If You Didn't Know About These 10 Swimming Holes In Tennessee, They're A Must Visit
By Meghan Kraft|Updated on May 29, 2023(Originally published May 24, 2023)
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Tennessee is a sweet southern summer spot, complete with fireflies and family Sunday dinners. When the sun gets hot and the weather seems to be unbearable, though, we don’t want you wandering without a way to go in search of a swimming hole. We tapped a couple of native Tennesseans, and these spots come wildly recommended. So, get ready for some fun in the sun with these excellent swimming holes in Tennessee. Have you been to all of them?
*Note – please abide by all state and local laws regarding each of these swimming holes. Proper safety regulations should be followed at all times, and we in no way support or condone inappropriate conduct*
10. Greeter Falls - Savage Gulf State Park
Greeter Falls Waterfall, Overlook, Altamont, TN 37301, USA
With a short little hike down and a cool spiral staircase leading to the base of Greeter Falls, this is one popular swimming hole. Come for the beauty of the waterfall and stay to cool off in the pool below. As a bonus, there is another swimming hole in the opposite direction at the trailhead called Blue Hole. Either way, this is a great way to enjoy the water at Savage Gulf State Park. Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment to see both trails:
Foster Falls is very similar to Greeter Falls they are not too far from one another. The beautiful plunging waterfall makes for the perfect backdrop whether you plan on dipping in the water or not. It is a short hike down and right at the end you will cross a suspension bridge making for an exciting prelude to this gorgeous waterfall. Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment when they explored this area.
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8. Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
At 256 feet, the waterfall in question at Fall Creek Falls is one of the biggest in the state. Depending on your family, friends, or edge of adventure, you'll want to check out one of the many falls scattered throughout the park. The bottom of Fall Creek Falls can be fun to dip your feet in the water but the intense plunging waterfall creates quite a mist to cool you off. Check out a video from Adventuring in the Moment to learn a little more.
This state park also has a very popular swimming hole at the upper section of Cane Creek Falls. Check it out with this other video from Adventuring in the Moment.
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7. Carmac Falls - Evins Mill
Evins Mill Road, Evins Mill Rd, Smithville, TN 37166, USA
A 90-foot waterfall that boasts a serene swimming hole? Sign us up! Located on Evins Mill property, you can have access to it by staying the night. If you would prefer, you can also get a Day Tripping Pass. For one price, you can have access to the waterfall and even get a bagged lunch so you don't have to leave the waterfall to feed your hungry belly. Either way, Carmac Falls is a beautiful hidden gem.
6. Frozen Head State Park
Frozen Head State Park, 3208, 964 Flat Fork Rd, Wartburg, TN 37887, USA
A local favorite, Blue Hole Falls is actually a series of four waterfalls, one after another. Super neat and easy to traverse, this is a perfect swimming hole if you're looking for a quiet spot that simply oozes Tennessee beauty. This Adventuring in the Moment video will give you a great view of the mesmerizing blue water found at this popular spot.
4. Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park, 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
The waterfalls are big and the swimming holes deep, which is all you can really ask for in this day and age. Rock Island State Park is very popular, so watch for the crowds!
3. Long Hunter State Park
Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076, USA
The four-mile trek down Bryant Grove Trail will pop you out on the shore of Percy Priest Lake. It's not quite a swimming "hole," per se - but we'll take what we can get in the dead of summer!
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2. Cummins Falls State Park
Cummins Falls State Park, 390 Cummins Falls Ln, Cookeville, TN 38501, USA
Quite possibly one of the most popular attractions in Tennessee, Cummins Falls is fabulous when it comes to a swimming hole with loads of character. If you can, though - try to go during the work week. The weekends get insane in the summertime.
1. Elrod Falls - Thorn Hill
Elrod Falls, Elrod Falls Rd, Thorn Hill, TN 37881, USA
A local favorite, Elrod Falls is located in Thorn Hill and is extremely friendly to all types of guests. With the use of a handrail making it easy to reach the water, it opens up a whole new world to quite a few.
There you have it — 10 swimming holes in Tennessee to cool you off when the sun beats down. Which ones are your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! How about you swim AND camp at one of these amazing cabins?
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Where To Go Swimming In Tennessee
Chris Dodge|May 29, 2023
Where are the best places to go swimming in Tennessee?
We might not have an ocean but we have plenty of water in our beautiful state here are my top 3 favorite places to swim in Tennessee:
