Hit the Trail with Landmark - Natural Swimming Holes in the Southeast
Natural Swimming Holes in the Southeast
If you’re looking to escape the end-of-summer heat, there’s no better place than a natural swimming hole. Plus, many swimming holes are at state parks and national forests where entrance is free. To jumpstart your planning, we’ve put together a list of popular spots to wile away a hot summer day!
Hanging Rock State Park (North Carolina)
Located just outside Greensboro and Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park surrounds a 12-acre lake with sandy beaches. Open during the summer months, there are pavilions for picnicking and a dock for diving.
If you prefer a more remote swimming hole, you can do a quick 0.7-mile hike up to the Cascades at Hanging Rock. This waterfall swimming hole is surrounded by trees and fed by cool mountain runoff.
Blue Hole Falls (Eastern Tennessee)
Elizabethton, Tennessee, is home to one of the most striking swimming holes in the country. The hike to Blue Hole Falls is an easy half-mile down the mountain. Named for the deep blue and emerald water, the falls are accessible year-round, and the surrounding woods are particularly beautiful in late summer and early autumn. If you’re planning a trip to the falls, we recommend packing some water shoes or sandals for swimming since the bottom of the pool is quite slippery.
Long Shoals Creek Wayside Park (South Carolina)
Long Shoals Creek is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet afternoon if you enjoy swimming along the river. Located in Sunset, South Carolina, this little-known spot is accessible year-round. The easy 0.8-mile out-and-back hike to the creek is great for all skill levels.
This is also a great place to fish and picnic. So grab your favorite snacks and a fishing pole, and make a day of it!
Black Creek in De Soto National Forest (Mississippi)
White sandbars with floral overhangs make this dreamy swimming hole a favorite in the South. Black Creek flows through the DeSoto National Forest and is surrounded by the 500-acre Black Creek Wilderness. It gets its name from the water which appears black from the anthracite coal along the riverbed.
Since primitive camping is permitted along the bank, Black Creek is a great spot for day camping or overnight getaways to escape the summer heat. Plus, entrance to this national forest is free year-round!
Cummins Falls State Park (Tennessee)
If you’re up for a hike, Cummins Falls State Park has a breathtaking 75-foot waterfall and swimming hole. In order to get there, you’ll hike for about a mile until you cross the Blackburn Fork River and wade upstream a little ways to the falls.
Considered one of the most scenic swimming holes in the country, Cummins Falls is surrounded by thick vegetation and flowering trees. When you go, check local weather alerts since the river may be tougher to cross after heavy rainstorms.
Alexander Springs at Ocala National Forest (Florida)
This clearwater natural spring is a constant 72°F year-round and the only spot you can scuba dive in Ocala National Forest. Filled with colorful marine life on a soft sandy floor, this swimming hole feels like a trip to the tropics. Maple and palm trees shade the surrounding beach where visitors can picnic and lounge away during the hottest summer days.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest (Georgia)
For an easy walk to a beautiful swimming hole, stop by Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The Helton Creek Falls (or “lower falls”) flow into a cool pool perfect for swimming. The soft, sandy beaches and cascading upper falls make this swimming hole particularly picturesque.
Sounds like it’s time to pack your beach bag and picnic snacks. When you go, let us know what you think, and tag us in your photos if some Landmark swag makes it into that beach bag!
Leave a comment