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14 Natural Swimming Holes So Dreamy You’ll Never Want To Leave
There’s just something magical about finding a hidden spot to cool off, isn’t there? And natural swimming holes have a way of making you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret slice of paradise… without the hefty resort fees or crowded hotel pools with questionable bandaids floating around.
These places are pure, raw refreshment, carved out over time and usually with way fewer screaming kids splashing you in the face. And across the U.S., you’ll find some incredible spots that are well worth the extra drive (and maybe a minor case of soggy car seats afterward).
From turquoise waters to rugged cliffs perfect for testing your bravery, these hidden spots are the real winners of summer escapes. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through the best ones worth turning your GPS slightly off course for.
Hamilton Pool Preserve, Texas
Who knew a collapsed underground river could look this dreamy? Hamilton Pool Preserve is basically a movie set for nature’s overachievers. You’ve got a turquoise pool, a 50-foot waterfall, and a limestone grotto that screams “better than any office view.”
Pro tip: the water’s on the chillier side, so prepare for the kind of shock that’ll make you temporarily question your choice to get it. But it’s worth it for the bragging rights, you’re in a spot that’s been thousands of years in the making. Just remember, this gem is a protected area and reservations are required, so keep your nonsense in check.
Sliding Rock, North Carolina
Ever wanted to feel like a human pinball? Sliding Rock has you covered. This natural 60-foot water slide sends you zooming down slick rock into a bracing plunge pool. And by “bracing,” I mean North Carolina wasn’t kidding with that mountain water temperature.
Did you know 11,000 gallons of water rush over the rock every minute? So you don’t have to bring soap… you’ll feel squeaky clean and exhilarated by the time you hit the bottom. Heads up, though, the line can get long, so patience and a sense of humor are recommended while awaiting your turn to become one with nature’s Slip ’N Slide.
Havasu Falls, Arizona
Now this one’s straight-up bucket list material. Havasu Falls is like stumbling into a desert daydream, with turquoise water cascading over a 100-foot cliff surrounded by red rocks. It’s tucked within the sacred land of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, making it as rich in culture as it is in natural beauty.
Getting to this stunner is no walk in the park (the 10-mile hike one way is a commitment), but the reward? Totally worth the sore legs and maybe a dust-covered everything. Just don’t expect spa vibes; this is where the rugged West shows off its finer side, not its fluffy robes.
Blue Hole, New Mexico
This place is proof that New Mexico isn’t all about deserts and… well, more deserts. The Blue Hole is an 80-foot-deep artesian well that manages to stay a crisp 62°F year-round. Clearly, someone forgot to turn up the thermostat.
Swimmers and divers love it, and it’s easy to see why. The perfectly clear, blue water makes you feel like you’re floating in thin air, though the initial plunge might leave you questioning why you got in. Remember to bring a towel, because when you’re shivering afterward, you’ll quickly realize just how much you appreciate dry land.
Cummins Falls, Tennessee
For anyone who’s ever wanted a swimming hole on steroids, meet Cummins Falls. This 75-foot cascade is where you can frolic (or, you know, awkwardly wade) in nature’s take on a luxury pool. The water at the base is the kind that inspires bad cannonball decisions, and the view will make you forget you’re in Tennessee and not some exotic dreamland.
It’s a little bit of a trek to get here, with some rock-hopping involved, so channel your inner adventurer. But rest assured, that sweet reward of splashing like a kid makes every step worth it. Plus, it’s way cooler than any backyard sprinkler. Just be aware that permits are required due to past flash flooding issues.
Diana’s Baths, New Hampshire
Tucked away in the White Mountains, Diana’s Baths feels like nature’s playground (with a splash of relaxation thrown in). It’s a series of pint-sized waterfalls and pools that are both photogenic and perfect for cooling off after the half-mile hike it takes to get there.
The hike itself? Easy enough that you won’t be gasping for air, but just challenging enough to make you feel like you earned the reward. The water is refreshingly cool (translation: borderline icy), but nothing wakes you up quite like sticking your toes into a natural fridge. Don’t skip this stop; your feet will thank you.
Ginnie Springs, Florida
Ginnie Springs is the vacation spot water wishes it had, with crystal-clear springs so dazzling you’ll be tempted to bottle them up. But don’t… people frown on that. With its underwater caves and snorkel-friendly spots, this spring is the ultimate aquatic playground.
