On a hot summer day, you can dip your toes in a refreshing pool under Carter Falls or stand in the billowing mist below High Shoals Falls. In the Triad, you'll find everything from family-friendly nature walks to strenuous, full-day hikes that lead to shady picnic spots, sunny beaches, and roaring cascades. Take a break from the sweltering city with day trips to these top Triad waterfalls and swimming holes. Photo | @haylsaWhen the weather is warm and summer is in full swing, the best thing to do is get in your cozzies and take a dip. But in a country like Australia, hitting the community swimming pool is something of a travesty. This is the most beautiful country on Earth, and there are so many amazing natural swim spots abound – going to a pool is for basics.
South Australia, the home state of Adelaide, has a number of gorgeous national parks boasting the kind of waterfalls and swimming holes you only see in stock image photos. Check out the coolest, out-of-this-world swimming hotspots to spend the hot days that are only a few hours (if that!) outside of Adelaide. Yellowstone National Park is best known for its colorful hot springs, gushing geysers and abundance of wildlife, but it also has some incredible spots for taking a dip. There is also a roomy beach where you can watch swimmers if you don't want to go in yourself.
The churning rapids of the river empty into a deep pool surrounded by indigenous rock. You'll also find a number of shallow, kid-friendly areas, great for wading and splashing around too. About 30 miles west of Austin and 50 miles east of Luckenbach, this swimming hole in a spring-fed box canyon is as famous in Texas as Waylon and Willie. Local legend says the 8-year-old son of a rancher discovered the spot in the 1880s, and overheated locals and tourists have been jumping in ever since. After paying a $10 reservation fee , you'll pony up another $15 per vehicle at the preserve to cool off under a 50-foot waterfall or wade in the clear pool and explore a collapsed stone grotto.
It gets crowded on a hot summer day, so arrive early or expect a wait. Slide Rock, located within Arizona's Slide Rock State Park seven miles north of Sedona, is a popular place on a hot summer day. Here, visitors take turns sliding down the sloping 80-foot-long sandstone-carved waterway, while others cool off in the creek's shallow stretches or enjoy boulder jumping into its deeper pools. Just spending the afternoon soaking up the sunshine and watching swimmers from the surrounding red rock ledges can make for a good time. You can also fish, hike and watch for wildlife in the park that's also home to picturesque Oak Creek Canyon, once a favorite filming location for Hollywood westerns. The Sooke Potholes formed during the last ice age, roughly 15,000 years ago, as a result of melting ice and boulders that scraped deep holes in Sooke River's bedrock.
Located just 25 miles west of Victoria on Vancouver Island's southernmost tip, they're easy to get to yet they feel as if they're worlds away from the chaos of the city. While this is a popular place to swim, there is plenty of room, and potholes, for all. Further upstream along the creek there is a beautiful photo-op spot, complete with a waterfall, mossy rocks and shallow pools of clear water. As most don't make it here, there's a good chance that you can enjoy the waterfall all to yourself. And, if you're up for hiking another couple of miles along the Galloping Goose Trail, you'll find even more private pools with the possibility for skinny dipping. Along the way, watch for bald eagles, Roosevelt elk and black bear.
This cliff jumper's dream features towering boulder formations and a combination of deep and shallow crystal clear water, reflecting deep blues and blacks. The granite bridge is a highlight – you can swim underneath and pop out in a hole milled out by the stream. While it's surely one of California's best swimming holes, it does require good boots and about a 2.5-mile moderate, unmarked hike to get there.
Perhaps the most photographed waterfall in Australia is Millaa Millaa Falls – a heritage-listed plunge waterfall that's also a great swimming spot. After enjoying the falls, keep your eyes peeled for the electric-blue Ulysses butterfly and the elusive platypus. One of the most accessible falls from Cairns is in Josephine Falls, less than an hours drive away. Sitting in the shadow of Mount Bartle Frere, Jo Falls (as it's known to the locals) boasts its very own natural waterslide on the bottom pool. The series of waterfalls in this national park provides respite to travellers tackilng a long and dusty drive along the Old Telegraph Track.
You'll have to take a 2-mile trek up the South Fork Tuolumne River, but it's mostly flat and certainly well worth the journey during the summer months. The 35-foot waterfall that cascades over the wide granite ledges into the swimming hole offers the ideal ambiance. You'll be surrounded by soaring ponderosa pines, and most of the time, all you'll hear are the birds watching from above and the soothing sounds of the water. Is there anything more refreshing than swimming under a waterfall on a hot summer day? Escaping the summer heat in a freezing cold pool of water and then sunbathing out on warm rocks is one of my all time favorite summer activities. So, with summer unofficially here I have rounded up my 5 favorite waterfalls, with swimming holes at them, for your enjoyment.
