8 Cool Swimming Holes for Hot Summer Days

Photo credit: Havasu Falls by Jeremy Bishop at Unsplash

Summer is in full swing in the northern hemisphere, and no vacation is complete without a day at the beach or in a local swimming pool. A dip in a refreshing cold pool on hot summer days can do wonders for the body. But if you’re worried about the chemicals including chlorine in the pool, why not check out some of the cool swimming holes we have listed here.

1. Sliding Rock – Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina


Ever wondered how it feels like to take a plunge down a 60-foot slippery cascade into an 8-foot deep pool? Sliding Rock is the swimming hole that gives you that experience and much more.

Sliding Rock’s is powered by 11,000 gallons of water per minute, and the water temperature is around 50-60 degrees, which is below the average water temperature in North Carolina at this time of the year. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Entrance fee is $2 per person for sliders and observers. Observers can enjoy the view from two observation platforms.

Check out this tweet with video of Sliding Rock:

Little Sliding Rock, North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/YJetwP99qy@


— joe davis (@JoeDavisPoetry) July 1, 2017


2. Johnson’s Shut-Ins – Ozarks, Missouri


Located 108 miles south of St. Louis and just 10 miles north of the historic town of Lesterville, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park provides a natural environment to swim and cool down on hot summer days. Equipped with a boardwalk, Johnson's Shut-Ins is also ideal for those who prefer to enjoy the views and a walk.

The park also features camping sites, cabins, hiking and equestrian trails.


3. Hamilton Pool Preserve – Austin, Texas


Hamilton Pool is a collapsed grotto that has undergone erosional processes for over 100,000 years. This swimming hole is part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve near Austin. It was designated as a nature preserve in 1990 and is home to a variety of birds including the Golden-Cheeked Warbler and a variety of native grasses and wildflowers.

This Instagram post shared by Texas Hill Country Life shows the beauty of Hamilton Pool Preserve:



Who's been to Hamilton Pool this year? photo / @bdjphoto


A post shared by Texas Hill Country (@texashillcountrylife) on






There is a fee to swim there, and according to Travis County Parks website, all visitors must have reservations from May 1 through September 30. The pool may be closed when the bacteria counts are too high and after a heavy rain.

4. Cummins Falls – Cookeville, Tennessee


Cummins Falls is not for beginner hikers and swimmers. It is rugged and per Tennessee State Parks:
Trails and rocks at the waterfall and gorge area are often slippery, so wear sturdy shoes and remember safety first. Keep in mind the weather when planning your visit. Sudden heavy rainfalls can result in flash floods and streams can become very dangerous.

In the last 100 years, Cummins Falls has been a sought after swimming holes by locals and tourists in Tennessee.

5. Warren Falls, Vermont


Fresh mountain water cascading down the rocks to crystal clear emerald pools ranging in depth from one to 10 feet are what you’ll find at Warren Falls. Located in the Mad River Valley, just south of Warren, this swimming hole also has plenty of places to lay out your towels to sit and relax. The adventurous can do cliff jumping at Warren Falls.

6. Havasu Falls – Grand Canyon, Arizona


To get to Havasu Falls swimming hole, you’ll need to take a 10-mile hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, near the Havasupai Reservation. A permit is required to visit, and reservations must be made in advance through the Havasupai Tribe’s official website.

The water is spring-fed, and the pool’s depth changes frequently. You can read more about it at Havasupai Indian Village official website. Havasu Falls is in my travel bucket list. Look at the stunning beauty of the place on Instagram shared by reisbureaubuza:



Havasu Falls in Arizona 🇺🇸💦 #buitenlandschezaken #buza #reisbureau #personalized #traveling #travelagent #havasufalls #arizona #america


A post shared by Reisbureau BuitenlandscheZaken (@reisbureaubuza) on





7. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida


The Three Sisters Springs is a year-round swimming hole but in winter. hundreds of manatees come to play. When the rest of the country is hibernating at home, Floridians and visitors visiting Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River are swimming with the manatees and enjoying the natural environment.

8. Cleawox Lake, Oregon


Cleawox Lake located in Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area offers a unique swimming hole where you can enjoy walking on sand on one side and green forest on the other. It is one of the kid-friendly swimming holes on this list.

Note: Always use caution when swimming or jumping into swimming holes. Most do not have lifeguards on duty, may be unpredictable and you’ll be swimming at your own risk.

Have a question or a favorite swimming hole to recommend? Join us at Trippy and let us know. It’s free to join.

Article by Claudia Looi




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