A summer vacation in the southern US can be a dream come true. Just imagine spending those hot summer days surrounded by luxurious green landscapes, only having delicious meals prepared from fresh garden harvests, and in the evening listening to the songs of the cicada. What more can you wish for? For us, this sounds like perfection.
A trip to the southern parts of the US is always a good idea. But remember one thing: no matter where you go in the south, the weather will be hot. Because of this, you want to choose a location that has a body of water that can help you cool down a little bit.
Stay with us and read on because we have compiled a list of the most beautiful oases where you can stay while traveling around the Southern United States!
1. Lure Lake (North Carolina)
Our first stop will be somewhere in the state of North Carolina, more precisely in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here at the feet of those gorgeous mountains, you can find something that makes the whole landscape even better: Lure Lake. This place is full of magic and can amaze anyone who decides to travel to the southern Appalachians.
If you plan to visit Lure Lake, you should know that you can find it pretty close to the “mountain capital” of North Carolina, Asheville. You will only need to drive a little under an hour. Fun fact about this destination: it is one of the filming locations of the well-known movie Dirty Dancing.
If you plan to dip into Lure Lake, be prepared because, besides the inviting beach, you can also practice every water sport you can imagine. If you feel tired after all of the action, you can relax at the Lake Lure Inn. This is a historic location that was built in 1927 and has an incredibly traditional and authentic look. It also has an excellent restaurant and a spa where you can unwind and rejuvenate.
Have you ever heard about the place presented on the next page? Many people did not, but if you did, tell us your experience in the comments!
2. Hippie Hole (Alabama)
Hippie Hole, also known as Little Falls or Martha Falls (yeah, we know, it has a lot of names), is what we usually call a “swimming hole.” It is located along Little River Canyon and is the perfect spot for you if you want to cool down while enjoying an amazing view.
This big, blue, and crystal-clear body of water welcomes those who visit it with calmness. It lures you to take a dip in it after a long drive through the scorching summer sun. Please tell us who has the power to say no to something like this.
As we already said, you can find Hippie Hole in the Little River Canyon National Preserve. Within this park, you can discover many other outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, various short hiking trails, and last but not least, kayaking.
Make the most of your summer vacation and don’t miss visiting this beautiful location. In order to enter the preserve, you will need to pay a small fee of $15 per day. One thing to remember is that camping is not allowed in there.
Pro tip: Not far from Hippie Hole, you can find another wonder of Alabama, DeSoto Falls. If you visit this area, you can also go there and see an amazingly beautiful waterfall.
The next one is extremely beautiful! You can’t miss it if you visit the South this summer.
3. Buffalo National River (Arkansas)
The Buffalo National River is one of the few in the lower 48 states that flows freely without being interrupted by a dam, and it is the first to be proclaimed a National River. It travels through northern Arkansas for 135 miles, passing through high granite cliffs. Along its course, you can spot a lot of captivating geology developed during thousands of years of interaction between the area’s limestone karst terrain and pools of water.
So, if you are a fan of geology or watersports, or even better, of both, you can’t miss this destination if you go to visit the Southern United States this summer. You can discover beautiful rock formations and then go on an adventure with your kayak or canoe. If you plan to do watersports, you can choose between the upper, middle, or lower districts of the Buffalo National River.
There is no entry fee to the Buffalo, and simple camping spots cost $20 per night. You can also call beforehand to check what other activities are available. Usually, you can go horseback riding and stargazing. Since 2019, Buffalo National River has been a certified International Dark Sky Park (IDSP).
Do you want something that is closer to a big city? If yes, check out the next page!
4. Harpeth River (Tennessee)
You can find this gem only 30 minutes away from one of the biggest southern cities, Nashville. Isn’t that incredible? All of us like crystal-clear lazy rivers, but the best ones are those you can find close to a popular city. They are sort of an oasis of relaxation for those who want to escape the hectic city life.
This place is wonderful for people who look for some slow-paced water action. Things are not complicated here. You can easily rent a boat, kayak, or canoe, and once you hit the water, you are completely free to roam around at your own pace and gaze at the beautiful landscape.
The shoreline is surrounded by rocky beaches where you may stop and take a breath before continuing down the current; these are ideal spots to get away from the turmoil of downtown Nashville.
Warning: Before going on a trip to Harpeth River, check their social media accounts. The water level of this river is heavily affected by rain, and you should always be informed about it.
5. Tallulah Gorge State Park (Georgia)
This state park is located two hours north of Atlanta, so it is easily accessible. With its luxurious forests, the Tallulah Gorge State Park has many attractions to discover, such as the Tallulah River’s 1,000-foot-deep canyon, the Tallulah Falls, and the Tallulah Falls Lake.
One thing to know is that the park issues only 100 hiking permits per day. So, if you want to be sure that you get one, we advise you to arrive early in the morning. Maybe you are not a morning person, but just imagine gazing at the sunrise while you are on the road to get there. It sounds so much better now, doesn’t it? Also, the permit is free, and you will get access to all of the trails in the park, including the one that goes to Sliding Rock.
Even if you miss the permit, don’t worry because you can still have access to the beautiful view. You can climb to the rim of the gorge, and one more thing is that you can visit the suspension bridge. If you are not the active type that enjoys hiking, this might be more than enough for you.
6. Ginnie Springs (Florida)
Ginnie Springs, located about 40 minutes from Gainesville, is a privately held nature park with seven separate freshwater springs and more than 200 acres alongside the Santa Fe River.
This spring system is a dream come true for those who love scuba diving and snorkeling. Even if you are new to this, this place can be very fun because you can do training for these activities on-site.
Ginnie Springs offers everything you could desire in a destination like this: crystal-clear 72-degree water, a variety of camping choices ranging from tent campsites to cottages, and the chance to tube, stand-up paddleboard, or kayak on the nearby river.
The prices of the passes are the following: $14 for a one-day pass and $22 for the camping pass. These prices are for one person. If you don’t have equipment for practicing all the activities, you can rent it from the location.
You should also read: 6 Historical US Towns That Will Take You Back in Time
