Roaring Brook

About Roaring Brook Swimming Hole

Tucked into the rugged folds of Moosic Mountain outside Scranton and Dunmore, Pennsylvania, Roaring Brook offers one of northeastern Pennsylvania's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path swimming experiences. This is not a manicured beach or a staffed recreation area — it's a genuine wild swimming hole, the kind you earn with muddy boots and a little determination. The creek's name tells you something about its character: water moves here with purpose, carving through ancient rock and forest floor to create cool, clear pools that feel like they belong to another century.

The Setting and Landscape

The hike down to the brook takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes on a downhill trail through dense northeastern forest. In summer, the canopy closes overhead and filters the light into something green and cathedral-like. In spring, the hillsides burst with ferns and wildflowers, and the brook runs fast and full. Come autumn, the slopes of Moosic Mountain ignite with color — reds, oranges, and golds reflected in the water below. Throughout the seasons, the surrounding landscape carries echoes of Pennsylvania's coal mining era; this region shaped by the anthracite industry that once defined the Wyoming Valley. You may spot wildlife along the way — songbirds, white-tailed deer, and the occasional great blue heron working the shallows. The return hike uphill runs about 30 minutes and requires a bit more effort, so pace yourself on the way down.

Swimming in Roaring Brook

When you reach the water, you'll find the brook running over smooth stone and bedrock, pooling in places deep enough to wade or swim. The creek water is cool and clear in the way only spring-fed mountain streams can be — the kind of cold that shocks your ankles first and earns your gratitude five minutes later on a hot July afternoon. The natural pools here are intimate and hemmed in by rock faces and forest vegetation, giving the experience a sense of genuine seclusion. There are no crowds, no concession stands, and no lifeguards on duty. Swimmers should exercise their own judgment about water depth and current conditions, which can change significantly after heavy rain. Be aware that swimming is not permitted at the dam at the lower reservoir — stay upstream and respect this boundary.

Practical Visit Information

There are no facilities at this site — no restrooms, no parking infrastructure, and no posted fees. Visitors should come self-sufficient: bring water, snacks, a towel, and footwear with solid grip for the uneven trail. The best swimming conditions arrive in late May and hold through early September, when air temperatures make the cold water genuinely refreshing rather than punishing. This is an unofficial swimming area, so leave no trace, respect the natural surroundings, and be mindful that conditions can vary. The trail itself is moderate in difficulty, accessible to reasonably fit adults and older teens, though the uphill return is a genuine workout.

Plan Your Visit

Roaring Brook sits within easy reach of both Scranton and Dunmore, Pennsylvania, making it a practical half-day escape from either town. Scranton in particular offers a full range of dining, lodging, and cultural attractions to round out your trip — making the swimming hole a natural centerpiece for a broader northeastern Pennsylvania adventure.