SHORT HOLE

About Short Hole Swimming Hole

Tucked into the rural heart of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, Short Hole is the kind of place that feels like a secret — one passed down through generations of locals who know exactly where to turn off the unpaved road when the summer heat sets in. This unofficial swimming spot along Thornbottom Creek offers something increasingly rare: a genuinely wild, undeveloped place to cool off, with no crowds, no entrance gates, and no noise except the sound of moving water and the occasional red-tailed hawk calling overhead.

The Setting and Landscape

Thornbottom Creek carves its way through a densely forested hollow, and at Short Hole, the creek has spent centuries sculpting natural rock basins into the streambed. These hollowed-out pools collect the clearest, coldest water you'll find in the region — the kind of crystal clarity where you can count the pebbles on the bottom from the surface. The surrounding landscape is classic northern Pennsylvania woodland: hemlocks draped over the banks, ferns pushing up between mossy boulders, and in fall, a canopy that erupts in amber, scarlet, and gold. Whether you visit in the long light of a July afternoon or a crisp October morning, the setting rewards the journey.

What Swimming Is Like

Don't expect a manicured beach or a rope swing bolted to a lifeguard-approved tree. Short Hole is raw and honest. The natural rock basins shaped by Thornbottom Creek create pockets of calm water ideal for wading and swimming, though depth and conditions vary by season and rainfall. The water runs cold even in summer — refreshingly so on a humid August day — and the creek bottom is rocky, so sturdy footwear is a smart choice for getting in and out. There are no lifeguards or safety staff on site, so this spot is best suited for confident swimmers who are comfortable in natural, moving water. Children should be supervised closely at all times.

Practical Visit Information

Short Hole is an unofficial swimming area with no facilities — no restrooms, no picnic tables, no trash cans. Pack out everything you bring in, and come prepared with water, snacks, and any gear you'll need. Access involves rural roads with some unpaved sections, so a vehicle with reasonable clearance is helpful. The best window for swimming is June through August, when temperatures are warmest and the creek is most inviting. Fall visitors in September and October will find the swimming cooler but the scenery absolutely stunning as the foliage peaks across the surrounding hills.

Plan Your Visit

Short Hole sits within reach of several small Pennsylvania towns that make convenient base camps. Wellsboro — often called the "Little New England of Pennsylvania" — offers charming dining and lodging about an hour away, while Mansfield and Williamsport provide additional options for supplies and accommodation. The nearby Cowanesque Dam area is worth a stop before or after your swim. Come with a sense of adventure, respect for the land, and a willingness to leave the place exactly as you found it.