On a hot summer day, you can dip your toes in a refreshing pool under Carter Falls or stand in the billowing mist below High Shoals Falls. In the Triad, you'll find everything from family-friendly nature walks to strenuous, full-day hikes that lead to shady picnic spots, sunny beaches, and roaring cascades. Take a break from the sweltering city with day trips to these top Triad waterfalls and swimming holes. Slide Rock, located within Arizona's Slide Rock State Park seven miles north of Sedona, is a popular place on a hot summer day. Here, visitors take turns sliding down the sloping 80-foot-long sandstone-carved waterway, while others cool off in the creek's shallow stretches or enjoy boulder jumping into its deeper pools. Just spending the afternoon soaking up the sunshine and watching swimmers from the surrounding red rock ledges can make for a good time.
You can also fish, hike and watch for wildlife in the park that's also home to picturesque Oak Creek Canyon, once a favorite filming location for Hollywood westerns. But what if you want to get wet and have an off-road adventure at the same time? Part day trip, part wilderness trek, these mountainous oases and things to do offer a cool dip in a scenic locale, oftentimes at the end of a waterfall hike. If you're not afraid of a bit of walking and a risk of fecal bacteria—we're only half joking—then reward yourself with a dip in one of these swimming holes near L.A.
Yellowstone National Park is best known for its colorful hot springs, gushing geysers and abundance of wildlife, but it also has some incredible spots for taking a dip. There is also a roomy beach where you can watch swimmers if you don't want to go in yourself. The churning rapids of the river empty into a deep pool surrounded by indigenous rock. You'll also find a number of shallow, kid-friendly areas, great for wading and splashing around too. This cliff jumper's dream features towering boulder formations and a combination of deep and shallow crystal clear water, reflecting deep blues and blacks. The granite bridge is a highlight – you can swim underneath and pop out in a hole milled out by the stream.
While it's surely one of California's best swimming holes, it does require good boots and about a 2.5-mile moderate, unmarked hike to get there. The Sooke Potholes formed during the last ice age, roughly 15,000 years ago, as a result of melting ice and boulders that scraped deep holes in Sooke River's bedrock. Located just 25 miles west of Victoria on Vancouver Island's southernmost tip, they're easy to get to yet they feel as if they're worlds away from the chaos of the city. While this is a popular place to swim, there is plenty of room, and potholes, for all.
Further upstream along the creek there is a beautiful photo-op spot, complete with a waterfall, mossy rocks and shallow pools of clear water. As most don't make it here, there's a good chance that you can enjoy the waterfall all to yourself. And, if you're up for hiking another couple of miles along the Galloping Goose Trail, you'll find even more private pools with the possibility for skinny dipping. Along the way, watch for bald eagles, Roosevelt elk and black bear. Enfield Falls is part of Robert H. Treman State Park, which also features nine miles of hiking trails.
You can camp here too, so this swimming hole makes an ideal summer vacation destination. The swimming hole sits at the bottom of the 115-foot falls, and the view as you hike down from the cliff staircase is absolutely magnificent. There are a total of 12 waterfalls in the park, so after a day of hiking, cooling off under Enfield Falls feels heavenly. The swimming area has a lifeguard on duty during the summer too, making it perfect for families with children.
Boykin SpringsBoykin Springs is a small fall, not even four-feet in height. The river water rushes over the old Aldridge Saw Mill, which adds a rustic flavor to the small cascade of water. The national forest offers camping, fishing, hiking, and picnic areas.
The park has 85 miles for off-road vehicles, 200 miles of hiking trails, plus various bike and horse trails. Sawmill Hiking Trail will lead visitors to the waterfall on a 6.5-mile round trip loop, with 190 feet elevation gain. Perhaps the most photographed waterfall in Australia is Millaa Millaa Falls – a heritage-listed plunge waterfall that's also a great swimming spot. After enjoying the falls, keep your eyes peeled for the electric-blue Ulysses butterfly and the elusive platypus. One of the most accessible falls from Cairns is in Josephine Falls, less than an hours drive away.
