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. Have you been?
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
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
Michael Hicks - Flickr 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.
- Carmac Falls at Evins Mill
Carolee - TripAdvisor A 90-foot waterfall that boasts a serene swimming hole? Sign us up! Located on Evins Mill property, please make sure to call and verify a visit ahead of time if you’re not planning on staying the night. It’s common southern courtesy.
- Frozen Head State Natural Area
Timothy K Hamilton - Flickr There are multiple swimming holes scattered throughout the park, many that you’ll find over the course of your hike.
- Blue Hole Falls
Blue Hole Falls - TripAdvisor 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.
- Rock Island State Park
Arthur T. LaBar - Flickr 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!
- Long Hunter State Park
Michael Hicks - Flickr 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!
- Cummins Falls
Michael Hicks - Flickr 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.
- Elrod Falls
DM - Flickr A local favorite, Elrod Falls is located in Sneedville 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.
How about you swim AND camp at one of these amazing cabins!
Michael Hicks - Flickr
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.
Carolee - TripAdvisor
A 90-foot waterfall that boasts a serene swimming hole? Sign us up! Located on Evins Mill property, please make sure to call and verify a visit ahead of time if you’re not planning on staying the night. It’s common southern courtesy.
Timothy K Hamilton - Flickr
There are multiple swimming holes scattered throughout the park, many that you’ll find over the course of your hike.
Blue Hole Falls - TripAdvisor
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.
Arthur T. LaBar - Flickr
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!
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!
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.
DM - Flickr
A local favorite, Elrod Falls is located in Sneedville 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.
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