Cool Off Across America: Where to Swim in All 50 States

Escape the summer heat with a splash in one of the most inviting swimming spots in your state. Some of these top picks, based on online rankings and reviews from visitors, are spring-fed, drawing water mostly from pure, deep aquifer sources — a natural alternative to public pools. In many places, access is free or the price of admission is only a nominal parking fee. But no charge can mean no lifeguard, so play it safe.

Related: 22 Magical Waterfalls Perfect for a Refreshing Swim

This 41,000-acre clear-water reservoir in Wind Creek State Park is a favorite for residents of nearby Alexander City. Fish, swim, boat, or stay and camp: More than 150 of the park's campsites abut the water.

Related: The Best Lakes in All 50 States

Park at the Kennicott River, then walk five minutes to find this classic swimming hole way off the beaten path near Kennicott Glacier, northwest of the town of McCarthy. When the sun shines, the water warms up enough to take a dip.

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Located some 2 miles from Sedona, Grasshopper Point offers a spot of shade and a place for a refreshing dip amid the triple-digit temperatures that often mark Arizona summers. Three hiking trails are available, as well. 

Passers-by can see this beauty right from the road. A gorgeous little waterfall in Ozark National Forest spills into a large swimming hole that draws crowds during summer months.

Said to be the most popular swimming waterfall in the region, Lower McCloud Falls in McCloud is yet another inviting place for a summer swim or dive. The lowest of three levels of the well-known McCloud River Falls, the waterfall allows jumping 12 feet into the large pool at the base of the falls, and there are plenty are places at the water's edge for sunbathing on the rocks. The waterfall is easily accessible by trail and road.

Hikers love the warm, mild swim offered in pools fed by the Gunnison River, which come as welcome breaks along the roughly 8-mile roundtrip hike through Big Dominguez Canyon in Western Colorado, near Grand Junction and Delta. There are three bigger pools and a few smaller ones to discover along the way.

Cool off in this series of waterfalls in Enders State Forest in Granby. All five are worth a plunge, but for a more tranquil experience, head to the last pool. It sits at the base of a 15-foot waterfall and tends to be less crowded.

Thrill-seekers love the super-tall slides at the water park in Killens Pond State Park. Kids like to splash in the interactive water features, and tot pools feature small slides and bubblers. Admission is $6 to $8 a person on weekdays and $8 to $10 on weekends, based on height.

Pack a picnic and head to this pristine swimming hole on the west bank of the Withlacoochee River. The spring-fed pool isn't huge — about 72 feet by 82 feet — so go early to avoid the afternoon masses.

Formerly known as Farmer’s Lake, Red Clay Resort near Red Clay State Park features a large spring-fed pool, changing rooms, a concession stand, and picnic and play areas. The privately owned facility earns praise for its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere. Admission is $8 per person Monday-Wednesday; $9 per person Thursday-Sunday and $10 on holidays.

There are many beautiful swimming spots in Hawaii, but Waimea Falls is one of the most accessible. Located within Waimea Valley amid a unique botanical garden, the 45-foot waterfall is part of a stream that flows from the north end of the Koolau Mountains. There's a changing room near the falls, and a lifeguard who loans required life vests.

Related: The Best of Hawaii on a Budget

Placid water surrounded by the stunning Sawtooth mountain range, this 4.5-mile lake with white sandy beaches offers a range of experiences — some offer solitude but others come with friendly crowds of families and dogs. There's a marina where you can rent boats to paddle out into the river; a trailhead is to the south.

Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area in Shawnee National Forest serves up clear streams and scenic canyons, linked by 8 miles of hiking trails. Watch out for jagged rocks at the bottom. 

This elaborate water park has all the bells and whistles for summertime fun, including floating docks for sunbathing, a rope swing, and a zip line. Admission is $16 for adults ($20 on weekends and holidays) and $12 for kids 6 to 9; younger children get in free. Life vests are available to rent, but there are no lifeguards on duty.

The "north loop" of the Raccoon River Valley Trail runs 56 miles from Waukee to Jefferson. Just north of Redfield, several trails lead to river sandbars perfect for swimming and sunning.

The state tourism department boasts that National Geographic named Scott State Park, which surrounds 100-acre Lake Scott, one of 50 must-see state parks. Natural springs and rocky bluffs create a beautiful setting for swimming. Day permits start at $5.

