Some of the best swimming holes in the U.S. are refreshingly crisp and Caribbean clear, and pretty hard to pass up. Toss in a stunning waterfall backdrop, an underwater cave, or a cliff for jumping, and they become even more tempting. Don’t believe how beautiful some are? Check out these 15 breathtaking swimming locales and see for yourself.

1) Blue Hole - Carter County, Tennessee
Blue Hole, Tennessee, USA
Paul Cimino, Flickr
Just an easy hike away, this gem is one of the best swimming holes in the U.S. This is mainly because it is flanked by a series of four — count 'em, four — separate waterfalls, each one as beautiful as the last. Want to see more? Check out these Tennessee swimming holes.
2) Jacob’s Well - Wimberley, Texas
Jacobs Well, Texas 78676, USA
Patrick Lewis, Flickr
More than just a swimming destination, Jacob's Well is home to an intricate underwater cave system that descends over 200 feet. This U.S. cenote draws local and national divers alike. Above the surface, look for a series of towering rocks, perfect for jumping off of or just catching some rays. Need some more suggestions? View this expanded list of Texas swimming holes.
3) Queen’s Bath - Kauai, Hawaii
Queens Bath, Hawaii 96778, USA
opacity, Flickr
Tucked along the Princeville seaside is a picturesque tide pool nicknamed the Queen's Bath. Though it's a somewhat steep descent to this U.S. swimming hole, a soak in the salty waters is worth the hike down. Read up on more Hawaii swimming holes.
4) Salt Springs State Park - Montrose, Pennsylvania
Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Rd, Montrose, PA 18801, USA
Nicholas T, Flickr
This Pennsylvania state park is loaded with trails, campsites, and places to swim, like the Fall Brook Natural Area. You could definitely spend a day or, heck, a whole week around these parts. Want even more suggestions? Here is a great list of Pennsylvania swimming holes.
5) McCarthy Swimming Hole - Chitina, Alaska
McCarthy, AK 99566, USA
alaska.org
Just off the Kennicott River, hikers will find this stunning swim spot. It's one of the best swimming holes in the U.S as its backdrop includes a majestic glacier. Take a look at this list of other swimming holes in Alaska.
6) Johnson’s Shut-Ins - Middle Brook, Missouri
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA
Wikimedia Commons
The result of volcanic activity over a billion years ago, the igneous rocks surrounding Johnson's Shut-Ins offer up a lesson in natural history as well as a great place to take a dip in a U.S. swimming hole. Look for hikes, camping, and more at what many consider to be Mother Nature's playground. If you're looking for more Missouri swimming holes, check out this list.
7) Sliding Rock - Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Sliding Rock, North Carolina 28768, USA
smithereen11, Flickr
Did someone say "natural Slip 'N Slide?" Take a ride down this smooth rocky ramp for a once-in-a-lifetime experience — we swear it doesn't hurt! Crisp mountain water greets you at the bottom. Here's a full list of North Carolina swimming holes if you are looking for more.

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8) Juniper Springs - Silver Springs, Florida
Juniper Springs, Florida, USA
VISIT FLORIDA Editor, Flickr
Featuring sparkling blue water under a palm tree oasis in the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs is one of Florida's oldest and most loved dipping holes. It's also one of the best swimming holes in the U.S. Find more Florida swimming holes to explore.
9) Crescent Moon Ranch - Sedona, Arizona
Crescent Moon Ranch Road, Crescent Moon Ranch Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
McFotoSFO, Flickr
Ditch the Sedona crowds at Slide Rock and check out this area several miles south. It's a short distance east from the Red Rocks campground, so it's easy to find. Did we mention that the backdrop is breathtaking? Learn more about Arizona swimming holes.
10) Devil’s Punchbowl - Crested Butte, Colorado
Devils Punchbowl, Colorado 81210, USA
Mark Donoher, Flickr
Thrill seekers, rejoice. The towering cliffs surrounding this refreshingly chilly U.S. swimming hole will add an extra dimension to your summertime fun. Looking for more places to cool off in Colorado? Check out even more Colorado swimming holes.
11) D’Lo Water Park - Mendenhall, Mississippi
D'Lo Water Park, 135 D'Lo Park Rd, Mendenhall, MS 39114, USA
dlowaterpark
Referred to as one of Mississippi’s "best kept secrets," the D’Lo Water Park is a paradise waiting to be discovered. Located on the Strong River, the park is extremely wooded and peaceful, making it an excellent place for a relaxing dip on a hot summer day. Want more? Check out these other Mississippi swimming holes.
12) Long Shoals Wayside Park - Sunset, South Carolina
Long Shoals Roadside Park, Scenic Hwy 11, Pickens, SC, USA
Eli Duke, Flickr
Located inside Poe Creek State Forest, this swimming hotspot is popular among tourists and locals alike. Be prepared for chilly waters, even on scorching hot days. Want more South Carolina swimming destinations? Take a look at a longer list of swimming holes in South Carolina.
13) The Deeps at Lester River - Duluth, Minnesota
Lester River, Minnesota, USA
AllTrails / Joey Imperial
Lester River has some of the best swimming holes in the U.S. The Deeps is well known for jumping, but be sure to exercise extreme caution here. Find more Minnesota swimming holes.
14) Devil’s Bathtub - Ft. Blackmore, Virginia
Devil's Bathtub, Devils Fork Loop Trail, Duffield, VA 24244, USA
Corrina Beall, Flickr
Take the plunge if you dare at this Virginia attraction that's shaped just like a real bathtub. Be warned: the hike to this U.S. swimming hole isn't for the faint of heart. In fact, it's been deemed "extremely challenging" by hiking experts. Get details on more Virginia swimming holes.
15) Travertine Creek - Sulphur, Oklahoma
Travertine Creek, Oklahoma 73086, USA
Jonathan C. Wheeler, Flickr
Located in Chickasaw National Park, this creek is a popular destination for those wanting a cold and clear place to swim. Don’t forget to bring your tennis shoes and hike the 1.5-mile trail that runs along the creek. Read up on other Oklahoma swimming holes.

So, are you packing your bags yet and heading to one of these U.S. swimming holes? (I am!) What other incredible swimming holes around the U.S. would you add to this list? If you’ve been to these or other amazing places to swim in the U.S., tell us in the comments!

Prefer to swim in a larger body of water? Check out these beautiful U.S. lakes.

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Best Swimming Holes in the U.S.

Rachel Raimondi | June 22, 2022

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Within each of the 50 states, you are bound to find at least one swimming hole to cool off in. However, depending on your region, there are a few states that have some of the best.

 

What states have the most caves?

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What states have the best waterparks?

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