Believe it or not, there are tons of swimming holes in Georgia worth considering when the temperatures get warmer. Most visitors to our great state don’t even realize how many truly killer swimming holes or opportunities to refresh from those rising temperatures there are. Swimming at the base of a waterfall, you say? Where the heck do we sign up?!

It doesn’t matter where you are within the state of Georgia, there are always opportunities to stay cool. Whether you prefer the natural inland lakes in Georgia or the man-made swimming holes, you will always have a place for the family to set up shop, and swim the afternoon away. Take a look at these 13 little-known swimming spots in Georgia that will give you and your family a season you’ll never forget.

1. The Beach at Clayton County International Park - Jonesboro, Georgia
Clayton County International Park, 2300 Hwy 138 SE, Jonesboro, GA 30236, USA
Olivier Prosper/Trip Advisor
Looks like it should be part of an island chain, right? Nobody would have thought this beautiful beach was hidden away in Georgia! However, this man-made swimming hole is the perfect place to spend the summer, swimming all your troubles away.

Let's take a quick fly-over at the epic Beach at Clayton County International Park for one of the best swimming holes in Georgia:
2. Unicoi State Park - Helen
Unicoi State Park & Lodge, 1788 GA-356, Helen, GA 30545, USA
Unicoi State Park/Facebook
With over 1,000 acres to explore at this state park, plus an abundance of swimming opportunities, Unicoi is a hidden gem within the Georgia park system that will make any summer adventure complete.

More Information and directions.
3. Cherokee Falls - Cloudland Canyon, Georgia
Cherokee Falls, Georgia 30738, USA
Andrew Kalat/Flickr
We've said it before, and we'll say it again - Cherokee Falls has some of the bluest water in the state. There is nothing more serene than swimming in this natural spot, with the sounds of a waterfall behind you.
4. Red Clay Resort - Cohutta, Georgia
Red Clay Resort, 5510 Red Clay Rd, Cohutta, GA 30710, USA
Red Clay Resort/Facebook
While Red Clay Resort has been around for years, it still is one of the top swimming holes in Georgia that seemingly flies under the radar. There aren't too many places where you can swim in a spring-fed pool with waters this clear.
5. Panther Creek Falls - Clarkesville, Georgia
Panther Creek Falls, 765 Mossy Creek Ln, Clarkesville, GA 30523, USA
J Griffin Stewart/Flickr
Panther Creek Falls is an exciting and intense place to swim, especially after you complete the trail hike to get there! There is nothing more rewarding after working up a sweat than jumping into a swimming hole at the base of a waterfall. Who's ready for a plunge?!

If you want a real adventure, check out this video from Build The Dream exploring Panther Creek Trail and its many offshoots which lead to one of the best swimming holes in GA:
6. Tybee Island Beach
Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA
dahon/Flickr
Okay, so maybe this spot isn't little known, but it definitely deserves to be on this list, mainly because it has some of the whitest, most pristine sand in all of Georgia. Plus, it's pretty much mandatory to visit at least once during the summer. Tybee Island Beach is a must-visit swimming spot in Georgia when the summer sun is at its hottest.

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7. Blue Hole Falls - Hiawassee, Georgia
Blue Hole Falls, 1333 Indian Grave Gap Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546, USA
Stanislav Vitebskiy/Flickr
Waterfalls, sunshine floating down through trees, a cooling swimming hole to keep you refreshed - what more could you really want out of a summer day at Blue Hole Falls? Maybe packing a picnic could level up the experience. As an added bonus, High Shoals Falls is also on the same trail.
8. Fort Mountain State Park - Cohutta Wilderness
Fort Mountain State Park, 181 Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705, USA
TranceMist/Flickr
At nearly 4,000 acres, Fort Mountain State Park boasts some insanely picture-perfect views. But what's more, is the lake, which is a part of the state park, has a beach that is perfect to spend summer days away from crowds, catching some Zzzzz's and some sunshine.
9. Sea Creek Falls - Suches, Georgia
Sea Creek Falls, Georgia 30572, USA
Jeff Moore/Flickr
Probably one of the lesser-known destinations on our list, Sea Creek Falls is a great place to enjoy both the outdoors and a hot summer day. Take the whole family and splash about under the sun at this delightful swimming hole in GA.
10. Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier, Georgia, USA
G. DAWSON/Flickr
Lake Lanier is PERFECT for your summertime swimming adventures. Not only can you spend the weekend camping at the water's edge, but you can also bring your boat, hiking boots, fishing gear and more to enjoy the best parts of this lake.
11. Jack's River Falls - Epworth, Georgia
Jacks River Falls, Unknown, Epworth, GA 30541, USA
ChattOconeeNF/Flickr
Jack's River Falls is one of those hidden gem spots that not many people like to share details on simply for the sake of preserving the true beauty. If you can make it through the trail, this local beaut is waiting for you for a cool refreshing way to spend the afternoon.
12. Etowah River Abandoned Mine Tunnel - Etowah River
Etowah River, Georgia, USA
Ga. Rob & Terri/YouTube
This incredible adventure is just waiting to be experienced this summer. Take a kayak through the river tunnel, and once you safely pop out the other side, you can have a victory swim in the refreshing river. Summer bucket list item to complete an underground river tunnel? Check.

Check out the kayaking adventures to be had at the Etowah River abandoned mine tunnel in this video from Rob & Terrie:
13. River Tubing in Helen, Georgia
Helen, GA 30545, USA
Cool River Tubing
A summer wouldn't be complete without a trip down the Chattahoochee River. Tube with your friends and family and make memories that will last a lifetime. You may even be able to bring your furry friend if they enjoy the water!

How many of these swimming holes in Georgia do you think you’ll check off your summer list this year? Or maybe we missed one of your favorite places to go swimming in Georgia. Share with us in the comments section!

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More to Explore

Swimming Holes in Georgia

Marisa Roman | June 14, 2019

Does Georgia have any natural inland lakes?

Some of the natural inland lakes in Georgia include:

 

There are tons of lakes in Georgia that are located inland, for visitors or residents who don’t want to drive to the coast to cool off. In fact, many of the most popular swimming holes in Georgia happen to also be inland lakes!

What is the only state with no natural lakes?

Believe it or not, there is a state in the country that has zero natural lakes. Thankfully, it’s not Georgia. Lakes in Georgia are abundant, however, Maryland isn’t as lucky. While Maryland has plenty of reservoirs, ponds, and even coastal access through the bay, there are no natural lakes within the state.

What state has the least amount of lakes?

There isn’t a shortage of swimming holes in Georgia, which is why it makes for such a great place to visit when the temperatures get warm. However, despite all the lakes in Georgia and beaches in Georgia, not every state is as lucky. Maryland, for instance, has the least amount of lakes in the United States. Yet, where Maryland lacks in lakes it makes up with coastal access. The Chesapeake Bay in Maryland is a huge draw for many visitors, which features a variety of things to do, historical points, restaurants, and of course, some of the freshest seafood around.

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