Related: The State Park You Don't Want to Miss in Every State

This spot on the Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River, in Breaks Interstate Park, is popular for swimming and inner tubing. Take Route 80 east of Elkhorn City until you see signs for the Breaks Interstate Park.

Related: The 25 Best Tubing Destinations in America

On the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River by the town of St. Joseph, Lake Bruin State Park offers a family-friendly environment for swimmers complete with bathhouse, restrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue pits.   

Just a few miles beyond the Sunday Ski Resort in the town of Newry lies this fantastic swimming hole in Sunday River. Tucked beneath a 10-foot waterfall, it's popular with in-the-know locals, who pack picnics and stay for the day.

Jump in the Chesapeake Bay from its largest public beach, where fresh water from the Sassafras River makes swimming less salty. Public restrooms, picnic tables, and roughly 300 feet of access make this small-town spot a family favorite.

Related: The 20 Best Beaches on the East Coast

You don't have to be a literary geek to appreciate the calm of Walden Pond in Concord. For a bit of culture between soaks in the more than 100-foot-deep, melted glacier water pond, take a tour of the cabin where Henry David Thoreau wrote "Walden."

This swimming hole has two attractive features: It's very deep, and it's spring-fed. Wade into the water from a small, sandy beach and just float, enjoying the variety of birds and wildlife.

Choose from two swimming quarries at this 683-acre park, one 40 feet deep with a sandy beach, the other plunging to 116 feet — and winning recognition on Orbitz's 2018 list of best beaches in every landlocked state. Picnic areas and restrooms are available.

If you're looking for a no-frills swimming experience, check out Bluff Creek in Vancleave. It costs a few bucks to get into this privately owned 120-acre campground, but inside there's a small gem of a sandbar with deep, dark (but clean) water and a rope swing. There's also minimal boat activity to get in the way of recreation.

Fast, cold currents draw summer visitors to this swimming hole on the Eleven Point River in the Mark Twain National Forest area. The river has been called the most pristine in the Ozarks area, and the Riverton West access provides picnic tables and pedestal grills. Across the water at Riverton East are paved parking and a launch used by floaters and boaters.

Related: The Most Beautiful River in Every State

Thirty miles long and 15 miles wide, Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Carved in the shadows of Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain, fishing rules around these parts, but its cool, clear waters also offer a fun place to swim in the summer months. Its Volunteer Park is a popular destination.

This public swimming pool in the city of Kearney is popular for its elaborate, waterpark-style slide, diving boards, and activities, including a morning toddler time. Day passes are $3 or $4, depending on time of day.

Related: Spectacular Outdoor Public Pools in All 50 States

Head west from Las Vegas to find cool respite at a spring-fed swimming hole in the stunning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. An easy 1-mile hike gets you to this natural spring with two large pools for swimming. The water is clear, the area is fairly well-shaded, and bathing suits are optional.

A quick stop off the Kancamagus Highway (or the "Kanc," as locals call it) in Albany, this chain of pools and waterfalls in the White Mountains National Forest is perfect for an impromptu dip. Pack a picnic or something to grill: Facilities are available.

Part of the Wawayanda State Park, Lake Wawayanda near Hewitt is known for its clear waters and scenic location surrounded by forested hills. Nearby are numerous hiking trails, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Canoes, boats, and paddle boats are available for rent.

East of Santa Rosa, the crystal-blue waters of Blue Hole offer swimmers a steady year-round temperature of 64 degrees, while visibility up to 80 feet and vibrant limestone walls attract scuba divers to the old Route 66 site. 

Related: Route 66: Then and Now

Tucked between the Robert F. Kennedy and Hell Gate bridges, New York City's oldest and largest public pool offers Olympic-size swim lanes and lots of spots to sunbathe. The park also features walking trails, a track, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a handful of playgrounds.

Related: 43 Free or Cheap Things to Do in New York City

In Pisgah National Forest, near Asheville, a smooth rock waterfall doubles as a waterslide. On a sizzling summer day, nothing is more refreshing than slipping into the falls' frigid waters. Lifeguards monitor the site, and there's a $4 entry fee.

This nearly 1,300-acre state park on the Missouri River has lots of natural, sandy beaches, along with amenities and options that will please everyone in a large crowd. (It's even pet-friendly.) Strong swimmers can explore the lake's small islands, although the very smallest ones disappear when the lake is high — and the biggest, dubbed "Alcatraz," is best reached by boat.

