Cooling Off in the Summertime

Traveling in the summertime can be both delightful because nature is in full bloom and uncomfortably hot under the sun. One of the best ways to cool off is to find swimming holes that give you the option of enjoying yourself instead of a crowded beach and just splashing about in the waves. All over the US, there are beautiful waterfalls that come tumbling down and end in tranquil pools. As well as swimming holes that look like they were carved out by nature.

Arizona

Arizona is located in Southwestern US and is known as the Grand Canyon State. In a remote area of the Grand Canyon, you’ll find the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Havasupai translates to “people of the blue-green waters.” Taking a ride on a horse or mule you’ll come to the beautiful Havasu Falls. Here cascades of water come splashing down creating a cooling swimming hole. Accommodations can be made at a campground or the Lodge.

California

Groveland, California is an important stop along the highway for those heading for Yosemite National Park. At Yosemite, you’ll find Rainbow Pools which are swimming holes that lie along the south fork of the Tuolumne River. The river flows through the northern and eastern parts of Yosemite National Park. You can jump into the largest pool from the rock-lined ledges. You can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnicking.

Florida

Apopka in Central Florida has Wekiwa Springs, one of the best natural springs in the state in Wekiwa Springs State Park. The waters are crystal clear for a refreshing swim. Visitors also enjoy hiking on the scenic trail in the park.

Georgia

Tallulah Falls is a town in Georgia near the Tallulah River. Here you’ll find Bridal Veil Falls in Tallulah Gorge State Park. The falls tumble down into an eight-foot-deep swimming hole. The hole has a natural water slide due to water cascading over rocks that have become smooth. The park also has three lakes for fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking along the shoreline.

Hawaii

On the island of Kauai, part of the US state of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean is a popular swimming hole called Queen’s Bath. This nature pool was carved into a lava shelf offering awesome views of the Pacific. There is also a refreshing small freshwater stream.

Missouri

South of St. Louis, Missouri in the Ozark Mountains is Johnson’s Shut-Ins where a river is slowed or blocked by boulders or other rock formations. Here you’ll see a maze of whitewater chutes and small pools that formed when ancient volcanic rock blocked the east fork of the Black River. The swimming holes have natural water slides.

New York

Ithaca. New York is located on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Here you’ll find Robert H. Treman State Park with Enfield Falls. The fall comes tumbling down with 115-food cascades ending in a swimming hole. This swimming area also has a lifeguard. There are also hiking trails. You can also take a hike down a cliff staircase offering fantastic views.

North Carolina

In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the state of North Carolina the Big Creek Trail will take you to an emerald pool that is hidden by a canopy of trees and surrounded by large boulders. This is the Midnight Hole which is at the bottom of a 6-foot-high waterfall. People enjoy swimming and plunging into the pool from the rocks in the water.

Texas

The village of Wimberley, Texas is located southwest of Austin and northeast of San Antonio. Here you can find Jacob’s Well which is one of the most popular swimming holes in Texas. The water is crystal clear and surrounded by shady trees and rock ledges. When not swimming, you can enjoy hiking, bird watching, geocaching, and picnicking.

Wyoming

Firehole Canyon offers a great swimming hole in the state of Wyoming in Yellowstone National Park. The canyon is located near the west entrance to the park. The rapids of the Firehole River empty into a deep pool creating a wonderful swimming hole that is surrounded by rocks. There are also shallow areas for kids to wade and splash in and a beach to relax on.