Photo courtesy of Robert Thigpen via Flickr
The Blue Hole Regional Park | Wimberley, Texas
It doesn’t get more picturesque than this Southern hot spot. Texans get their kicks at the spring-fed oasis sprinkled with shady cypress trees and two teasing rope swings. Don't forget your picnic basket–find the perfect plot on the park's 126 acres for a post-swim feast.
Photo courtesy of Reannon Muth via Flickr
Havasu Falls | Supai, Arizona
Hawaii in Arizona? You’ll believe it when you see this majestic, remote waterfall. But you’ll have to earn it: the breathtaking natural beauty is only accessible by helicopter, a 10-mile hike or on a pack mule. But with views like this, it’s worth going the extra mile.
Photo courtesy of Ken Lund via Flickr
Sand Harbor | Incline Village, Nevada
Crystal-clear water, panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and 55 acres of sandy beaches makes this an ideal swimming and Scuba destination. And while most of Nevada’s beaches are tough on the feet due to coarse sand, this stretch of land gets its namesake from the fine white grains brought in by breezes. Sand castle competition, anyone?
Photo courtesy of Daveynin via Flickr
Meadow Run Natural Waterslide | Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
Get carried away (literally) by the natural currents on this Keystone State water slide. After checking with a park ranger to ensure safe water levels, swish down the slick sandstones to make a splash into the natural pool. We have a feeling you’ll want to try this more than once.
Photo courtesy of Brent Moore via Flickr
Little River Canyon National Preserve | Mentone, Alabama
Jump into this Appalachian favorite that boasts a 12-mile, 600-foot deep canyon in Northeastern Alabama. Speckled with waterfalls, bluffs, sandstone cliffs and natural pools, there’s plenty of reasons to beat the heat at this haven.
Photo courtesy of Lincolnh via Wikimedia Commons
Sliding Rock | Brevard, North Carolina
This natural waterslide in the Pisgah National Forest with have the young (and young at heart) lining up to slip down the 60-foot smooth rocks into a seven-foot deep cool pool. Not your speed? Sunbathe on the rocks or picnic at the observation decks.
Photo courtesy of Chun-Hung Eric Cheng via Flickr
Lake Macbride State Park | Solon, Iowa
Who said Iowa isn’t known for its beaches? (Don’t answer that.) The Hawkeye State’s largest park offers surprisingly sandy beaches along Lake Macbride, as well as picture perfect spots for picnicking and hiking. And attention anglers–it’s also an acclaimed fishing hole!
Photo courtesy of Watershed Post via Flickr
Peekamoose Blue Hole | Sundown, New York
In the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Rondout Creek rushes through a rock gap, creating a very deep (and very cold) pool that’s perfect for summer dips. Named because its frigid temps feel like it could turn your skin blue, this Hudson Valley hideaway is perfect to escape a New York heat wave. Bonus point: it has a rope swing!
Photo courtesy of St. Paul Cliffs
White Rock Park | St. Paul, Indiana
Your weekend just got booked. From a 10-meter diving platform, zipline and Scuba diving to tan-enticing banks, volleyball courts and shady lawns, this beer-friendly park makes for one hot American summer!
Photo courtesy of Keith Yahl via Flickr
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park | Brook, Missouri
Soak-in or explore the rocky shallows of the Black River’s East Fork in Reynolds County. More of an adventurous type? Shoot through the waterfall-like rivulets (known as shut-ins) that stream above and around igneous rocks.
See which swimming holes were chosen for the top ten in our Readers' Choice Awards.