The Best Swimming Spots in Alabama: Lakes, Rivers, and More

When summer is just around the corner, it’s a good time to plan a few escapes into nature to enjoy some time in the water. There are lakes, rivers, and swimming holes to explore throughout Alabama and below, we highlight a few of the best spots. Some locations have stunning waterfalls splashing into them, others have glimmering blue, clear waters, and some are further off the beaten path (but totally worth the trip). Whether you’re heading out with friends or packing up the whole family, there are multiple locations you can enjoy across the state. Some spots require a hike and others you can get to rather easily after parking your car. Plan ahead, pack your bags with all the goods, and head out to enjoy the day at any one of the best swimming spots in Alabama.

Best Swimming Spots in Alabama

Swimming Holes

Cheaha Falls

Location: Lineville, AL

To get to Cheaha Falls, you first enjoy a gorgeous hike on the Chinnabee Silent Trail in the Talladega National Forest at Cheaha State Park. It’s considered a moderate trail so not too challenging, but it is quite long. By the time you’ve made it back, you’ve hiked just over seven miles (unless you only want to reach Cheaha Falls, in which case it’s a 3.3-mile roundtrip). When you’re on the trail, you come across a sign that points you in the right direction, letting you know how far Cheaha Falls are. Once you arrive, you can take a dip in the water to cool off and rest a bit before heading back. Be careful when walking on the rocks around the falls — they get slippery!

The Blue Hole

Location: Pinson, AL

The Blue Hole is fed by a waterfall and it’s the very first spot you come upon when you visit the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. This is a popular summer destination where you can take the whole family and spend the day. The water is breathtakingly blue and invitingly clear. Even if you are biking on the trail that runs just beside it, it’s worth a stop to take in its beauty and rest on one of the rocks that line it. The Blue Hole is considered one of the most beautiful swimming spots in Alabama. It’s no wonder it attracts both locals and tourists when the weather gets warm.

Upper Caney Creek Falls

Location: Double Springs, AL

If you love a good swimming spot but don’t like the crowds, Upper Caney Creek Falls is for you. It’s pretty hidden so it takes some know-how to get to but once you arrive, it’s totally worth it. Most people don’t know about this swimming spot but there is a rather old, handwritten sign with an arrow that points to its location. It’s over in the William B. Bankhead National Forest in the northern part of the state. To get to the falls, you take the aptly named trail: Caney Creek Falls trail. You don’t need to be an expert hiker for the trail, it’s only 1.7 miles roundtrip. The falls drop 20 feet into a serene, secluded swimming hole and part of what makes it fun is the space you can access behind the waterfall to enjoy the view.

Mardis Mill Falls

Location: Blountsville, AL

Mardis Mills Falls is a favorite for locals who flock to it during the summer season with coolers in tow. It’s a bit hidden in comparison to some of the other swimming spots in Alabama but once you know how to get to it, you realize it’s not very difficult at all. You may know it by another name: Grave’s Creek Falls. The falls drop about 15 feet and the area spans 35 feet. You can take a dip in the area just below the walls or take your kayak and enjoy the day atop the water.

The Hippie Hole

Location: Ft. Payne, AL

Although some of the swimming spots in this list are hidden gems and others are secrets locals would like to keep, there are some spots that are well-known. The Hippie Hole is one such swimming hole that many collect in during scorching Alabama summer days. It’s located in the Little River Canyon National Preserve, only about an hour and a half from Huntsville. For many families, visiting The Hippie Hole during the summer has become part of their traditions. Although the parking area may be closed, you can still access the water. Simply park over by Little River Falls and take the short trek over to the swimming hole. It’s rocky there and gets slippery, so be careful! When you head out to take a dip, don’t forget towels and sunscreen. Pack a floatie if you’d like to enjoy the day gliding on the water’s surface.  

Lakes

Lake Wedowee

Location: Jasper, AL

Lake Wedowee attracts visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. Many people head over to this lake to fish because it contains several different fish species, including flathead catfish, crappie, striped bass, hybrid striper, spotted bass, and largemouth bass. But even if fishing is not of interest, you can head out on a boat, stay overnight and camp, or just take a dip and enjoy a swim. This lake is fed by the Tallapoosa River and has a maximum depth of 135 feet. The shoreline extends a total of 272 miles.  

Guntersville Lake

Location: Guntersville, AL

This lake is the ideal place to go when you need to get away for the weekend. It’s located in Lake Guntersville State Park and is fed by the Tennessee River. It spans 69,000 acres, making it the largest lake found in the state. Take your boat out, water ski, kayak, fish, or just enjoy the beach and go swimming. Add an easy hike to your journey or check out the golf course for more leisurely fun.

Rivers

The Tallapoosa River

Location: AL

The Tallapoosa River is most popular for paddling, and it’s constantly changing, offering a variety of opportunities to view wildlife, explore caves, or play in shoals. Head to the Evans Bridge access point off Highway 48 to enjoy the rock beach or check out Lake Harris in Tuscaloosa for the beach, which offers plenty of space to swim and enjoy the water.

Pools and Water Parks

Point Mallard Park

Location: Decatur, AL

Point Mallard Park is an ideal summer destination for the whole family. It features a wave pool, an Olympic pool, a lazy river, and flume slides. There’s an area for younger kiddos too. Set up at one of the cabanas and enjoy the many activities available. The park covers 700 acres and is open every day throughout the year. If you plan to become a frequent visitor, look into season passes to make the most out of your visits.

Alabama Splash Adventure

Location: Bessemer, AL

Alabama Splash Adventure is adjacent to the Alabama Adventure Amusement Park. The Kahuna wave pool has 800,000 gallons of water to enjoy, and you can take an inner tube to the Warrior lazy river to enjoy the water in a more relaxing environment. For your thrills, check out the rocket racer and twister slides and keep kids entertained at splash island.

Hartselle Aquatic Center

Location: Hartselle, AL

The Hartselle Aquatic Center opens on Memorial Day weekend and remains open only through August. It’s a water park for all ages and features a zero-depth entry. There are two slides and a lazy river as well. When you inevitably get hungry, you can enjoy the full-service concession stand. There are season passes available and children under two years old enter for free. Although open to the public, if you want to host a private event, you can rent the facility.