The water is so shockingly transparent that you’ll second-guess your own eyesight, and the visibility is a dream for divers. The Florida heat can be savage, but no worries here. This spring has “cool-off” written all over it in 72°F water. Pack your snorkeling gear and maybe some courage, because those underwater caves? They’ll humble anyone who thinks they’re an explorer.
Falling Water Falls, Arkansas
This swimming spot in Ozark National Forest sounds like something a poet made up after one too many cups of tea, but nope, it’s real. Falling Water Falls is a gorgeous waterfall spilling into a calm, natural pool that looks like it’s straight out of a screensaver.
It’s an easy spot to get to, meaning no need for a two-hour hike that makes you rethink your fitness resolutions. Bonus points for the serenity, because this isn’t the chaotic waterpark energy you might dread. It’s the kind of place where you can sit, soak, and quietly wonder why you don’t live closer.
Jacob’s Well, Texas
If you’re looking for a water adventure that doubles as a game of “how brave are you, really?”, Jacob’s Well is calling your name. This karstic spring features a 30-foot-deep well that looks like it’s straight out of your next anxiety dream.
The water is crystal clear, which is awesome because it gives you a perfect view of the bottom… oh wait, no, that’s not the bottom, that’s just where the first level of mystery starts. Swimmers and divers love it here, partly for the chill of the spring and partly for the bragging rights. Make sure to verify it’s open before you visit, as it is sometimes closed on and off in summer to preserve the spring.
Peekamoose Blue Hole, New York
Located in the Catskill Mountains, Peekamoose Blue Hole is proof that New York isn’t all skyscrapers and bagels. This clear, deep pool is surrounded by lush greenery and features water so cold it’ll make you question your decisions. Like, did you really need to jump in from that rock?
Speaking of jumping, cliff divers can’t get enough of the adrenaline kicks this spot dishes out. Just know that jumping is regulated with a permit on summer weekends due to crowds. If swimming isn’t your thing, you can still soak up the peaceful atmosphere (then laugh at your friends’ reaction to the water temperature).
Devil’s Den, Florida
If the name doesn’t make you second-guess things, then the entrance probably will. Devil’s Den is an underground spring inside a dry cave that feels like stepping into a prehistoric underworld. And that’s not an exaggeration. This place was actually home to ancient fossils.
Snorkelers and scuba fans flock here for what feels like an otherworldly experience, surrounded by ancient rock formations and beams of light breaking through the cave’s entrance. It’s unique, sure, but don’t expect it to babysit your nerves. This spot is as epic as it is eerie. And honestly, that’s half the fun.
Warren Falls, Vermont
Warren Falls is a local spot that pulls double duty as a natural photographic hotspot and an aquatic playground. It’s a series of waterfalls and pools nestled along Vermont’s Mad River, making it basically nature’s answer to a waterpark… minus the crowds and questionable snack stands.
The pools range from shallow chill spots to deep sections perfect for cannonballs or, if you’re feeling extra brave, some light cliff-jumping. You’ll walk away feeling refreshed and maybe a bit sore if you attempt to keep up with veteran jumpers. In summer, it’s more than a swimming spot; it’s a test of both agility and guts.
Cedar Creek Falls, California
Hidden away in the Cleveland National Forest, Cedar Creek Falls feels like a reward you earned after hiking a solid 3 miles downhill, because that’s exactly what it is (permit required). And sure, what goes down must come up. But let’s focus on the good stuff.
The highlight here is an epic 80-foot waterfall that plummets into a crystal-clear pool, just daring you to swim in it. The water’s refreshing, which you’ll appreciate after sweating your way down the trail. Just keep in mind, this isn’t your typical lazy river setting, so bring water and sunscreen for the hike back (unless you enjoy impersonating a lobster).
Punch Bowl Falls, Oregon
Punch Bowl Falls looks like something straight out of a fantasy novel. Except it’s real and doesn’t involve dragons. The waterfall drops right into a picturesque, bowl-shaped pool that feels tailor-made for wading (swimming can sometimes be dangerous due to the currents, but everyone wades in; how can you not?).
Located in the stunning Columbia River Gorge, the area is surrounded by lush greenery that could make even the grumpiest person stop and say, “Okay, wow.” The water can be pretty chilly, so consider it nature’s version of an ice bath. But hey, if you’re willing to brave it, you might just walk away feeling unstoppable… or at least really awake.
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