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

There is nothing better than jumping into cool, refreshing water on a hot day. The best time for swimming in Tennessee is during the hot summer months, especially July and August when temperatures can become unbearable. Luckily, you can find some of the best swimming spots in Tennessee that don’t only offer relief from the heat but also fantastic scenery.

Best Swimming Holes in Tennessee

Tennessee has some of the best swimming holes in the United States, thanks to its many waterfalls hidden in deep forests. Some are easier to access than others, but on a hot summer’s day, after a long hike, there is nothing more rewarding than a cool dip under a cascading waterfall.

Blue Hole Falls

This incredible swimming hole is located in the Cherokee National Forest, Holston Mountain Area. The Blue Hole Falls are made up of four waterfalls that plunge into a turquoise pool. Luckily, it is not a long hike to the falls, and the area is hardly ever crowded, so you can enjoy your dip in peace.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

This park is nestled into the Cumberland Plateau, only a short drive from Knoxville, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Tri-Cities, so many people flock there over the summer. Visitors can swim in the streams, rivers, and natural pools at the base of waterfalls. However, these are not the safest spots for several reasons, like currents, debris, and drowning, since there are no lifeguards on duty. Thankfully, there are also a few pools in the park where swimming is much safer.

Fort Dickerson Quarry

The Fort Dickerson Quarry lies in Fort Dickerson Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is one of the most popular swimming holes in the state and is often frequented by thrill seekers, who jump off the cliffs into the water. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, and swimming or jumping is at your own risk.

Rock Island State Park

While there are several swimming spots in Rock Island State Park, the most accessible is Swim Beach. This beach has a natural sand-silt shoreline, perfect for sunbathing, and offers picnic tables, a boat ramp, and restrooms. However, there are no lifeguards on duty.

Unfortunately, there are some swimming spots in the park where swimming is prohibited due to strong currents. Therefore, visitors need to obey warning signs and stick to the designated swimming areas like:

• The Cold Hole
• The Great Falls
• The Warm Hole

Rutledge Falls

One of the best swimming spots in Tennessee is Rutledge Falls. These falls are located on privately owned land. However, it is still open to the public, and the best thing is there are no entrance fees. It’s completely free! The water here is cold throughout the year, so it is the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer’s day. Luckily, the falls are only a short walk from the parking lot.

Cummins Falls State Park

Thus idyllic but rugged state park sits on 308 acres and is located 9 miles north of Cookeville. People have been cooling off in the scenic swimming hole under Cummins Falls for over 100 years. These falls are 75 feet high and the state’s eighth largest waterfall in volume. However, they are not easy to get to. Visiting these falls will require the following:

• Climbing rocks
• Strenuous hiking
• Walking on slippery surfaces, like wet rocks
• Swimming through water

The Best Swimming Lakes in Tennessee

While cooling off under a waterfall might sound enticing, Tennessee is also home to magnificent lakes, providing visitors with some of the best swimming spots in Tennessee.

Old Hickory Lake

If you are ever in Nashville on a scorching hot summer’s day, why not visit Old Hickory Lake to cool down in its waters? This lake has four designated swimming beaches: Laguardo, Cedar Creek, Old Hickory Beach, and Lock 3. Old Hickory Lake offers some of the best swimming spots in Tennesee and provides guests with restrooms, picnic tables, grills, and launching ramps. However, they do charge entry for most of these spots, usually $5 for vehicles or $2 per person. Luckily Lock 3 has no admission; it is free.

Nickajack Lake

This reservoir is created by the Nickajack Dam and extends 45 miles from the dam to Chickamauga Dam while passing through downtown Chattanooga. In addition, the views of the Tennessee River Gorge are spectacular. Nickajack Lake has designated swimming areas, like the Mapel View Public Use Recreation Area, which also provides picnic tables and trails. Furthermore, this lake has an observation deck leading to the mouth of the cave, allowing those without boats to see the bats that live in these caves.

Rivers

There are over 100 rivers in Tennessee, but not all are safe to swim in due to strong currents and pollution. However, some rivers make the best swimming spots in Tennessee, including these three:

1. Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area

While the Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area has a pool named Bandy Creek Pool, many visitors opt to swim in the river. However, not all areas of the river are safe to swim in. So, there are a few popular spots people tend to stick to, including Leatherwood Ford Bridge and Gentleman’s swimming hole. But, if you dare to take a dip in the river, the park recommends using a personal floatation device and warns of hazards like tricky currents, deep holes, submerged rocks, and ledges. These hazards can trap legs and feet. Bandy Creek Pool is a roped-off swimming area in a 12-acre lake, so it also has gorgeous scenery and is a much safer option. Stunning sandstone bluffs surround the pool, and on the southern end is a breathtaking beach open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

2. Narrows of Harpeth

The trails of Narrows of Harpeth are fun and easy, making it a great outing for families with children. There are nine access points on this river, and swimming is allowed, but at your own risk. However, several activities are prohibited on this river and its trails, which include:

• Bicycling
• Rock climbing
• Rappelling
• Horseback riding
• Orienteering
• Four-wheeling
• Camping
• Hunting
• Metal detecting
• Collecting or disturbing plants, wildlife, or artifacts

3. The Sinks

One of the most mesmerizing falls in the Smokies is the Sinks Gatlinburg. It is easily accessible and can even be seen from the road. Therefore, it is a popular destination for families. The Sinks has a breathtaking swimming hole at the base of a waterfall created from the Little River plunging into a narrow gorge. However, guests must be cautious when swimming here, as there are strong currents, and a few people have lost their lives. There are no lifeguards on duty, and swimming is at your own risk.

Waterparks

• Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Adventure Park
• Wild Bear Falls Waterpark
• Soaky Mountain Waterpark

Summary of the Best Swimming Spots in Tennessee

The photo featured at the top of this post is © J. Michael Scarborough, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License / Original