permitted?
No. A parking or trail name does not override the forest’s no-swimming rule.
Are the old pool depth and clarity descriptions reliable today?
No current assessment establishes them. They are not permission to enter or proof of safe water conditions.
Can I use Highlands Natural Pool’s swim permission here?
No. That is a separate managed facility with its own season, fees, lifeguards and rules.
Official sources
Rules checked: