The 6 Best Waterfall Swimming Holes in the United States

Finding swimming holes during warmer seasons is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, exercise with a hike, and cool off in the water with friends and family. But to make it more interesting, add a waterfall. Discover the five best waterfall swimming holes in the United States!

The 6 Best Waterfall Swimming Holes in The United States

1. Havasu Falls

Location: Arizona

Out in the Arizona desert, there is a stunning oasis known as Havasu Falls. It’s enclosed within the vibrant red of the Grand Canyon. The bright blue waters beautifully contrast the otherwise rocky desert landscape. If that weren’t enough of a feast for the eyes, you can also enjoy a powerful cascading waterfall that comes right out of the rocky walls of the Grand Canyon.

It’s located near Grand Canyon National Park, but you have to travel over to Havasu Canyon, which is located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The gushing waterfall is nearly 100 feet tall and the swimming hole beneath it has become a popular tourist attraction. The water’s electric blue is a result of some chemical reactions and even as you see the vibrant hues in photos, nothing compares to seeing and experiencing these waters when they’re right in front of you.

2. Cummins Falls

Location: Tennessee

Cummins Falls is another popular waterfall swimming hole but this one is located in Tennessee. These falls are not as tall as Havasu Falls but they are more abundant. They reach 75 feet tall and when you visit, you have to work to see them. Pack your bathing suit but make sure you have some good hiking shoes on because to get there, there is some rugged terrain. Once you arrive, you realize it’s all worth it. The scene looks very much like something you’d imagine while reading a fantasy novel. Don’t expect to find it clear of others seeking to enjoy this natural wonder, however. It’s especially popular during extra warm summer days.

3. Carlon Falls

Location: California

Over in California, there are Carlon Falls. This is one of the best waterfall swimming holes in the United States! It makes for a great day trip because it first starts with a hike. You don’t have to plan your trip for a certain time of year because it’s open year-round. Simply follow the trail and it leads you to Carlon Falls where you can enjoy the sound of rushing waters and take a dip to cool off. Once submerged, you can pause to reflect on the nature that surrounds you. There are ponderosa pines as well as beautiful wild sunflowers. It’s the type of place you retreat to when you need to reflect, find your center, and recharge. With a year-round schedule, you can make it a part of your regular getaway routine.

4. Jump Creek Falls

Location: Idaho

There are red-osier dogwood trees and a 60-foot-tall waterfall at Jump Creek Falls in Idaho. To get to the falls, it’s a short hike. Once you arrive, you can cool off in the natural environment of the pools. It’s only a half-mile trek there and back and you don’t have to pay any fees to check it out. Make sure you’re only going during the day though because it opens at sunrise and then it closes at sunset. It’s a pet-friendly trail but just be careful because, along the trail, poison ivy does grow.

5. Little River Falls

Location: Alabama

Little River Falls is located in Little River Canyon National Preserve in Alabama. It’s one of those natural wonders that elevates you into a state of bliss. It’s settled into a 15,000-acre preserve that gives you plenty of other recreational opportunities. The waterfall is one of the most popular spots for those visiting and it provides a large swimming hole at the bottom where crowds of people gather when it’s much too hot out. It’s a pristine environment even when it gets crowded, which makes it worth the trip.

6. Palouse Falls

Location: Washington

In Washington State, there is a waterfall that beats Niagara Falls. It’s 189 feet tall! It’s a popular spot for kayaking and there is also a 105-foot-acre camping park where you can stay overnight to continue enjoying more of what this environment has to offer. As you might imagine, this is a popular destination so make sure that you plan ahead. There may be some wait times (which are worth it to enjoy the environment and reach Palouse Falls). It gets extremely hot here so be sure to have plenty of water whenever you leave camp!

Summary of The 6 Best Waterfall Swimming Holes in the United States

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