Posted in Alabama Summer May 24, 2023 by

Here Are 9 Alabama Swimming Holes That Will Make Your Summer Epic

Alabama is well known for having very hot summers. And with warmer months right around the corner, you’re probably dreading the heat and thinking of places to swim in Alabama where you can cool off. Luckily, there are several rivers, creeks, and lakes located throughout the state that offer great swimming spots, which are often referred to as “swimming holes.” And they’re some of my favorite places to spend warm summer days. If you’re looking for a great way to beat the upcoming summer heat, be sure to check out the following nine swimming holes in Alabama.

1. Cheaha Falls
flickr/Dustin Tanner
Cheaha Falls, located within the Talladega National Forest on Cheaha Creek, is a great place for a swim. Be careful when climbing the rocks. They can get very slippery.
Cheaha Falls, Lineville, AL 36266, USA
2. Cahaba River
flickr/g - s - h
At 194-miles long, Alabama's Cahaba River is the longest free-flowing river in the state. It's also one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the entire country. There are several swimming holes located along this beautiful river that are perfect for cooling off from the summer heat.
Cahaba River, Alabama, USA
3. Mardis Mill Falls
flickr/Kerry Sanders
Mardis Mill Falls, located in Blount County, and also known as Graves Falls, is a gorgeous 15-foot waterfall. The area below the waterfall is very popular among kayakers and swimmers. Can't you see yourself swimming here on a hot summer day?
Mardis Mill Falls, 546 Mardis Mill Rd, Blountsville, AL 35031, USA
4. The Blue Hole
swimming holes in alabama
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
Located just 15 miles outside of Birmingham, in Pinson, is Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. It's the perfect place to visit if you're looking for a great swimming hole to take a dip in. Turkey Creek's Blue Hole is a popular swimming hole that attracts both locals and visitors alike. It's also one of the most beautiful swimming holes in Alabama.
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126, USA
5. Upper Caney Creek Falls
flickr/Outdoor Alabama/Alan Shero
Upper Caney Creek Falls, located within North Alabama's William B. Bankhead National Forest, is one of the state's most beautiful waterfalls. The area below the falls provides a great swimming hole for swimmers of all ages.
Caney Creek Falls, Double Springs, AL 35553, USA
6. The Hippie Hole
swimming holes in alabama
flickr/Tennessee Wanderer
Located in northwest Alabama, within the Little River Canyon, is a popular swimming hole that's best known as the Hippie Hole. The Hippie Hole is one of the best swimming holes in Alabama and it's well worth the hike to get there.
Hippie Hole, Little River Canyon Rim Pkwy, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA
7. Turkey Creek Falls
flickr/Kerry Sanders
Like the Blue Hole, Turkey Creek Falls is also located within Alabama's Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and is a popular swimming spot among all ages.
Turkey Creek Falls, 3895 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126, USA
8. Devil's Den Falls
facebook/Cheaha State Park-Alabama
At the bottom of Devil's Den Falls, which is located in Cheaha State Park, is a large pool that attracts many swimmers each summer. This is one of the area's best swimming holes.
Devil's Den Falls, Lineville, AL 36266, USA
9. DeSoto Falls
flickr/Mira d'Oubliette
Located near the small town of Mentone, DeSoto Falls (a series of three waterfalls) is one of the most-visited waterfalls in Alabama. It's also one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the South. If that's not enough, DeSoto Falls is also a favorite spot among the locals for summer swimming.
DeSoto Falls, Alabama 35984, USA

Wanna discover more about some of these swimming holes? Here’s a cool YouTube video by This Is Alabama highlighting some of the best Alabama swimming holes.

Have you ever been to any of these nine swimming holes in Alabama? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments. Also, if you have a favorite swimming hole, please share that with us as well.

Aside from swimming holes, did you know that Alabama has some great beaches? Be sure to check out this previous article showcasing 8 of the best beaches in Alabama.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

SWIMMING HOLES IN ALABAMA & RELATED INFO

May 10, 2022
Jennifer Young

What's one of the best Alabama swimming holes that belongs on everyone's summer bucket list?

Do you enjoy swimming? If so, you're in luck because there are many great places to swim in Alabama including some pretty amazing swimming holes. One of the best Alabama swimming holes is the Hippie Hole. The Hippie Hole is a popular swimming spot for locals and visitors alike. Nestled within North Alabama's Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne, this secluded swimming hole features a waterfall and has become a summer tradition for many families. There's no denying that the Hippie Hole is a true hidden gem and belongs on everyone's summer bucket list. After visiting just once, the Hippie Hole will certainly become one of your favorite swimming spots.

Which two swimming lakes in Alabama are perfect for a summer day trip?

Alabama is filled with many incredible lakes that are popular for swimming during the summer months when the weather is warm. Two Alabama lakes that are well known for a variety of recreational activities, specifically swimming, are Lake Guntersville and Lewis Smith Lake (aka Smith Lake). Covering approximately 69,000 acres, Lake Guntersville is Alabama's biggest lake. It's located in Guntersville. Lewis Smith Lake is located in Cullman, Walker, and Winston counties. It's one of the nation's cleanest lakes, which makes it the perfect place to spend the day swimming. So, if you're looking for somewhere to help beat the summer heat, look no further than these two lakes. You're going to love them!

What are some of the best beaches in Alabama?

It is no secret that there are some beautiful beaches in Alabama. And here are some of the best beaches in Alabama that we recommend:

  • Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores
  • Gulf Shores Main Public Beach, Gulf Shores
  • Orange Beach, Orange Beach
  • West End Public Beach, Dauphin Island
  • Beach at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf Shores
  • Alabama Point Beach, Orange Beach
  • Fort Morgan Beach, Gulf Shores
  • West End Public Beach, Dauphin Island
  • Robinson Island, Orange Beach
  • Romar Beach, Orange Beach


Here’s a previous article highlighting some more of the best beaches in Alabama.