Sitting in the shadow of Mount Bartle Frere, Jo Falls (as it's known to the locals) boasts its very own natural waterslide on the bottom pool. The series of waterfalls in this national park provides respite to travellers tackilng a long and dusty drive along the Old Telegraph Track. You'll have to take a 2-mile trek up the South Fork Tuolumne River, but it's mostly flat and certainly well worth the journey during the summer months. The 35-foot waterfall that cascades over the wide granite ledges into the swimming hole offers the ideal ambiance. You'll be surrounded by soaring ponderosa pines, and most of the time, all you'll hear are the birds watching from above and the soothing sounds of the water.
It's that time of year when most of us would give anything to jump into a refreshing swimming hole or stand underneath a beautiful waterfall. These swimming holes and waterfalls across the globe provide some of the most ideal spots for doing just that. Thunder Brook or Leech Brook is a small river west of Grand Falls-Windsor.
Anyone who has ever driven between Grand Falls and Badger would have crossed over it at some point. Having made the trip between St. Johns and Corner Brook countless times I was one of these people. However, if you pull off the Highway on the east side of Thunder Brook Bridge you will find a small parking lot where a well maintained hiking trail begins.
Completing the short hike brings you into a large natural pool, popular to local swimmers. A little bit further and you come across a steep, narrow gorge with a large waterfall at the far end. Out west in the Sydney's adventure playground, the Blue Mountains, is this epic swimming hole.
This pool is deep, deep enough to jump in from the rock ledges surrounding(don't forget to check the depth of where you're jumping first). This waterfall also isn't national park so it's even dog friendly! This walk is roughly 800 meters to the base of the waterfall. Want to cool off in a natural shower without getting too soaked? Memorial Falls might just be your favorite of all the waterfall swimming holes in Michigan.
This lovely location in Munising is actually comprised of two separate waterfalls, each of which flows through a breathtaking cave. Take a brief hike from the parking lot off Nestor Street and get ready to walk behind the falls as you admire the forested beauty that surrounds you. With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful hikes, waterfalls and swimming holes. It's important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.
• Don't be stupid.Accidents can happen any time you are involved in outdoor activities, and I have witnessed some of them in real time. At the base of the Third Falls on Big Creek , Jerry's feet suddenly flew out from under him, and when he slipped, his head went under the water and lodged between two rocks. Another time, a fellow hiker and I stupidly climbed several levels of DeSoto Falls. While checking out one level, I noticed my friend gradually sliding on his belly toward the drop-off. There are no etched in stone rules when exploring waterfalls and swimming holes, because they are all different.
However, I would strongly discourage climbing waterfalls, and always check the water for depth and submerged logs before swinging or jumping in. West Point on the Eno, a 404-acre city park six miles north of Durham, is the starting point for a one-mile hike to Sennet Hole. Legend has it that a miserly mill operator who owned the land in the 1700s buried a pot of Spanish gold in the river. The tall tale adds history and adventure to your dip in the Olympic pool-size swimming hole.
To reach Sennet Hole, take the white-blazed Buffalo Trail, cross Warren Creek, and then follow the Sennet Hole Trail to the pool. The water in the swimming hole is up to eight feet deep, but there are plenty of rock slabs for lounging and sunbathing when you're ready to get out of the chilly water. Nested in the Southern highlands, Nellies glen is spectacular swimming hole. It was recently used as a shooting location for a mount Franklin commercial, that what level of crystal clear water we're talking about here.
The Pool is deep enough to properly submerge yourself, but shallow enough in parts for even young children. This is definitely a swimming location for the must do's list. Nellies Glen is located in Robertson, if heading down from Sydney, follow the Hume hwy south.
If you're after a whole day of activities there is plenty more to see in the area. While in the area, the township of Bowral is worth a visit and maybe even a feed. This is a short one, only 200 meters of easy walking the water. Located in Mount Buffalo National Park, the water of the Ladies Bath Falls cascades into a crystal clear pool below. Despite being rather chilly all year round , we guarantee you won't be able to resist taking a dip.
