Short Hole
Swimming hole in Williamsport, Pennsylvania · Creek
Find directions, safety tips, and access notes for Short Hole, an unofficial swimming spot on Thornbottom Creek near Mansfield, Pennsylvania.
About Short 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
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer months (June-August) for warm temperatures and swimming; Fall (September-October) for vibrant foliage and cooler weather.
- Access Moderate; rural roads with some unpaved sections, no hiking required but sturdy footwear recommended.
- Facilities No facilities available; visitors should bring essentials such as water, snacks, and trash bags.
Highlights & features
- Crystal-clear waters of Thornbottom Creek
- Rustic and secluded setting
- Seasonal beauty in summer and fall
- Wildlife and plant diversity
- Nearby attractions like Cowanesque Dam
- Natural rock basins shaped by Thornbottom Creek
- Untouched and remote location
- Mystery surrounding the name 'Short Hole'
How to get there
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Starting Point: Mansfield, PA
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From Mansfield, take Route 15 North toward Lawrence.
In Lawrence, turn onto Route 49 West. Continue on Route 49 West, passing the Cowanesque Dam. You will see a recreation area with an official lake swimming beach. Keep driving approximately 3–4 miles beyond this recreation area. As you approach the Nelson Falls area, you will see a bridge over the river where the river feeds into the lake. Just before crossing this bridge, turn left (south) onto Thornbottom Road.
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Continuing on Thornbottom Road
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5. Follow Thornbottom Road until you reach the first right turn onto Pleasant Valley Road. Turn right onto Pleasant Valley Road.
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6. Drive approximately 0.3 miles on Pleasant Valley Road. Look for a weathered barn on your left-hand side. On the right-hand side, you will find Short Hole, which is almost visible from the road.
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Additional Information
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Parking: There is limited roadside parking near Short Hole. Be mindful of private property and ensure your vehicle is not blocking the road or driveways.
Trailhead/Access: Short Hole is accessible directly from the roadside, so no formal trailhead is required. Exercise caution when approaching the swimming hole, as terrain may be uneven. Enjoy your visit to Short Hole!
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.
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.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial swimming area with no maintained facilities or services. Parking is limited to roadside pull-offs; be careful not to block traffic or private driveways. Access is directly from the road, but the terrain near the water may be uneven. Always respect private property boundaries in the surrounding area.
This is an unofficial swimming area with no maintained facilities or services. Parking is limited to roadside pull-offs; be careful not to block traffic or private driveways. Access is directly from the road, but the terrain near the water may be uneven. Always respect private property boundaries in the surrounding area.
Frequently asked questions
Is SHORT HOLE free to visit?
SHORT HOLE is generally free to access. No entry fee is commonly reported, though parking passes or day-use fees can be introduced — always confirm current rules before heading out.
Is swimming allowed at SHORT HOLE?
Yes, SHORT HOLE is an officially sanctioned recreation area where swimming is permitted. Reported activities include: Swimming. Always respect posted closures and seasonal restrictions.
What type of swimming spot is SHORT HOLE?
SHORT HOLE is a creek on Thornbottom Creek located in PA, near WILLIAMSPORT. Find directions, safety tips, and access notes for Short Hole, an unofficial swimming spot on Thornbottom Creek near Mansfield, Pennsylvania.
When is the best time to visit SHORT HOLE?
The best time to visit SHORT HOLE is Summer months (June-August) for warm temperatures and swimming; Fall (September-October) for vibrant foliage and cooler weather.. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather — always check conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at SHORT HOLE?
Reported facilities at SHORT HOLE include: No facilities available; visitors should bring essentials such as water, snacks, and trash bags.. Amenities can change — contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Nearby swimming holes
Culture & history
Local folklore suggests the name ‘Short Hole’ reflects the creek’s natural rock formations. The area’s rural charm highlights Pennsylvania’s historical connection to nature.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the site. Avoid littering and respect wildlife and plant life.