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⚡ Quick Answer: The best swimming holes in the US – Hamilton Pool, Havasu Falls, Sliding Rock, Homestead Crater and more – plus the water shoes, quick-dry towel, and dry bag that make the day better.
A great swimming hole is nature’s best free waterpark: cold, clear water on a hot day, a rope swing if you’re lucky, and zero admission. America hides thousands of them in canyons, forests, and river bends. Here are ten of the best swimming holes in the US, from desert oases to mountain plunge pools. Always check water levels and safety before you jump; never dive into water you haven’t checked for depth and rocks.
1. Hamilton Pool Preserve, Texas
A collapsed grotto near Austin where a waterfall spills into a jade-green pool under a limestone dome. Reservations required and worth every click; it’s one of the most photographed swimming holes on earth.
2. Havasu Falls, Arizona
Turquoise water against red rock deep in the Grand Canyon, reached by a serious hike and a coveted permit. A genuine bucket-list swim, not a casual dip.
3. Sliding Rock, North Carolina
A 60-foot natural rock waterslide into a chilly mountain pool in Pisgah National Forest. Bring sturdy shorts; nature’s slide is not gentle on swimsuits.
4. Homestead Crater, Utah
Swim inside a 55-foot geothermal dome, warm water year-round under a rock ceiling with a skylight. The anti-cold-plunge, and utterly surreal.
5. Johnson’s Shut-Ins, Missouri
The Black River squeezes through ancient volcanic rock into a maze of natural chutes and pools. Part swimming hole, part lazy river, all fun.
6 through 10, quick hits
Cummins Falls, Tennessee: a gorge pool below a wide waterfall (permit required for the base). Blue Hole, New Mexico: an 80-foot-deep artesian spring, crystal clear and cold. Krause Springs, Texas: spring-fed pools and a cypress-shaded rope swing. Cliff Jumping at Lake Powell: for the confident, with a guide who knows the depths. The Blue Hole, Wimberley: cypress roots and roped swings over emerald water.
Swimming-hole gear that saves the day
Slick rocks and unknown bottoms make water shoes non-negotiable, a fast-drying towel beats a soggy cotton one every time, and a dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and snacks safe while you swim.
- Lightweight, packable towel is ideal for camping, backpacking, hiking, boating, and travel; suitable for bath, kitchen, …
- Made from soft, super-absorbent microfiber fabric with an ultra-suede finish
- Dries in a flash; microfiber has a surface area around 40 times that of a regular fiber, so it dries much faster than an…
- Perfect for travel, giving you a compact solution for day trips at your destination, or have an extra bag for souvenirs …
- Comfortable mesh shoulder straps with adjustable sternum strap
- Roll-top IPX5 waterproof, non-submersible closure
Swim smart
Check water quality and flow after rain (flash floods are the real danger in canyon holes), never swim alone, and pack out everything. Make a day of it by pairing a swim with our best kayaking lakes list or a nearby stop from the best places to camp guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best swimming holes in the US?
Beautiful natural swimming holes are found in the Texas Hill Country, the Southeast, the cascades of the Northeast, and mountain rivers across the West. Many sit along hiking trails, combining a scenic walk with a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Are natural swimming holes safe?
They can be, with caution. Never dive into water of unknown depth, watch for strong currents and slippery rocks, and avoid swimming holes after heavy rain when water rises and moves fast. Swim with others, check local conditions, and respect posted warnings and closures.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes?
Summer is the classic season, though spring-fed holes stay cool year-round. Water is often highest and coldest in spring from snowmelt and calmest in late summer. Visit on weekdays or early to avoid crowds at popular spots, and always check that the water level and current are safe.
Written by Sarah Brooks · Hiking & National Parks
Sarah fell in love with the outdoors on a childhood trip to the Smokies and has logged thousands of trail miles across 30+ national parks since. She is happiest above treeline with a map in hand.
