The US has a lot of great places to hit when it’s hot. Everyone knows the famous places. But many are unaware of the more private yet no less picturesque places available. Looking to avoid the crowds? Here are 20 of the country’s secret swimming holes ready to be discovered:
Richardson Grove, California
Found in Humboldt County, this is a scenic area that is rife with giant redwood trees and views of the nearby mountains. There is also a popular jumping rock. The pool has a varying depth of between five and 20 feet.
Oak Creek, Las Vegas
Oak Creek is a crystal clear natural spring situated one mile off the popular Oak Creek Trail located in the well-known Red Rock Canyon Reservation Area. It is also a great place for hiking and enjoying a nature walk
Montana’s McDonald Creek
One of the state’s most scenic hidden swimming holes, McDonald Creek is found in popular Glacier National Park just off the various back trails of Essex County.
Highlighted by a colorful waterfall, this free-flowing lake’s water can be quite cold.
The Rocky Brook Falls, Washington
Found in Brinnon, a short stroll from the parking lot across the street, you can easily reach a rocky ledge and swimming hole with cool, cascading water. Take a dip and enjoy the view. Go camping, go hiking and enjoy nature.
Blue Hole, New Mexico
Escape to Santa Rosa. Also known as the Agua Negra Chiquita, it’s one of several connected underground water channels. This old water hole is now a great spot for swimming and scuba diving and is 81 feet deep.
Golden Lake Recreation Area and Resort, North Dakota
Situated in Hatton, the lake is immense. The place includes a campground, a playground, a public beach, a dock perfect for fishing, a playground, recreational areas, and lush scenery.
Long Pine Creek, Nebraska
This relatively ignored area, close to Long Pine, is family-friendly too. The water is clear and shallow. Get a good tan, take a stroll and take in the scenery. You can even rent a tube and just relax and float.
The Dells of the Eau Claire Park, Wisconsin
Ensconced in the Aniwa area, this spot was created by volcanic rocks millions of years ago and shaped by the powerful Eau Claire River. There are also waterfalls and rapids. Camp, hike, picnic and study nature here too.
Prairie Lake, Kansas
Found in northeast Holton County, Prairie Lake remains relatively unknown to all but the locals who have occasional bonfires there. It’s uncrowded and the water is warm and clean. If you tire of swimming you can bike, camp, fish, and picnic there too.
Kayak Morris, Illinois
Fun for the entire family, KM, which is actually most known for kayaking, actually has a trio of waterways for canal and cove exploration. You can go eagle-watching, camp on the river banks, and make good use of the grill-fire pits.
The Quince in Camp Wood, Texas
Have a spooky swim with the paranormal and enjoy a scary night out at this isolated location. Rumored to be the body-dumping site of a 1970s serial killer, people have reportedly seen a disjointed ghost of a female victim here.
Oklahoma’s Blue Hole Park
Oklahoma’s got a “blue hole” too. This one isn’t a big secret but it remains comparatively uncrowded to this day. The water is shallow enough for young swimmers here at this spot between Salina County and Kenwood County. Catch crawfish and camp there too.
Cheaha Creek in Talladega National Forest, Alabama
This stream has flowing water perfect for swimming and nearby rocky outcroppings great for picnicking, nature walks and hiking. The waterfall offers a great view of the mountainside. Mid-summer is best for swimming although you will run into locals.
The Wekiwa Spring State Park in Florida
This family-friendly spot was once occupied only by the Timucua Indians. The spring is only five feet deep. There are also great places for such watersports as kayaking and canoeing. The hiking trails there stretch as far as 13 miles.
Little Stoney Creek Falls, Virginia
Found in Scott County in the Jefferson National Forest, the Little Stoney National Recreation Trail area serves as a base to the popular Upper Little Stoney Falls which is accessible only via the recreation trail. The water in the pool is shallow enough for everyone.
The Powder Hole, Pennsylvania
Ensconced in the popular Pocono Mountains, this area was developed by early settlers who used blasting powder to harness the energy of the river. It has a forty-two-foot jumping ledge. If you wish to dive make sure to estimate the depth first as it varies.
Natural Area, Texas
This is reportedly one of the most beautiful places in the state. These long underwater caves were used as the setting for sacred meetings by the natives many years ago. The hike there can be rough on some but it’s worth it. Tour the preserve too.
Pecks Falls, Massachusetts
Found in Adams, this scenic location includes multiple cascades in the same area. The multiple waterfalls vary per level. They are anywhere from 12 to 50 feet high. The locals often suggest the upper falls because of the view and the clear water. You can picnic there too.
Lake Marcia, New Jersey
Situated in High Point State Park Sussex, 1,803 above sea level, is family-friendly Lake Marcia. Enjoy the views of the farmlands and explore the forest. The water here comes from a nearby spring so it is cool, clean and great for swimming. The beach includes concession stands and a bathhouse.
Enfield Falls, New York
Ensconced in Ithaca in the Robert H. Treman State Park, this swimming hole is accessible via an easily-manageable hiking trail. The falls are known for the convex-shaped, cascading water. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the rest of the park as well. Check
out Lucifer Falls too but be wary of the ravines and gorges.