This natural, nearly 100-foot deep pool is in a lava field in Lotofago village on the south coast of Upolu island, renowned for its idyllic beaches and unspoiled nature. Swimmers use a ladder to climb down into the hole and enjoy refreshing, crystal clear waters that are fed by the ocean. The To Sua Ocean Trench is surrounded by picturesque gardens and a white sandy beach. Just a few steps away is the flea market, offering everything from kava bowls to authentic Samoan music, jewelry, baskets and lava lavas, the Samoan sarong. It's that time of year when most of us would give anything to jump into a refreshing swimming hole or stand underneath a beautiful waterfall. These swimming holes and waterfalls across the globe provide some of the most ideal spots for doing just that.
Located along the Fleurieu Peninsula – which, coincidentally, so is Second Valley beach (road trip?!) – this protected national park shows off ocean views, a waterfall and a water hole! The park has a suggested 3.5-hour hike path that takes you through the forested valleys to the waterfall, and you can swim in the water hole any time of year you like! There's plenty of Australian fauna to be seen, with the park housing western grey kangaroos, short beaked echidnas and 100 different species of birds. If you're lucky, you might be able to spot a whale swimming around the coast during the winter months. There are five campgrounds around the park, though it's close proximity to Adelaide means this amazing spot makes for a perfect afternoon trip.
Much of that cooling water is contained in two huge lakes bordering the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area about 45 miles southeast of Paducah. You can sightsee, soak, or swim at these multilevel falls about 9 miles north of Cookeville. Actually getting in the water here requires a rugged hike that includes steep elevation drops (not suitable for kids or flip-flops, so wear sturdy shoes). The trail, which includes a wade through the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River, is a 2-mile loop that descends into the 200-foot-deep gorge and then turns upstream to the falls. But once you reach the cool, wide plunge pool at the bottom, you'll be really glad you made the effort. More than 30 waterfalls tumble, rumble, and roar throughout South Carolina's Upcountry region in the northwest corner of the state.
One of the most beautiful and accessible is Chau Ram Falls, about 25 miles west of Clemson. The centerpiece of Chau Ram County Park, the waterfall forms as Ramsey Creek empties into the Chauga River then pours 40 feet downward onto smooth boulders. Catch pools at the bottom give adventurous swimmers a place to splash, or you can enjoy calmer waters near a beach on the river's edge.
A suspension bridge over the river offers access to easily hiked trails that lead to even more Upcountry waterfalls. Out west in the Sydney's adventure playground, the Blue Mountains, is this epic swimming hole. This pool is deep, deep enough to jump in from the rock ledges surrounding(don't forget to check the depth of where you're jumping first). This waterfall also isn't national park so it's even dog friendly! This walk is roughly 800 meters to the base of the waterfall. Enfield Falls is part of Robert H. Treman State Park, which also features nine miles of hiking trails.
You can camp here too, so this swimming hole makes an ideal summer vacation destination. The swimming hole sits at the bottom of the 115-foot falls, and the view as you hike down from the cliff staircase is absolutely magnificent. There are a total of 12 waterfalls in the park, so after a day of hiking, cooling off under Enfield Falls feels heavenly. The swimming area has a lifeguard on duty during the summer too, making it perfect for families with children. Thunder Brook or Leech Brook is a small river west of Grand Falls-Windsor. Anyone who has ever driven between Grand Falls and Badger would have crossed over it at some point.
Having made the trip between St. Johns and Corner Brook countless times I was one of these people. However, if you pull off the Highway on the east side of Thunder Brook Bridge you will find a small parking lot where a well maintained hiking trail begins. Completing the short hike brings you into a large natural pool, popular to local swimmers. A little bit further and you come across a steep, narrow gorge with a large waterfall at the far end. West Point on the Eno, a 404-acre city park six miles north of Durham, is the starting point for a one-mile hike to Sennet Hole.
Legend has it that a miserly mill operator who owned the land in the 1700s buried a pot of Spanish gold in the river. The tall tale adds history and adventure to your dip in the Olympic pool-size swimming hole. To reach Sennet Hole, take the white-blazed Buffalo Trail, cross Warren Creek, and then follow the Sennet Hole Trail to the pool. The water in the swimming hole is up to eight feet deep, but there are plenty of rock slabs for lounging and sunbathing when you're ready to get out of the chilly water. The Upstate of South Carolina has more waterfalls than most people realize.
These waterfall swimming holes offer a chance to cool down on a hot summer day. Want to cool off in a natural shower without getting too soaked? Memorial Falls might just be your favorite of all the waterfall swimming holes in Michigan. This lovely location in Munising is actually comprised of two separate waterfalls, each of which flows through a breathtaking cave.
Waterfalls Near Me I Can Swim In Take a brief hike from the parking lot off Nestor Street and get ready to walk behind the falls as you admire the forested beauty that surrounds you. Located in Mount Buffalo National Park, the water of the Ladies Bath Falls cascades into a crystal clear pool below. Despite being rather chilly all year round , we guarantee you won't be able to resist taking a dip. In the warmer months, this swimming hole is a perfect respite from the heat of the nearby Ovens and Buckland valleys.
