Waterfall Chaser’s Playbook
From towering plunges to fern-lined cascades, these swimming holes combine waterfall drama with refreshing pools below. Use the filters below to match your adventure style.
- Scout landing zones before jumping—depths change with rainfall and seasonal sediment.
- Wear grippy footwear. Moss-covered rocks near waterfalls are notoriously slick.
- Keep a safe distance from the base when flows are high; hydraulics can trap even strong swimmers.
- Respect barriers and signage. They are usually in place after previous incidents.
- Virginia 16 featured spots
- Tennessee 11 featured spots
- New York 10 featured spots
- West Virginia 7 featured spots
- North Carolina 5 featured spots
- Pennsylvania 5 featured spots
Pack a lightweight rain shell for spray, a microfiber towel, and a dry bag for camera gear. Microspikes or trekking poles help on muddy approaches.
Easy-Access Cascades
Quick walks, paved overlooks, and well-marked parking make these waterfall swims ideal for families and first-time chasers.
Rainbow Falls S. P.
Washington
<h1>Explore Rainbow Falls State Park: A Hidden Gem in Washington</h1> <h2>Why Visit Rainbow Falls State Park in WA?</h2> <p>Rainbow Falls State Park in Washington offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts and adven…
- Clear Chehalis River waters
- Gentle cascading falls
- Lush forest surroundings
- Historic downtown Chehalis
- Doty countryside
Glide Oregon Swimming Spots
Oregon
<h1>Discover the Glide Oregon Swimming Spots in Southern OR</h1> <h2>A Scenic Oasis: What Makes Glide Oregon Swimming Spots Special</h2> <p>Tucked within the lush, green expanse of southern Oregon, the Glide Area offers…
- Family-friendly swimming and tubing
- Clear, cool waters
- Accessible via North Umpqua Highway
- Umpqua National Forest
- Roseburg wineries
Blowing Springs
Virginia
<h1>Discover Blowing Springs: Virginia's Hidden Swimming Gem</h1> <h2>Where Is Blowing Springs? A Scenic Escape in Virginia</h2> <p>Tucked away in the heart of Virginia’s scenic Allegheny Highlands, Blowing Springs is a…
- Crystal-clear waters fed by Back Creek
- Deep swimming pools near waterfalls
- Accessible hiking trails
- Jefferson Pools in Warm Springs
- Cowpasture River Area
Lester Park
Minnesota
<h1>Discover Lester Park: Duluth's Hidden Swimming Gem</h1> <h2>Why Lester Park is a Must-Visit Destination in Duluth</h2> <p>Lester Park, located on the eastern edge of Duluth, Minnesota, is a serene escape for nature…
- Cool, clear waters of Amity Creek and Lester River
- Gorgeous rock formations and waterfalls
- Seasonal foliage and wildlife
- Lake Superior shoreline
- Enger Tower
Adventure-Class Plunges
Expect steeper climbs, slick scrambles, and roaring flow. These waterfalls reward confident hikers with emerald plunge pools.
Buttermilk Falls S. P.
