The most scenic swimming holes in the US
All across the country there are amazingly beautiful natural swimming holes where you can refresh yourself, or, if the weather is cold, simply enjoy the scenery. Most of these pools are part of a national or state park, so it’s easy to locate them and spend a wonderful time in their surroundings. Here’s a list of the most beautiful swimming holes in the States that you can visit on your next holiday.
Ginnie Spring, High Springs, Florida
Ginnie Springs is a famous swimming pool system for snorkelers and scuba divers. The blue and crystal water is perfect for diving beginners who like to practice their skills. In addition, there are also underwater caves that make the spring even more exciting to explore. The bottom of the caves is mainly sand and in some parts limestone.
Turner Falls, Davis, Oklahoma
Turner Falls is the highest waterfall in Oklahoma with its 77 feet drop. At the bottom it forms a natural swimming pool where people from Davis and the area spend the hot summer days swimming and organizing family picnics. The falls are a part of the Turner Falls Park, which is a city park administered by the city of Davis, only 6 miles away.
Havasu Falls, Supai, Arizona
The natural swimming hole formed under the Havasu Falls in the Havasupai Tribe Reservation is a real gem. To swim here, you need a permit and to reach the pool you will need to hike for 10 miles or hire a helicopter.
O’heo Gulch, Maui, Hawaii
If you ever visit Hawaii, this is one of the must-see destinations. The seven natural swimming pools, formed by the Pipiwai Stream, are a great spot to chill out and take a swim after a long day hiking. Around the seven pools, there is a car-accessible campground and a few well-marked hiking trails. If you are a real adventurer, you can visit this stunning place and spend a few days camping in the area instead of paying for expensive accommodation in the tourist zone.
Robert Treman State Park, Ithaca, New York
The park is located in upstate New York and has a stream fed swimming hole where people love to cool off in the summer. If you visit the park during the fall, it will not be so pleasant for swimming, but the scenery at this time of the year is spectacular. Whenever you decide to visit Robert Treman State Park, you will enjoy its stunning waterfalls for sure.
Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, New Mexico
The Blue Hole pool is just east of Santa Rosa in New Mexico. It’s circular shape and 200 feet-depth attract scuba divers from all over the country. Actually, Blue Hole is one of the most famous diving locations in America. The water in the pool is clear blue, and the temperature is always 62 degrees Fahrenheit. The swimming hole is open for public use, and no permits are needed, although there are no lifeguards. If you aren’t a good swimmer or diver, you need to be careful and don’t dive alone. The underwater passages can be a challenging task even for the most experienced Navy diving veterans.
Oneonta Gorge: Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon
Bring your best water shoes for this trek because you will run into numerous slippery rocks. There are four major waterfalls that you can spot along the hike, and if the weather is warm enough to even take a swim in one the naturally-formed swimming holes.
Always be extremely careful when swimming in the wild, and if you are not a diver, don’t pretend to be one just to impress your friends. They would prefer to have you as a friend alive than a fake-diver dead. Take care and good luck!
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