Summer is that time of year when many outdoor enthusiasts travel outdoors to find a refreshing place to take a dip after a long hike. Yes, you could jump into a chlorinated pool; however, there’s nothing like jumping into a swimming hall surrounding an abundance of natural beauty. Read below as we discover 10 magical waterfalls you can actually swim in.
1. Havasu Falls, Arizona
Located in the gorgeous desert, you’d be surprised to find Havasu Falls, a waterfall within a red Canyon that has bright blue water. If that’s not enough to leave you speechless, wait until you get to see the waterfall in action, making its way right through the rocky Grand Canyon. This beautiful waterfall stands at over 100 feet tall and has a refreshing swimming hole underneath, perfect for visitors on a hot day.
2. Carlon Falls, California
Carlon Falls in California has one of the best swimming holes in the state, and is the perfect waterfall to visit when adventuring on a day hike. Carlon Falls is open year round and is surrounded by ponderosa pines along with breathtaking sunflowers that will leave you mesmerized by its natural beauty. If you need to recharge after a busy week, Carlon Falls is the perfect waterfall to take a refreshing dip!
3. Jump Creek Falls, Idaho
The waterfall at Jump Creek Falls stands at over 60 feet and can be accessed by a short hike. Once you arrive at the waterfall, you can cool off with a refreshing swim, but make sure you’re visiting during the day because it’s open from sunrise to sunset. If you can’t travel without pets, you’ll be happy to know the trail to access the waterfall is pet-friendly, but be sure to keep an eye out for poison ivy along the way!
4. Palouse Falls, Washington
If you’re looking for a waterfall that even beats out Niagara Falls in a race, Palouse Falls takes the cake, standing at a whopping 189 feet tall! Palouse Falls is a great location if you love to kayak and also has a camping site if you wish to extend your stay. With the size of its fall, this location can become busy, so make sure you come well-prepared with plenty of water on hot days and plan ahead.
5. Little River Falls, Alabama
Situated in Little River Canyon National Preserve, Little River Falls is located on a 15,000 acre preserve and provides its visitors for a large swimming hole on hot days. With the beauty of its natural environment, this swimming hole can become crowded quickly, but it’s worth the trip! You can find Little River Falls along Highway 35, in proximity to the bridge in Gaylesville.
6. Cummins Falls, Tennessee
This popular waterfall swimming hole that’s located in Tennessee is one of the more abundant waterfalls on our list, reaching 75 feet tall. When visiting the swimming hole, make sure you have your swimsuit packed and hiking shoes for the rugged trek to the waterfall. The scene of this waterfall is one you’d see in a magazine, so don’t expect to be the only one going for a dip at this swimming hole.
7. Saint Mary’s Falls, Virginia
Saint Mary’s Falls is a little waterfall with a swimming hole underneath, and is not as crowded as other waterfalls in Virginia. When adventuring to the falls, you’ll want ensure you do your best to stay on the main trail, as many of these trails are unmarked. Saint Mary’s Falls is the perfect location to plan out a day trip of hiking and swimming, followed by a trip to a local brewery or winery.
8. Glencar Waterfall, Ireland
Glencar Waterfall is surround by gorgeous woodlands and stands at an impressive 50 feet tall, offering a serene experience. This natural waterfall is one of the main attractions located in this area and will allow you to take in all of its natural beauty with a refreshing swim. The hike to Glencar Waterfall takes around 15 to 20 minutes, and as you get closer, you’ll hear the rushing sounds of the waterfall splashing into the lake.
9. Makapipi Falls, Hawaii
This volcanic pool is located at the bottom of the falls and provides a refreshing pit stop on your way through Hana Highway. When passing over the highway, you’ll see the Makapipi Stream that drops into the blue lagoon. However, when making your way to Makapipi Falls, you’ll need to be extra careful on the steep hike down to the pool.
10. Sliding Rock, North Carolina
This gorgeous rock waterfall is one of the smoothest in the United States and can be used as a water slide into its cool waters. During scorching summer days, the waterfall can become crowded, so you’ll need to wait your turn when sliding down this waterfall. The waters of Sliding Rock range anywhere from 50 to 60 degrees, with its waterfall splashing into an eight foot pool.