New York
<h1>Discover Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, NY</h1> <h2>What Makes Buttermilk Falls State Park Unique</h2> <p>Nestled within the verdant landscapes of the Finger Lakes region, Buttermilk Falls State Park in Itha…
- Stunning cascading waterfalls
- Refreshing swimming hole below falls
- Seasonal scenic beauty
- Robert H. Treman State Park
- Cayuga Lake
Falls Of Dismal
Virginia
<h1>Falls of Dismal: Virginia's Hidden Swimming Hole Gem</h1> <h2>Discover the Falls of Dismal: A Natural Treasure in Virginia</h2> <p>Tucked away in the Jefferson National Forest of southwestern Virginia, the Falls of…
- Natural pool under tiered waterfalls
- Lush forest surroundings
- Cool, clear waters year-round
- Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg
- Cascade Falls in Pembroke
Panther Falls
Virginia
<h1>Discover Panther Falls: Virginia's Hidden Swimming Gem</h1> <h2>Where Is Panther Falls? Location and Nearby Towns</h2> <p>Panther Falls, tucked away in the serene embrace of Virginia’s Pedlar River, offers outdoor e…
- Crystal-clear freshwater pools
- Lush forest surroundings
- Unspoiled natural beauty
- Lexington’s historic downtown
- Virginia Military Institute
Jemez Springs Natural Swimming Spots
New Mexico
<h1>Explore Jemez Springs Natural Swimming Spots in New Mexico</h1> <h2>Discover the Hidden Gems of Jemez Springs Swimming Holes</h2> <p>Nestled within the rugged beauty of the Santa Fe National Forest, the Jemez Spring…
- McCauley Warm Springs with its scenic hike and clear pools
- San Antonio Hot Springs' dramatic mountain views
- Spence Hot Springs' easy access and lively atmosphere
- Jemez State Monument
- Valles Caldera National Preserve
Photography-Ready Falls
Golden-hour spray, fern-draped cliffs, and silky ribbons of water—pack the tripod and ND filters for these photogenic cascades.
Rainbow Springs State Park Swimming And Recreation
Florida
<h1>Rainbow Springs State Park Swimming & Recreation in Florida</h1> <h2>Discover the Beauty of Rainbow Springs State Park</h2> <p>Rainbow Springs State Park, located in the heart of North Central Florida near Ocala and…
- Crystal-clear Rainbow River water
- Year-round 72°F temperature
- Snorkeling and tubing opportunities
- KP Hole County Park
- Silver Springs State Park
Moonshine Falls Scenic Swimming Spots
South Carolina
<h1>Moonshine Falls: Scenic Swimming Holes in Upstate SC</h1> <h2>Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Moonshine Falls</h2> <p>Tucked away in the verdant foothills of Upstate South Carolina, the Moonshine Falls area offers…
- Cascading waterfalls
- Natural rock slides
- Diverse wildlife and flora
- Table Rock State Park
- Caesars Head State Park
Bemis Area
West Virginia
<h1>Discover the Bemis Area Swimming Holes in West Virginia</h1> <h2>Exploring the Bemis Area: High Falls and Mule Hollow</h2> <p>Nestled amid the rugged beauty of West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest, the Bemis…
- Scenic High Falls with deep pool
- Secluded Mule Hollow swimming spot
- Accessible by train or hiking
- Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
- Monongahela National Forest hiking trails
Potomac Wayside
Virginia
<h1>Discover Potomac Wayside: Virginia's Scenic Swimming Hole</h1> <h2>Why Visit Potomac Wayside in Virginia?</h2> <p>Tucked between the historic towns of Frederick, Maryland, and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Potomac W…
- Picturesque waterfall and stream
- Refreshing swimming experience
- Scenic views with seasonal charm
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
- C&O Canal Towpath
Swimmable Plunge Pools
When you want a real dunk beneath the falls, choose these deep basins with calmer eddies and space to swim once you surface.
Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots
North Carolina
<h1>Explore Big Creek Swimming Spots in the Smoky Mountains, NC</h1> <h2>Discover Big Creek: A Hidden Gem in the Smoky Mountains</h2> <p>Tucked away in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Big Creek…
- Easily accessible swimming hole at the picnic area
- Secluded unnamed hole with a waterfall
- Midnight Hole’s jacuzzi-like double falls
- Asheville’s arts and cultural scene
- Mount Mitchell State Park
Haw Creek Falls Swimming And Recreation Area
Arkansas
<h1>Discover Haw Creek Falls: Arkansas’ Scenic Swimming Holes</h1> <h2>Introduction to Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area</h2> <p>Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of northern Arkansas, the Haw Creek…
- Historic Fort Douglas Bridge swimming hole
- Picturesque Haw Creek Falls
- Abundant wildlife and lush greenery
- Long Pool Campground (popular float trip destination)
- Ozark National Forest hiking trails
Falls Lake S. R. A.
