Blue Hole (New Jersey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blue Hole |
|
|---|---|
 Blue Hole
Location in New Jersey
Blue Hole
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Gloucester County, New Jersey and Camden County, New Jersey |
| Coordinates | 39°37′15″N 74°52′42″W / 39.6207°N 74.8783°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. width | 500 ft (150 m) |
| Max. depth | 100 ft (30 m) |
The Blue Hole is a special pond hidden deep in the Pinelands of New Jersey. It's known for its unusually clear, blue water, which is different from most other ponds in the area. This unique spot is found in a thick forest in Monroe Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey and Winslow Township, Camden County, New Jersey.
Contents
Discovering the Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is a round body of water. It measures about 70 feet (21 meters) across. The water here is a beautiful clear blue. This is very unusual because most other ponds in the Pinelands are brownish. Their color comes from things like bog iron and a natural substance called tannic acid.
Water Temperature and Depth
The water in the Blue Hole has both warm and cold spots. On average, the temperature stays around 58 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (14 to 16 degrees Celsius). At its deepest point, the Blue Hole goes down about 100 feet (30 meters). The bottom of the pond seems to be sandy, not muddy.
A Popular Spot Through Time
Back in the 1930s, the Blue Hole was a very popular place. People would gather there for parties and to go swimming. It was easy to reach because a wooden footbridge crossed the Great Egg Harbor River. This bridge made it simple to get to the pond.
Changes Over the Years
However, a big storm in the 1960s washed away the wooden bridge. After that, it became much harder to get to the Blue Hole. Now, you can only reach it by walking through the forest. Because it's harder to get to, the Blue Hole has been mostly left alone.
Local Legends and Other Features
For a long time, local families and farmers told stories about the Blue Hole. They warned children not to go there. Some stories said that a creature called the Jersey Devil lived there. These tales were meant to keep children safe and away from the pond.
Other Nearby Ponds
Even today, some local people still visit the area. The Blue Hole is not the only unique water spot around. There are many other "blue holes" nearby. You can also find areas of quicksand and other ponds that appear and disappear with the seasons. These seasonal ponds form from springs when the water table is high. It's important not to confuse the Blue Hole with larger, bright blue former quarries in the area.
Swimming and Safety
Even though swimming and diving in the Blue Hole are not officially allowed, many people still go there to swim during the summer. It remains a popular place for a refreshing dip.
