Looking to escape into nature’s most refreshing spots? Explore the best natural swimming holes in the US, where crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty await!
What is a natural swimming hole?
Simply put, it is a small body of water that is not artificially built for the purposes of swimming.
This will relate to ponds, small tanks, mountain streams, and even a small lake. I would include the hole where the water is collected from a waterfall.
The advantages of a natural water hole:
- Though the shape may not be aesthetically appealing, its irregular shape itself is a natural attraction; a sort of wild and romantic.
- There might be a natural slope giving way to increased depth progressively.
- The flooring will be generally gravel or rock that supports marine life.
- The water is always mineral rich.
- The water will be devoid of annoying chlorine smell.
- The water is automatically replenished with fresh water.
- Invariably, natural swimming holes are free.
Disadvantages of natural swimming holes:
- The depth cannot be gauged and therefore, there won’t be any warning signals.
- Not suitable for swimming learners.
- The gravel or rock or pebbles flooring may not suit all swimmers.
10 Best Natural Swimming Holes in the US for Unforgettable Adventure!
Wonderful, naturally formed swimming holes in the United States.
Shamokin, Pennsylvania
Shamokin is the name of a city in the state of Pennsylvania, United States. It is a naturally occurring fresh water swimming hole. It is written all over it by the presence of jagged rocks on the borders.
Little Mexico Campground is a well known picnic area and overnight place to stay in a motor home. Set amidst natural settings with a creek nearby, the place oozes serenity.
Activities available in the destinations include fishing, kayaking, mini golf, and volleyball. The place is near Winfield, Pennsylvania.
Rock Run, Pennsylvania
This is Pennsylvania at its best. The natural swim hole holds crystal clear water and ideal for the children to splash round. The place begs to explore it on foot. If you do that, you will find scenic trails, sudden springs, and hidden waterfalls.
I read about numerous adventure activities that are good for all age groups are available here. No dangerous skills are required to enjoy by indulging in small fun.
The place’s description depicts a perfect weekend hole to chill in natural surroundings. Search for “Rock Run Natural Swimming Hole” to plan your short holiday.
Barton Springs
The word, ‘spring’ sounds better than its synonyms such as hole, water hole, pond, or tank etc-isn’t it? We connect spring with freshness. Barton Springs is located in Austin, Texas. Barton Springs’s water is a real, and natural spring.
Austin is a beautiful southern city with many recreational parks. Zilker Park is one such park where the natural swimming hole is located. It is fairly a large hole with 18 feet maximum depth.
The nicely landscaped sitting area makes the swimming hole look beautiful. The sunny Austin is a glorious place for outdoor swimming.
Paradise Forks Sycamore Canyon, Arizona
The sweeping view of Sycamore Canyon is absolutely gorgeous, and imposing too. Arizona, the land of canyons, beautiful wilderness, excellent hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, is where, the water is very pure and clear. Amidst the Sycamore Canyon, there is the Sycamore Falls. A lagoon is formed where the water falls on the ground.
The refreshing and mineral-rich water serves as an ideal, natural swimming hole. The Sycanore Falls is also known as Paradise Forks. It is part of Kaibab National Forest, Arizona. The natural water hole looks incredibly beautiful.
This place is slightly inaccessible. A bit of mountaineering skill is required to swim in one of the best natural swim holes in the United States.
Madison Springs State Park, Florida
As the name suggests, this beautiful natural swimming hole is located in the city of Madison, Florida. It is conveniently located 55 km east of Tallahassee, the capital of Florida. The Madison Spring is a rare water body that produces ultrapure fresh water that is drained into the Withlacoochee River.
The steady 22 degree C is conducive for swimming. Even, children can enjoy splashing around in this temperature. If you are a diving expert, wear proper gear and get underwater to explore submarine caves.
Wekiwa Springs, Florida
This natural swimming hole has peace written all over it. It is located in Apopka, a city in the Orange County, Florida. The more popular Orlando city is also close by. Just a 20-minute drive will get you there.
A state park is developed comprising the Wekiwa River and its surroundings. Don’t assume it is a small area, boss! A total of 7000 acres constitute the Wekiwa State Park.
The natural swimming hole is a perennial attraction and is good for other outdoor activities including canoeing, and kayaking. Biking, hiking, and horseback riding will keep the children happy. The place has space for parking caravans
Juniper Springs, Ocala City, Florida
Ah, a swim in this natural spring should feel good. In addition, the settings of thick jungle, can make you feel like a Tarzan. Juniper Springs is located inside the Ocala National Forest.
The area and the national forest is 116 years old and thus command respect from Floridians. The swimming hole hosts a few limestone caves. In spite of its rustic settings, it has developed into a great picnic spot. Moreover, there is space for RVs. That implies restrooms are also available.
Being located inside a forest, you can find some wildlife such as bobcats, raccoon, deer, and heron. The highly popular Daytona Beach is only 50 km away in the east.
Chena Springs, Alaska
Here in Alaska, the swim holes are not the only natural thing, but the water is also naturally heated without the use of any external energy.
Chena Springs are the pride of Alaska. It is a natural wonder that the hot springs exists amidst one of the coldest places in the U S. Chena Hot Springs are located about 90 km from the state capital, Fairbanks.
The area near the hot springs is transformed into a recreational area and is named Chena Hot Springs Resort. A nearby attraction will make you stay there for an hour more because of the Aurora Ice Museum.
The sculptures made of ice are simply amazing. The ambience is very chilly because the museum’s temperature is maintained at -25 Deg C, throughout the year, to keep the ice sculptures intact.
The Aurora Ice Museum is open right through the year. There is a kennel nearby. You should visit dogs boarding centre if you are a dog lover. There are some cute puppies that you can cuddle.
Other activities in the Chena Hot Springs Resort include:
- Dog sledding
- Snowmobile drive
- Horseback riding
- ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) rides
It is no wonder that Alaska is one of the sought-after holiday destinations for the Americans. The state’s attractions can engage a visitor year round.
Mooney Falls, Arizona
Here we go again to Arizona, the place that continues to amaze us with jaw-dropping natural wonder. The canyon state is also known for tremendous waterfalls that create superb natural swim holes in the US. Have a look at the video below.
Isn’t it straight out of a movie scene? The water is falling from a height of 200 feet! The water looks crystal clear, wearing a lovely green shade. The hole that collects the water from the Mooney Falls can give you a dreamy experience of having taken a bath in one of the purest waters in the United States.
I agree, the access is challenging as you have to hike through a narrow cave whose walls are sharp and jagged.
The final destination is close to major water falls known as Havasu Falls. Your target destination should be Peach Springs in Arizona. From the US. map, I gauged Las Vegas is closer than Phoenix, the capital of Arizona.
Turner Falls, Davis City, Oklahama
Tuner Falls discharges water from a height of 77 feet! The lagoon at the feet of the falls turns into an ideal natural swim hole. Apart from swimming, trails invite you to take a stroll.
I am sure these 10 natural swimming holes in the US are great to rejuvenate yourself.
