We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of natural swimming holes for you
Cool and relaxing plunging into the water after a long and hot hike in the forest – sounds compelling?
Whether you’re in the area or looking for paradise-like travel destinations, find your perfect swimming spot in the country.
With summer just around the corner, put the following 50 swimming holes on your adventure list.
Northeast
1. Bartlett Falls – Addison County, Vermont
Tucked into the New Haven River, Bartlett Falls features a curtain-like cascade over a natural rock ledge, with a spacious swimming hole below. It is a popular spot for cliff-jumping and picnicking.
2. Jackson Falls – Jackson, New Hampshire
This peaceful White Mountains spot features gentle waterfalls, natural rock slides, and cool mountain water. It is super ideal for families, with nearby hiking trails and scenic views.
3. French Creek – Chester County, Pennsylvania
Located in French Creek State Park, this creek offers calm, swimming pools surrounded by lush forests. There is easy access and camping facilities nearby.
4. Jay Covered Bridge – Jay, New York
Underneath the historic bridge lies a rocky, calm swimming hole with mountain views. It’s both a scenic and historic destination ideal for a cooling dip.
5. Fawn’s Leap – Catskill Mountains, New York
This swimming hole is such a legendary cliff-jumping spot on Kaaterskill Creek. Though strong currents advise caution, high jumps and deep pools attract thrill-seekers.
6. Lawson’s Quarry – Vinalhaven, Maine
This swimming location is a deep, spring-fed former granite quarry, renowned for its dramatic stone cliffs and cool, clean water. It’s a favorite for sunbathing and tranquil swims.
7. Moxie Falls – Somerset County, Maine
Home to one of Maine’s highest waterfalls, Moxie Falls cascades into a crystal-clear plunge pool. A short hike through the forest leads to the falls.
8. The Dorset Quarry – Dorset, Vermont
America’s oldest marble quarry has now become a beloved swimming hole. Deep, cold water, flat rocks for sunbathing, and platforms for jumping make it a summer favorite.
9. Rattlesnake Pool – Stowe, Maryland
Hidden in the White Mountains, this icy pool glows emerald green under sunlight. This pool, fed by a small waterfall, is accessible via a wooded hike.
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Southeast
10. Audra State Park – Barbour County, West Virginia
The Middle Fork River flows through rocky gorges, forming pools perfect for wading and swimming. Surrounded by dense forest, it has lots of scenic trails.
11. Bridal Veil Falls – Tallulah Falls, Georgia
This lesser-known cascade features a gently sloping rock face perfect for lounging. Nearby trails lead to scenic overlooks of Tallulah Gorge.
12. Cummins Falls – Jackson County, Tennessee
With a 75-foot waterfall and tiered rock pools, Cummins Falls is a must-visit. A permit is required due to a rugged hike and strong currents.
13. Little River Falls – Little River Canyon National Preserve, Alabama
Fed by Little River atop Lookout Mountain, the falls empty into a large pool ideal for swimming. Breathtaking cliffs and forests surround the pool.
14. Madison Blue Spring – Madison County, Florida
A first-magnitude spring with clear, 72°F water year-round. It is recognized as one of the top swimming holes in Florida, offering family-friendly amenities.
15. Midnight Hole – Catalootchee, North Carolina
Midnight Hole is a deep, clear mountain pool below a small waterfall. Located in the Big Creek area of the Smokies, it’s ideal for a peaceful swim.
16. Royal Springs – O’Brien, Florida
A whole public park surrounds this free spring, with rope swings and a floating dock. It has excellent water clarity and a relaxing, local vibe.
17. Second Falls at Graveyard Fields – Canton, North Carolina
A popular stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this waterfall-fed pool is great for families and nature lovers.
18. Sliding Rock – Brevard, North Carolina
A 60-foot natural rock slides into a deep, cold plunge pool. You can find lifeguards on duty in summer; it’s popular and often crowded.
Midwest
19. Devil’s Backbone – Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
Striking rock formations and spring-fed pools await within Bell Smith Springs. A short hike rewards visitors with natural beauty and swim-worthy water.
20. Gunner Pool – Fifty-Six, Arkansas
Located in the Ozark National Forest, this peaceful pool below a historic dam is a favorite for campers and swimmers alike.
21. Johnson’s Shut-Ins – Middle Brooks, Missouri
The Black River sculpts a natural waterpark filled with rock chutes and plunge pools. This waterpark is ideal for children, offering a variety of amenities and camping options.
22. Lower Tahquamenon Falls – Paradise, Michigan
The area features a series of cascades that offer safe, shallow swimming areas. The area is surrounded by forests and well-maintained trails within a scenic state park.
23. Ocqueoc Falls – Ocqueoc, Michigan
This is Michigan’s only swimmable Lower Peninsula waterfall. It offers easy access with amenities nearby, perfect for a day trip.
24. Turner Falls Park – Davis, Oklahoma
The park is home to Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall and a cool creek swimming area. The 1,500-acre park includes hiking, caves, and campsites.
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Southwest
25. Barton Springs – Austin, Texas
This iconic, spring-fed pool in Zilker Park stays a steady 68°F. Three acres of clear water and grassy lounging spots draw crowds year-round.
