There is nothing more fantastic or quintessentially southern than a dip in the swimming hole when the weather warms. We’ve found some amazing places that are sure to make some memories in the months to come. Take a look at some of the best swimming holes in Tennessee you’ll want to visit when temperatures start to rise:

1) Cummins Falls - Cookeville
Cummins Falls, Tennessee 38501, USA
TN State Parks
There used to be two mills on this now vibrantly popular property, but now you'll find a lot of hikers and adventurers ready for a day in the sun. Permits are now required to access the gorge and can be bought online ahead of time.

More Information: Cummins Falls State Park website
Understanding the safety of our natural areas can be very important so here are some tips from our state park rangers.


2) The Sinks - Little River
The Sinks, Old State Hwy 73 Scenic, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Frank Kehren / Flickr
Be very, very wary of the water levels at this spot. There's a fun cliff-jumping spot really popular with the kids, but accidents are prevalent. Keep an eye on 'em. In fact, the national park itself has stated that they highly recommend you do not swim in this area, maybe just looking at the waterfall might be a better activity. It is much safer to swim just downstream not fall from the waterfall where the current isn't as intense and there are no drop-offs.

More Information: The Sinks in Smoky Mountain National Park
If you want to take a look at this video from Adventuring in the Moment, it will give you a good idea of where the overlook is to this beautiful waterfall.


3) Rutledge Falls - Tullahoma
Rutledge Falls, TN 37388, USA
Michael Hicks / Flickr
You too can jump off a waterfall and live your childhood dream of being a watery daredevil.

More Information: Rutledge Falls
Also, make sure to check out this video from Southeastern Frontiers to see not only the hike in, but some beautiful shots of the waterfall.


4) Rock Island State Park - Rock Island
Rock Island State Park, 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
J. Stephen Conn/flickr
Look at those waterfalls. Think of the opportunity. Now stop thinking and GO.

More Information: Rock Island State Park website
Take a look at this waterfall from this video by MannVaasanai:


5) Narrows of Harpeth - Kingston Springs
Narrows of the Harpeth Road, Narrows of the Harpeth Rd, Tennessee 37082, USA
fritzmb / Flickr
Located in the Harpeth River State Park, the Narrows are a great spot if you're looking quick swim, or cut through the river on a kayak or canoe. That tunnel up there? It was excavated in 1818!

More Information: Harpeth River State Park
To check out the hikes in Harpeth River State Park, including the tunnel, watch this video from Middle Tn Hikes:


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6) Fort Dickerson Quarry - Knoxville
Fort Dickerson Quarry, 550 Augusta Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA
Riley Turner/ Google
Located right beyond UT, this roomy spot is extremely popular with the East Tennessee young folk.

Check out the amazing views you can find of this scenic swimming hole from this video by PROPIN’S TRAVEL VLOG:


7) Fall Creek Falls - Spencer
Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
Michael Hicks / Flickr
With 26,000 acres of breathtaking Tennessee wilderness, you can take a swim at the largest and most consistently visited state park.

More Information: Fall Creek Falls State Park website
Within this park, one of the best places to swim is by Cane Creek Falls. Check out this video by Adventuring in the Moment to see it:


8) Blue Hole Falls - Carter County
Blue Hole Falls, Elizabethton, TN 37643, USA
Courtesy of Sarah Dodge/youtube
This is an easy spot to get to and is flanked by a series of four separate waterfalls. It also has a beautiful trail for gorgeous hiking.

More Information: Blue Hole Falls
Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment of the amazing blue water:


9) Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area - Oneida
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, 4564 Leatherwood Rd, Oneida, TN 37841, USA
Jeff Moore / Flickr
If you find yourself wandering through this stunning national park then you are more than likely to run into a pool perfect for jumping in and hanging out with your family and friends. This one is for you adventurous folk!

More Information: Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area website
One of the best places to go swimming is called Gentleman's Swimming Hole in the park. You can check out the end of this video by America's Parks to see it:


10) Old Hickory Lake - North of Nashville
Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee, USA
dan-holland/ Flickr
Old Hickory Lake is fairly small and is the perfect secluded spot for a quick dip.

More Information: Old Hickory Lake

I don’t know about you but the best swimming holes in Tennessee are making me feel like it is time for a summer road trip. First things first you are going to need a lot of great snacks to take with you on the road, after that pack up, and let’s hit the water!

Alright, Tennessee – weigh in! Whaddya think? What places to swim in Tennessee did we miss? And what are some other waterfalls you can swim in Tennessee? Let us know in the comments section or nominate your favorites.

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More to Explore

Swimming Holes In Tennessee

Leah | May 07, 2021

What are the best hiking trails for swimming in Tennessee?

One of the best hiking trails with swimming in Tennessee is Stillhouse Hollow Falls.

You can hike right to a refreshing swimming hole on a few special hikes in Tennessee. One of the best hikes with swimming is the secluded and beautiful Stillhouse Hollow Falls. Located southwest of Columbia, Tennessee, the protected natural area has miles of trails weaving through the forests. One trail will lead you right to the Stillhouse Hollow Falls where you can take in the view and jump in for a cool, refreshing dip. It's a fairly easy hike at just over a mile long, making it ideal for people of any level of skill. Learn more about this hike here.

What are the best summer hikes in Tennessee?

Some of the best summer hikes in Tennessee are:

 

Summer is the perfect time to explore Tennesee's beautiful natural areas. If you're up for a challenge, hike Signal Mountain in Hamilton County. It can be a bit strenuous but every step is worth it for the stunning views you'll get from the top. Fiery Gizzard is another hiking spot in the state that's considered one of the best. The scenic falls and gorgeous area are the perfect place to hit the trail, no matter what time of year.

What are everyone's favorite hiking trails in Tennessee?

Some of our favorite hikes in Tennessee are:

 

Some of the most popular hiking trails in Tennessee became known as such for a reason. The views and fun memories they provide make them popular with visitors. The Alum Cave Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains can be a bit daunting at over 10 miles long, but many people who take it pick a smaller section to tackle and enjoy it just as much that way. The views are incredible. The Honey Creek Loop in the Big South Fork National Area is popular with locals. When you take it on yourself, you'll understand why.

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