If you want to get in on more waterfall action while you're here, head up to the Upper and Lower Eurobin Falls. It's only a short walk between all three, but the national park is a four hour drive northeast of Melbourne — so we recommending staying overnight in nearby Bright. White County You'll have a hard time finding a more breathtaking, calming destination — especially in driving distance from Nashville. About 2 1/2 hours from downtown, Virgin Falls is located between Sparta and Crossville. The main attraction is the stream that flows from a cave, drops down a 110-foot high cliff, and flows into yet another cave.
The result is a near infinity-pool look; glassy, gorgeous and never-ending. That alone is enough to attract people, but there are also various other waterfalls and caves to enjoy. The area's 1,157 acres cover some pretty strenuous hiking trails, so you'll want to come prepared for the approximate 9-mile trek. I especially love entering waterfalls, there is an energy and power that is deeply moving, where you have to have an absolute respect. I have travelled the whole of the UK searching for wild swimming holes, waterfalls, rivers, coastal caves and hope to spend the rest of my life always looking.
While we are blessed with an average of 320 sunny days each year , sometimes the hot weather can be more of a curse than a blessing. Luckily, we are spoilt for choices with heaps of watering holes around North Queensland to explore, discover, and most importantly, cool off in. Wanderstories has put together the top natural swimming holes, hidden lagoons, rock pools and creeks to visit – we've got it all. With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful hikes, waterfalls and swimming holes.
It's important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death. The park runs along 40 scenic miles of the Class II Harpeth River, a popular route for canoe and kayak trips, and there are several swimming holes and rocky beach spots along the way. There are also numerous upstream and downstream access points for beginners and advanced kayakers.
The 100-yard tunnel is hand-carved from stone and empties into a small swimming hole on the other side. Australia's oldest national park, the royal national park, is home to this hidden pristine pool. Nested amongst palm trees, you don't feel like you're less than an hour south of Sydney.
The sandy and rocky floor of this pool makes the water crystal clear, this swimming hole is the perfect summer chillout zone. This one is a bit longer at 2km to the water, but provides for an also walk. You also park at Wattamolla beach, with another waterfall you can swim under, but is often very crowed. Temperatures average around 90F during the day with the humidity adding a "sticky" feeling. It's important to apply proper protection in the form of sunscreen, hats, or cover for shade if you plan on spending a day at the beach. Still, this weather makes a cool dip in a swimming hole all the more refreshing.
You can't go wrong with a day out in the water or lounging on the sand. The waters plunge down into travertine swimming holes below, offering one of the most amazing spots to take a dip on the planet. This place considered sacred by the Havasupai isn't easy to get to, requiring a 10-mile hike, mule or horse ride to get there, but that just means you're not likely to run into a huge crowd. Ten metres of rushing water cascade down into this idyllic deep forest pool. You may see locals jumping from the top of the falls but I definitely don't recommend you try it yourself – just go for a splash about or swim under the waterfall.
It's a beautiful walk along the river and passing various plunge pools to reach Lady Falls, making it a dreamy wild swimming walk on a hot day. Grab your swimsuit and seek out my seven favourite wild swimming spots in Wales. I've included information on how to get to all of these magical places.
There is little more satisfying than jumping into a pool of cool water on a hot summer's day or if you're brave enough - all year round! With these great wild swimming spots you can enjoy the cool natural waters while taking in the spectacular scenery that is all around you. Located just down the road from Portland in Gladstone, High Rocks Park is a popular destination for thrillseekers during the summer. This park has, as you could have guessed, high rocks that visitors jump from into cool, refreshing waters below.
The park is situated along the Clackamas just before it meets up with the Willamette River. The rocky banks provide ideal cliff jumping conditions just high enough to make the plunge a thrilling experience! This is a heavily trafficked swimming hole in the area, but you can avoid crowds by visiting in early or late summer, when many have returned to school. These seven swimming holes near NYC are just a hop skip and a cannonball jump away. Decew Falls is the perfect road trip for waterfall lovers less than 90 minutes from Toronto.
The Catskills region offers many beautiful spots to cool off on a hot day, from streams and swimming holes to formal beaches and public pools. Lake Catherine State Parkboasts a nice swim beach but it is also home to a hidden waterfall that spills into Falls Creek, a tributary of Lake Catherine. To get to this picturesque swimming spot, follow Falls Branch Trail, a moderate two-mile loop trail that winds through the forest.
The hike culminates at the seasonal waterfall which measures feet tall. There is a nice shallow pool right at the base of the waterfall where you can cool off before finishing the loop. The trailhead is located at the south end of the park, near the amphitheater.