The Best U.S. Swimming Holes You Have To See This Summer

April 17, 2023

Hey Tourist! For many people, desire to plan a vacation peaks during the summer. After all, the scorching hot temperatures are a perfect reason to unwind from the stress of everyday life and cool off. For those who are already tired of going to a local swimming pool and want to try something adventurous, swimming holes are a great alternative. With so many tourist destinations that have great weather, it can be difficult to decide where to go. That is why this article lists the seven best swimming holes in the USA that are perfect for cooling off in on a hot summer day.

Bridal Veil Falls In Georgia

Imagine standing in the sunshine with cool water dripping from the face and body. Apart from the beautiful weather, Bridal Veil Falls inside Tallulah Gorge is a great place to wander and admire nature. Locals and tourists love to slide down the granite rock and swim in the falls. Bridal Veil Falls is one of the many waterfalls that acts as a natural waterslide, which leaves a smile on everyone's face. No wonder many tourists recommend this 45-foot waterfall as the perfect place to relax and chill out at.

Following Georgia's Bridal Veil Falls, the next destination will bring readers South-West to the beautiful island of Hawaii, and another stunning swimming hole to see.

The Queen’s Bath In Hawaii

There is no better time to visit and wander the Queens’s Bath on the island of Kauai in Hawaii than summer. Other than the breathtaking swimming hole, it is a well-known place because of its healing powers. It takes about ten minutes to see the rocky landscape of lava rock by foot and another five minutes to hike to the bath. Even though the Queen’s Bath has majestic views, the area must always be visited with caution. Exploring the scenery and bath requires agility because the path is not ideal for those with mobility issues. Also, there are areas where it is permissible to swim but dangerous. Before visiting the ocean attractions on Kauai, it is necessary to check the surf report.

Knowing the beautiful swimming hoke in Hawaii, the following stop will bring readers all the way back to Utah.

The Homestead Caldera In Utah

This 10,000-year-old natural hot spring, hidden in a 55-foot-tall limestone rock, attracts many tourists because it is the only warm scuba diving spot in the country. Visitors can rent scuba gear for a dive, go snorkeling, or enjoy a soak in the 96-degree, mineral-rich water. Paddleboard yoga classes are also available for a reasonable price. A few years ago, visitors had to rappel through the top of the dome to reach this location. However, thanks to the Homestead Resort, there is now a tunnel that provides quick and easy access and allows guests to explore the therapeutic water without the hassle. For those who do not want to swim, the company provides a tour that covers the history, archaeology, and geology of the crater. Visitors can travel back in time just by knowing the story behind this one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon.

Up next after Utah is the really cool swimming hole in Indiana, popular with locals and great for adventure seekers to explore.

White Rock Park In Indiana

Want to try camping, fishing, cliff diving, or scuba diving? Visitors can do all of these activities at White Rock Park. White Rock Park, located in Saint Paul, Indiana, is an ideal place for adventure seekers. It is open to everyone seven days a week, so make the most of the warm weather. At White Rock Park, there are several places to jump from (the highest of which is ten metres). The park also offers zip lining and rope swinging to keep visitors busy. The water is about twenty-five to thirty feet deep. While the swimming hole is the highlight of the place, the other activities are worth the visit too. For only $15, visitors can explore and relax all day in the beautiful, clear blue water. White Rock Park is packed on the weekends and lines can get long but tolerable.

Following Indiana's White Rock, you'll be excited to hear about the next swimming hole on the list, placed idealy in Texas.

Barton Springs In Texas

A trip to Barton Springs, located in the heart of Texas, is a wonderful idea this summer. Admission is only $7, and everyone can stay all day long. Historically, it has been the go-to spot for students at the University of Texas to cool off. Now, it is transforming into a hot spot because of the number of young and attractive college students. Barton Springs consists of four major springs: Main Spring (near the diving board), Eliza Spring (at the concession stand area), Upper Spring (on the west side of the pool), and Old Mill Spring (near the sunken garden). There is also a waterfall that falls from the 1,000-foot-wide limestone cliff. Weekends get busy, so be ready to wait in line. And do not forget to visit the Splash! exhibit at the main entrance.

Cooling off in Texas is easy with the refreshing Barton Springs, but a perfect follow up destination is on the next slide, and is one of North Carolina's hidden gems.

Sliding Rock In North Carolina

For people looking to get relief from hot summer weather, spending the weekend at Sliding Rock, just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, may be the perfect solution. Thousands of people visit this natural mountain waterfall each season, and it is not hard to understand why. The major attraction at Sliding Rock is the 60-foot, flat, sloping water slide. Sliding Rock offers a unique thrill because it is fueled by more than 10,000 gallons of cool water, which flows down the rock every minute. Even if it gets crowded, there are many rock and observation decks to relax on. Admission to the recreation area is only $2 per person, and kids aged six and under are free.

Last, but not least, the final stop on this list of top swimming holes in America will be bringing us to the treasured state of New York.

Enfield Falls In New York

Summer is a popular time for locals and tourists to visit the Lower Falls of Enfield Glen, which is located outside of Ithaca, New York. It is one of the well-known natural attractions in the region, and some people call it 'Treman Falls' or 'Lower Treman Falls.' Many people come here to witness the beautiful collection of waterfalls and the breathtaking swimming hole at the base of the falls. Nearby falls include Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls. There are also scenic views and heart-racing hikes to enjoy at Enfield Falls. Overall, Enfield Falls is easily accessible and just a few hours' drives from the city. Just make sure to arrive early to beat the seasonal crowds. Plan in advance and expect to see many fellow vacationers.

Madison Blue Spring, Florida State Park

Florida is home to the next stop on the docket, and a truly unique destination this is. The Florida State Park is one of the newest additions to the parks of this iconic state and fosters the well-known Madison Blue Spring. There’s plenty of activities to do here, around and in the 82 foot-wide spring that reaches downwards another 25 feet. Families have been coming to this fun and inclusive swimming hole for years, and as result, this spot has been deemed the best swimming hole in America multiple times. Activities include paddling around the spring, going for a refreshing dip in the cool water, and exploring the surrounding terrain which is full of beautiful flora and fauna to see.

Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

For a natural swimming hole in the USA, Americans may assume that the majority of the top destinations to try would be in further south states, near warmer weather. They would be correct in most cases, except for one, Chena Hot Springs in Alaska up North. Chena is a popular spot for tourists to see during their stay in Alaska for a few good reasons. Chena is a natural hot spring, which acts as a resort for weary travelers looking to detox and enjoys the mineral-rich waters here which maintain a soothing heat of about 106 Fahrenheit and provide the body with minerals that improve health and allow the body to relax.

Mooney Falls, Arizona

For the last stop on this list, you will be brought to the Havasu Creek, located in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. This stop is a definite crowd pleaser because of its location in one of the world's great wonders, and thus attracts a lot of attention as a local swimming hole for Americans to explore. This site is called Mooney Falls and is a waterfall which plummets over 200 feet into a swimming hole. The water here is Emerald in color and makes for a beautiful picture to put on your social media, however, it is located on the Havasupai reservation and as a result is a protected land that visitors are required to pay to enter. Typically the cost is approximately $50 plus tax, but this site is most definitely worth it, especially with the cultural significance and special land.

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