North Carolina
<h1>Discover Falls Lake S.R.A.: A Serene Swimming Spot in NC</h1> <h2>Explore the Beauty of Falls Lake State Recreation Area</h2> <p>Falls Lake State Recreation Area, located in the heart of North Carolina's Piedmont re…
- Expansive 12,410-acre lake
- Designated swimming areas with sandy beaches
- Lush forested surroundings
- North Carolina Museum of Art (Raleigh)
- Durham's Duke Gardens
Gabes Branch Falls
Kentucky
<h1>Explore Gabes Branch Falls: Kentucky’s Hidden Swimming Gem</h1> <h2>Discover Gabes Branch Falls: A Hidden Treasure in Harlan County</h2> <p>Gabes Branch Falls, tucked away in the rugged Appalachian landscape of sout…
- Unmarked dirt road adventure
- Cool, clear waters for swimming
- Lush Appalachian forest setting
- Kingdom Come State Park (25 miles)
- Coal Mining Museum in Benham (30 miles)
More Waterfall Favorites
Still building your itinerary? These additional picks stretch coast to coast and pair well with road trips through waterfall country.
Buttermilk Falls - Homewood
Pennsylvania
<h1>Discover Buttermilk Falls: A Hidden Swimming Hole in Homewood, PA</h1> <h2>What Makes Buttermilk Falls Special?</h2> <p>Tucked away in the heart of Pennsylvania’s rich greenery, Buttermilk Falls near Homewood offers…
- Cool, clear water fed by Clark Run
- Tiered waterfall ideal for photography
- Accessible hiking trail from parking lot
- Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple
- Downtown Beaver Falls
White Rock Falls
Virginia
<h1>Discover White Rock Falls: Virginia's Hidden Swimming Hole</h1> <h2>Where Is White Rock Falls Located?</h2> <p>Tucked into the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, White Rock Falls near Waynesboro, Virginia, o…
- Cool, crystal-clear mountain water
- Moderate 0.8-mile scenic hike
- Stunning Blue Ridge Parkway views
- Sherando Lake Recreation Area
- Blue Ridge Parkway scenic overlooks
Walls Of Jericho
Tennessee
The Walls of Jericho swimming hole, located near the junction of Tennessee and Alabama, offers an exhilarating experience for adventurous souls and nature enthusiasts alike. Aptly named after its dramatic cliffs and amp…
- Dramatic limestone amphitheater
- Crystal-clear waters of Turkey Creek
- Strenuous 3.5-mile hike
- Winchester, TN
- Tims Ford State Park
North Umpqua River Swimming Holes
Oregon
<h1>Discover the North Umpqua River Swimming Holes in Oregon</h1> <h2>A Scenic Escape: What Makes the North Umpqua River Unique</h2> <p>Nestled within the rugged beauty of southern Oregon, the North Umpqua Area offers a…
- Crystal-clear water
- Thrilling rock chute at Narrows Park
- Rich biodiversity
- Whistlers Bend Park
- Cavitt Creek Falls
Turner Falls
Oklahoma
<h1>Explore Turner Falls: Oklahoma’s Premier Swimming Hole</h1> <h2>Discover the Natural Beauty of Turner Falls in Oklahoma</h2> <p>Turner Falls, located in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains in south-central Oklahoma,…
- 77-foot waterfall
- Clear Honey Creek waters
- Diving and jumping spots
- Chickasaw National Recreation Area
- Davis, OK local shops and restaurants
Cunningham Falls S. P.
Maryland
<h1>Explore Cunningham Falls State Park: Maryland's Scenic Gem</h1> <h2>Discover Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland</h2> <p>Cunningham Falls State Park, located in the scenic expanse of Catoctin Mountain near Thurm…
- Maryland's largest cascading waterfall
- 43-acre man-made lake
- Historic iron furnace
- Catoctin Mountain Park
- Frederick Municipal Forest