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USA TODAY 10Best

10 of the best swimming holes in the country for escaping the summer heat

Get the skinny on these dip-worthy spots
Jeanne Lyons Davis

June 19, 2018 // By Jeanne Lyons Davis

By Jeanne Lyons Davis
Travel Expert June 19, 2018

 

There's nothing like whiling away long, hot summer days in the great outdoors.  This is especially true if you can find a swimming hole where you can take a dip and escape the heat in its cool, inviting waters.  

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Even better, if you have children to keep entertained, this is a great solution that can be fun for the whole family.  And if you're hesitant to swim in nature, you can still reap the benefits of being near a cool body of water. Not to mention, swimming holes give off some serious retro summer vibes, and who doesn't love a bit of nostalgia?

Here are 10 of the best swimming holes in the country.

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Blue Hole Regional Park | Wimberley, Texas

Go for a swim in Texas's blue holeGo for a swim in Texas's blue hole — Photo courtesy of robert thigpen/flickr

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.

Havasupai Falls | Supai, Ariz.

You'll need a permit to access this gorgeous Arizona spotYou'll need a permit to access this gorgeous Arizona spot — Photo courtesy of Jon Roig/flickr

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.

Sand Harbor | Incline Village, Nev.

Enjoy a genuinely soft beach on the otherwise coarse shores of TahoeEnjoy a genuinely soft beach on the otherwise coarse shores of Tahoe — Photo courtesy of Don Graham/flickr

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?

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Meadow Run Natural Waterslide | Ohiopyle, Pa.

 

A post shared by Ron Smiley (@ron_smiley_kdka) on Jun 17, 2018 at 2:08pm PDT

Get carried away (literally) by the natural currents on this Keystone State waterslide. 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.

Little River Canyon National Preserve | Mentone, Ala.

This Alabama canyon is a hidden gemThis Alabama canyon is a hidden gem — Photo courtesy of Brent Moore/flickr

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.

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10Best

Here are 10 breathtaking spots for cliff diving in the U.S.

10BEST

Here are 10 breathtaking spots for cliff diving in the U.S.

Sliding Rock | Brevard, N.C.

Fun-seekers line up for their turn on the rocksFun-seekers line up for their turn on the rocks — Photo courtesy of Lincolnh/Wikimedia Commons

This natural waterslide in the Pisgah National Forest will 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.

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Lake Macbride State Park | Solon, Iowa

Have an idyllic summer day on an Iowa beachHave an idyllic summer day on an Iowa beach — Photo courtesy of Chun-Hung Eric Cheng/flickr

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!

Peekamoose Blue Hole | Denning, N.Y.

 

A post shared by Jill M. (@redlipswontquit) on Jun 17, 2018 at 6:42am PDT

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!

White Rock Park | St. Paul, Ind.

 

A post shared by White Rock Park (@whiterockpark) on May 24, 2017 at 4:04pm PDT

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!

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Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park | Middle Brook, Mo.

 

A post shared by Missouri State Parks Fan Page (@missouristateparks) on Jun 15, 2018 at 5:17am PDT

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.

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10Best

Get excited for summer with these reader-favorite attractions

10BEST

Get excited for summer with these reader-favorite attractions

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From food to film, these are the best festivals across the nation

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Jeanne Lyons Davis

About Jeanne Lyons Davis

Jeanne has dimples on her face because she’s too damn cheeky. As a contributor to Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Country Living, and Southern Living magazines, the creative Cajun writes about interior design, travel, and American-based makers. (CC: pop culture and TV show recaps. Spoiler alert!)  When Jeanne isn’t writing (or eating) in her current home base of Atlanta, she’s taking the scenic route to a weekend excursion, ordering a cocktail that somehow always involves an orange peel on fire, or rearranging her living room furniture. Again.

Read more about Jeanne Lyons Davis here.


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