In the warmer months, this swimming hole is a perfect respite from the heat of the nearby Ovens and Buckland valleys. If you want to get in on more waterfall action while you're here, head up to the Upper and Lower Eurobin Falls. It's only a short walk between all three, but the national park is a four hour drive northeast of Melbourne — so we recommending staying overnight in nearby Bright. This natural, nearly 100-foot deep pool is in a lava field in Lotofago village on the south coast of Upolu island, renowned for its idyllic beaches and unspoiled nature. Swimmers use a ladder to climb down into the hole and enjoy refreshing, crystal clear waters that are fed by the ocean. The To Sua Ocean Trench is surrounded by picturesque gardens and a white sandy beach.
Just a few steps away is the flea market, offering everything from kava bowls to authentic Samoan music, jewelry, baskets and lava lavas, the Samoan sarong. Australia's oldest national park, the royal national park, is home to this hidden pristine pool. Nested amongst palm trees, you don't feel like you're less than an hour south of Sydney. The sandy and rocky floor of this pool makes the water crystal clear, this swimming hole is the perfect summer chillout zone. This one is a bit longer at 2km to the water, but provides for an also walk.
You also park at Wattamolla beach, with another waterfall you can swim under, but is often very crowed. No trip to Ithaca is complete without a visit to the town's many gorges and waterfalls. Enfield Falls, known also as Lower Falls, is part of Robert H. Treman State Park, which also features nine miles of hiking trails.
You can camp here, as well, so consider making this swimming hole a major summer destination. Is there anything more refreshing than swimming under a waterfall on a hot summer day? Escaping the summer heat in a freezing cold pool of water and then sunbathing out on warm rocks is one of my all time favorite summer activities. So, with summer unofficially here I have rounded up my 5 favorite waterfalls, with swimming holes at them, for your enjoyment.
Located south of Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls is a multi-tier waterfall with water that collects in a number of vivid cerulean pools as it flows downstream. There are also trails to climb to the top of the falls where there are more natural pools for swimming. The falls that begin in shallow pools atop a steep hillside lead to the main fall which has a 200-foot cascade.
They're a favorite attraction with tourists to Luang Prabang, and a must-see even if you don't want to swim. Locals charge a nominal fee to visit the site, but it is well maintained, featuring walkways and bridges to help you get there. The waters plunge down into travertine swimming holes below, offering one of the most amazing spots to take a dip on the planet.
This place considered sacred by the Havasupai isn't easy to get to, requiring a 10-mile hike, mule or horse ride to get there, but that just means you're not likely to run into a huge crowd. There are numerous waterfalls and swimming holes at Gulf Hagas, a heavily wooded gorge carved through slate bedrock that is part of the Appalachian Trail. Sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of Maine, the canyon is as much as 400 feet deep in some places.
There's an eight-mile loop that can be trekked that includes several waterfalls and swimming holes along the way. Grab your swimsuit and seek out my seven favourite wild swimming spots in Wales. I've included information on how to get to all of these magical places. This list covers all of the top waterfalls, best waterfalls to swim in and best waterfalls for cliff jumping.
There are actually hundreds of waterfalls on Oahu but most of them are deep in the forest or inaccessible amidst the steep ridges of the island. However, there are many beautiful waterfalls on the island within reach four tourists and hikers to explore and enjoy. Here are our favorite natural swimming holes in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville to cool off in on a hot summer day. Only Sliding Rock and the beaches at Lake Lure and Lake James have lifeguards.
We've included a few safe waterfalls that have room for splashing around at the base. Never get into the water above a waterfall since the currents can be very strong. Ten metres of rushing water cascade down into this idyllic deep forest pool. You may see locals jumping from the top of the falls but I definitely don't recommend you try it yourself – just go for a splash about or swim under the waterfall.
It's a beautiful walk along the river and passing various plunge pools to reach Lady Falls, making it a dreamy wild swimming walk on a hot day. I especially love entering waterfalls, there is an energy and power that is deeply moving, where you have to have an absolute respect. I have travelled the whole of the UK searching for wild swimming holes, waterfalls, rivers, coastal caves and hope to spend the rest of my life always looking. Lake Catherine State Parkboasts a nice swim beach but it is also home to a hidden waterfall that spills into Falls Creek, a tributary of Lake Catherine. To get to this picturesque swimming spot, follow Falls Branch Trail, a moderate two-mile loop trail that winds through the forest.