Swim, snorkel, or cliff dive into sparkling blue-green water at this privately owned quarry park in Garrettsville (not to be confused with nearby Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park). On non-festival weekends, day passes cost $5 for children 4 to 14 and $12 for visitors 15 and up.  

Step back in history with a trip to this 1939 Work Progress Administration bathhouse. The city-owned lake and water park offers an abundance of water fun: paddle boats, diving boards, a water slide, and a water trampoline, usually Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission costs $4 for those 17 and older; $3 for children 3 to 17.

With steady, warm temperatures and crystal-clear water, Buck Lake is an exceptionally serene swimming hole. It's about two hours from Portland by car and a bit tricky to find, but a short hike rewards swimmers with a wondrous experience.

This mountain stream running down a gorge in the Loyalsock State Forest has been one of Lycoming County's best-kept secrets. Three beautiful spots where waterfalls rush into cold, emerald-green pools are accessible via a steep walk down from Rock Run Road.

Visitors to Olney Pond are treated to a sandy beach, concession stands, and kayak rentals, and a $5.6 million pavilion opened to serve the area in May 2017. A more tranquil experience awaits during off-hours; it gets busy during summer and on weekends. From Providence, follow signs on Route 126 north to Lincoln Woods State Park.

Swimmers head to Horseshoe Falls on Cedar Shoals Creek for its beautiful 10-foot cascades. Some also come for its history — the falls played a small role on both sides of the Revolutionary War. Also known as Gordons Mill Falls, this popular spot attracts a boisterous crowd. (Be forewarned: The water isn't always deep enough for swimming.)

A dam built in 1949 created breathtaking views and clear waters. The reservoir's 36 miles of shoreline include plenty of sandy beaches for swimmers. The average summertime water temperature is a comfortably cool 66 degrees. Daily access is $8 per vehicle.

Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines have admired stunning, 75-foot Cummins Falls, labeling it one of the 10 best swimming holes in the country. Spend the day at scenic Cummins Falls State Park, splashing under the cool waters and relaxing over a shaded picnic. There are no grills or trash cans, so plan to take out what you bring.

A highlight of this park is its 1.75-acre, 25-foot-deep swimming pool, the largest spring-fed pool in the world. The water is 72 to 76 degrees year-round, perfect for those warm Big Bend summer afternoons. Entry to the state park is $7 but there is no additional cost to use the pool, which is open every day. Scuba diving is also popular at Balmorhea, and requires a $5 dive fee.

It requires some effort to get to this magical swimming hole just outside Zion National Park. Brave a bumpy yet scenic drive, about 6 miles from Toquerville, and you'll be rewarded by a trio of pristine waterfalls.

The emerald pools at Warren Falls on the Mad River in Vermont are drop-dead gorgeous. Casual swimmers flock here for a series of small plunges, while adrenaline junkies come for the cliff jumping.

Swimming, sliding, and (sometimes) rope swinging reign at this classic swimming hole on Elk Creek tucked just under Virginia's Natural Bridge Station. Cool water temperatures and a gradual (read: kid-friendly) slope make this pool a family favorite.

Grab a float, board a boat, or simply jump in and enjoy this urban oasis within the Seattle city limits. Madison Park Beach is a popular launching point where lifeguards keep watch. Dog lovers can bring their pets to the off-leash area of Warren G. Magnuson Park for a treat.

Related: 20 Beaches Your Dog Will Love — and So Will You

This park in Buckhannon is a West Virginia jewel. Look first for the Middle Fork River swimming basin under the bridge, but there are plenty of pretty places to swim along the river. 

Related: The Best Small Towns to Visit Across America

Find a secluded spot on the river east of Eau Claire. Park along the road and walk a windy trail to the beach. Clear water and a shallow sandy bottom encourage wading — water ranges from ankle deep to waist deep in the summer months. Skinny-dipping is allowed (although the sand gets very hot in the sun, so shoes are advised even if you're not wearing anything else).

The 91-mile-long reservoir snakes through Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, providing lots of wide-open spaces for water recreation. Fishing is the main attraction here, but warm summer temperatures attract swimmers, tubers, and water-skiers.

Related: Best Fishing Spots in All 50 States

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