26. Blue Hole Park – Wimberley, Texas
This spring-fed oasis is lined with cypress trees and rope swings. It is family-friendly and consistently voted among Texas’ top swimming holes.
27. Havasu Falls – Grand Canyon, Arizona
Turquoise waters tumble over red rock ledges in this remote Havasupai spot. Even if it requires permits for extensive hikes, it is absolutely unforgettable.
28. Little Colorado River – Grand Canyon, Arizona
Mineral-rich turquoise waters create a visually stunning contrast to red rock canyons. It is accessible by foot or rafting excursions.
29. Santa Rosa Blue Hole – Santa Rosa, New Mexico
Santa Rosa Blue Hole is a bell-shaped, spring-fed pool with an 81-foot depth. Popular with divers and swimmers, it’s a vivid blue oasis in the desert.
30. Hamilton Pool Preserve – Dripping Springs, Texas
A collapsed grotto forms this jade-green pool with a 50-foot waterfall. It requires reservations and offers variable swimming access depending on water quality.
31. The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek – Yavapai County, Arizona
Reachable via the Bell Trail, this swimming hole offers deep pools, red rock cliffs, and solitude in the desert wilderness.
Pacific Northwest and California
32. Elephant Rock, Chetco River – Brookings, Oregon
A unique rock formation and clear, cool waters make this a cliff-jumper’s dream. The location is remote and rugged, boasting pristine river scenery.
33. Hoyt’s Crossing – Nevada City, California
On the South Yuba River, this granite-rimmed swimming hole offers sunny boulders and gentle rapids. This swimming hole is popular and scenic, offering easy trail access.
34. Lower Lewis River Falls – Cougar, Washington
A 43-foot waterfall pours into a broad, deep pool. This location is perfect for swimming, camping, and taking in the breathtaking views of the waterfall, all within the confines of a national forest.
35. Punch Bowl Falls – Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon
This photogenic waterfall forms a circular pool below, reached via the Eagle Creek Trail. This waterfall is ideal for a refreshing dip following a picturesque hike.
36. Red Rock Pools – Santa Barbara, California
Natural swimming holes formed along the Santa Ynez River, framed by red sandstone and forest. It is a short hike from Paradise Road.
37. Santa Paula Punch Bowls – Los Padres National Forest, California
A challenging hike leads to cascading waterfalls and swimmable basins nestled in Ventura County’s backcountry.
38. Smith River Confluence – Six Rivers National Forest, California
Emerald-green water and scenic bridges mark this pristine swimming spot. A rope swing and mellow current add to the natural fun.
39. Steelhead Falls – Terrebonne, Oregon
This remote Deschutes River waterfall spills into a cliff-ringed swimming hole. A short hike will deliver summer solitude and swimming.
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40. Chena Hot Springs – Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska
Chena Hot Springs is a geothermal oasis in the Alaskan wilderness. This place is ideal for indulging in winter activities such as soaking in the aurora views or taking a warm dip under the moonlight.
41. Conundrum Hot Springs – White River National Forest, Colorado
Remote and stunning, these 11,000-foot-altitude springs require an 8.5-mile hike. The panoramic views and natural soaking tubs definitely make the hike worthwhile.
42. Finger Lake – Onley, Montana
This quiet, clear lake is surrounded by forested cliffs. It is ideal for secluded swims, kayak launches, and wildlife spotting.
43. Granite Hot Springs – Jackson, Wyoming
The developed pool, fed by hot springs near Hoback Canyon, is accessible by car in the summer and a dog sled or snowmobile in the winter.
44. Hanakāpī’ai Falls – Kauai, Hawaii
A 300-foot jungle waterfall rewards those who hike the Kalalau Trail. If swimming beneath the falls in a magical tropical setting is not on your bucket list, it should be!
45. Jump Creek Falls – Marsing, Idaho
A 60-foot waterfall plunges into a natural pool perfect for summer swims. Even if it’s relatively close to Boise, it will still feel perfectly remote.
46. Lower Calf Creek Falls – Boulder, Utah
This is a very popular spot for outdoor sports, including birding, hiking, running, and biking. The moderately challenging trail leading to Lower Calf Creek Falls is open year-round and is absolutely beautiful.
47. Medano Creek – Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Seasonal snowmelt creates waves and shallow streams at the base of massive dunes. Kids will love wading and skimboarding here.
48. Popo Agie Falls – Wing River Country, Wyoming
This place is ideal for enjoying a refreshing swim while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains.
49. Blue Heart Springs – Buhl, Idaho
Blue Heart Springs is a spring-fed lagoon with Caribbean-blue clarity. Only accessible by boat or kayak, this lagoon remains one of Idaho’s most cherished secrets.
50. Ruby Valley Hot Springs – Ruby Valley, Nevada
Isolated and undeveloped, these hot springs offer mineral-rich pools in a stunning valley setting. It gives off primitive and peaceful vibes.
Have we missed any noteworthy swimming holes? Let us know in the comments down below.
If you found this useful, continue reading The Most Walkable City in Every U.S. State.
