Summertime is for swimming pools and swimming holes and super secret swimming spots, wouldn’t you say? We’ve found eleven scattered across Tennessee, some low key, the others a bit more well known. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a weekend waterfall adventure or a day spent tubing, we’ve found precisely the spot for you. Happy adventuring, Tennessee!
- Cummins Falls
Michael Hicks - Flickr Did you know that Cummins falls has been rated one of the top swimming holes in the country?! And by Travel & Leisure Magazine, no less. Check out the 75-foot waterfall and hang out in the cool water, hang your feet off of the prominent rock shelves. There is a hike to the falls, so keep in mind! In can be difficult getting to and from. Just be prepared!
- The Sinks - Little River
Frank Kehren - Flickr We put this one on here with a little hestitation…you have to be careful swimming in The Sinks on the Little River. We’d recommend for adults only, and with the highest of caution. Nature is a strong ally, but a stronger foe.
- Rock Island State Park
Arthur T. LaBar - Flickr You’ve probably heard of the wildly popular Rock Island State Park. It sits roughly an hour and a half outside of Nashville, and has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the middle of the state. Looking to stay for longer? Check out their cabin and campground rentals!
- Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area - Oneida
Jeff Moore - Flickr One of the most popular recreational areas in the state, Big South Fork is a great place for hikers an day-trippers alike. As with any natural swimming hole, there are dangers associated with it - there’s a strong undertow, so keep an eye out amongst all the fun.
- Old Hickory Lake - North of Nashville
CJ Song - Flickr Old Hickory Lake has three day-use areas, each which offer a nice beach and picnic tables for a fun day out and about. There are boat launching ramps, grills and restrooms located at Old Hickory Beach, Lagurado and Cedar Creek.
- Frozen Head State Natural Area
Timothy K Hamilton - Flickr There are multiple swimming holes along the trails in Frozen Head, you just have to make sure to pack your swimming gear alongside your hiking boots. Keep and eye out, and be safe!
- Fort Dickerson Quarry
Fort Dickerson - Youtube It’s illegal to jump the cliffs at Fort Dickerson Quarry, so keep that in mind. A beautiful space for swimming with the greatest caution.
- Elrod Falls
DM - Flickr Elrod Falls boasts a swimming hole at the bottom of its forty-foot waterfall, although there are three fabulous places to dip your toes. Keep in mind - there is a picnic area, but no bathroom. Come prepared for a hike and some fun, folks!
- The Little River at Townsend Wye
tn1949 - TripAdvisor This is one of the best places to go tubing in the state! Really. Fun for older kids and adults, you can either bring your own tubing materials or you can rent them from one of the many companies along the waterways.
- Rutledge Falls - Tullahoma
Michael Hicks - Flickr Rutledge Falls is one of the prettiest places to go for a dip in the state. Located in Tullahoma, you can have a refreshing swimming date in the chilly falls.
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.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Did you know that Cummins falls has been rated one of the top swimming holes in the country?! And by Travel & Leisure Magazine, no less. Check out the 75-foot waterfall and hang out in the cool water, hang your feet off of the prominent rock shelves. There is a hike to the falls, so keep in mind! In can be difficult getting to and from. Just be prepared!
Frank Kehren - Flickr
We put this one on here with a little hestitation…you have to be careful swimming in The Sinks on the Little River. We’d recommend for adults only, and with the highest of caution. Nature is a strong ally, but a stronger foe.
Arthur T. LaBar - Flickr
You’ve probably heard of the wildly popular Rock Island State Park. It sits roughly an hour and a half outside of Nashville, and has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the middle of the state. Looking to stay for longer? Check out their cabin and campground rentals!
Jeff Moore - Flickr
One of the most popular recreational areas in the state, Big South Fork is a great place for hikers an day-trippers alike. As with any natural swimming hole, there are dangers associated with it - there’s a strong undertow, so keep an eye out amongst all the fun.
CJ Song - Flickr
Old Hickory Lake has three day-use areas, each which offer a nice beach and picnic tables for a fun day out and about. There are boat launching ramps, grills and restrooms located at Old Hickory Beach, Lagurado and Cedar Creek.
Timothy K Hamilton - Flickr
There are multiple swimming holes along the trails in Frozen Head, you just have to make sure to pack your swimming gear alongside your hiking boots. Keep and eye out, and be safe!
Fort Dickerson - Youtube
It’s illegal to jump the cliffs at Fort Dickerson Quarry, so keep that in mind. A beautiful space for swimming with the greatest caution.
DM - Flickr
Elrod Falls boasts a swimming hole at the bottom of its forty-foot waterfall, although there are three fabulous places to dip your toes. Keep in mind - there is a picnic area, but no bathroom. Come prepared for a hike and some fun, folks!
tn1949 - TripAdvisor
This is one of the best places to go tubing in the state! Really. Fun for older kids and adults, you can either bring your own tubing materials or you can rent them from one of the many companies along the waterways.
Rutledge Falls is one of the prettiest places to go for a dip in the state. Located in Tullahoma, you can have a refreshing swimming date in the chilly falls.
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