finding hidden swimming holes near the tri-state border

When I was a kid, summers meant slipping away to secret creeks with my family, the air thick with laughter and the scent of wildflowers. Now, living in upstate Pennsylvania near the NJ and NY borders, I find myself longing for those old swimming holes—places where the water runs cold and clear, and dogs can splash without a care. But things have changed. Back then, nobody worried about property lines or community rules. Today, every trail seems to have a sign: 'No Dogs,' 'Private Property,' or 'Swim at Your Own Risk.' Some folks say it’s about safety and keeping nature pristine. Others, like me, remember when sharing these spots was part of what made our communities strong. Last week, I tried to revisit a creek my father showed me decades ago. The path was overgrown, and a new fence blocked the way. I felt a pang—was I trespassing, or just trying to keep a tradition alive? My dog whined, eager to leap in, but I hesitated. I hear younger hikers talk about geotagging and social media, while older neighbors worry about crowds and litter. There’s a real clash: do we keep these places secret, or open them up for everyone? And with this summer’s heat waves, finding a cool, safe spot feels more urgent than ever. If you know a place where dogs and people are still welcome, I’d love to hear about it. Maybe together, we can find a balance between preserving nature and sharing the joy of a summer swim—just like we used to. #nostalgia #triStateHiking #dogFriendly #Travel