Swimming Holes in TN

Discover 38 amazing natural swimming destinations across TN. From pristine lakes to refreshing rivers, find your perfect swimming spot.

38
Swimming Holes
14
Types
9
Free Access
29
Fee Required
38 locations found
Falls
Fee

Baby Falls on the Tellico River

KNOXVILLE

Guide to visiting Baby Falls, a 15-foot waterfall and popular swimming hole on the Tellico River in Tennessee. Find directions, safety tips, and details on swimming and tubing.

Tellico River
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Falls/Creek
Fee

BACKBONE ROCK

BRISTOL(TN/VA)

Visit Backbone Rock swimming hole in TN. Find directions, access details, and safety tips for swimming in Beaver Dam Creek near the campground.

Beaver Dam Creek
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Fee

BIG CREEK AREA

Explore the Big Creek Area in Tennessee. Find hiking, fishing, and scenic views. Plan your visit with essential access and safety tips.

View Details
River
Fee

Big South Fork Swimming Holes and Recreation Spots

KNOXVILLE

Discover Burnt Mill Bridge and Gentlemen's Swimming Hole in Tennessee's Big South Fork. Find directions, safety tips, and details for swimming and picnicking.

Big South Fork of the Cumberland River (and others, see below)
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River
Fee

BLUE HOLE - BUFFALO RIVER

NASHVILLE

Guide to the unofficial Blue Hole swimming spot on the Buffalo River near Nashville. Find directions, access notes, and safety tips for swimming and jumping.

Buffalo River
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Stream
Fee

BLUE HOLE - MILL CREEK

BRISTOL

A guide to the unofficial Blue Hole swimming area on Mill Creek near Elizabethton, TN. Find directions, safety tips, and what to know before you go.

Mill Creek (Trib. of Stony Creek)
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River
Fee

BLUE HOLE - OCOEE

CHATTANOOGA

Visit Blue Hole on the Ocoee River for swimming and jumping. Find directions, parking fees, safety tips, and water release schedules for a safe trip.

Ocoee River
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Creek/Falls
Fee

CARMAC FALLS

NASHVILLE

Plan your visit to Carmac Falls near Smithville, TN. Details on swimming access, fees, hiking, and safety for this Chickamauga Creek waterfall.

Chickamauga Creek
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Creek
Fee

CHICKAMAUGA CREEK

CHATTANOOGA

Find the unofficial Blue Hole and other swimming spots on Chickamauga Creek. Get directions, safety tips, and details for this natural area near Soddy Daisy.

Chickamauga Creek
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Waterfall/River
Free

Conasauga River Swimming Spots

CLEVELAND (TN)

Explore unofficial swimming and snorkeling spots on the Conasauga River in Cherokee National Forest. Find directions, safety tips, and access notes.

Jacks River/Conasauga River
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Falls
Fee

CUMMINS FALLS

Cookeville

Plan your visit to Cummins Falls near Cookeville, TN. Find directions, trail details, and safety tips for this unofficial swimming spot on Blackburn Fork.

Blackburn Fork
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Waterfall
Fee

ELROD FALLS

KINGSPORT

A guide to Elrod Falls near Sneedville, TN. Find directions, access notes, and safety tips for this unofficial swimming spot.

Unknown
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Falls, Creek
Fee

Fall Creek Falls State Park Swimming Spots

CROSSVILLE

Guide to swimming at Cane Creek Cascades in Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN. Find directions, safety tips, and access notes for this unofficial spot.

FALL CREEK, CANE CREEK
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River
Free

FRENCH BROAD

KNOXVILLE

Find practical info for swimming in the French Broad River near Newport, TN. Includes directions, safety tips, and access notes for unofficial spots.

French Broad River
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Creek
Fee

Frozen Head State Natural Area Swimming Holes

KNOXVILLE

Explore unofficial swimming holes on Flat Fork Creek in Frozen Head State Natural Area, TN. Find directions, safety tips, and what to know before you go.

Flat Fork Creek
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River
Free

GOOCHIE FORD

NASHVILLE

A guide to the unofficial Goochie Ford swimming hole on the East Fork Stones River near Nashville. Find directions, safety tips, and access details.

East Fork Stones River
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Creek
Fee

GRUNDY FOREST AREA

CHATTANOOGA

Explore the Grundy Forest Day Loop Trail near Tracy City, TN for scenic swimming holes like Hanes Hole Falls and Blue Hole Falls. Find directions and safety tips.

Little Fiery Gizzard Creek
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River
Fee

HIWASSEE

CHATTANOOGA

Plan your visit to the Hiwassee River swimming hole near Chattanooga. Find directions, safety tips, and info on swimming, tubing, and camping.

Hiwassee River
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Creek-fed, man-made pool
Fee

HORSE CREEK AREA

JOHNSON CITY

Guide to the Horse Creek Area swimming hole & campground in TN. Find directions, facilities, and safety tips for this creek-fed pool in Cherokee National Forest.

Horse Creek
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Creek
Fee

LAUREL FORK

JOHNSON CITY

Guide to hiking the Appalachian Trail to Laurel Fork swimming holes and Laurel Falls in Tennessee. Find directions, safety tips, and seasonal advice.

Laurel Fork
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Creek
Free

MAGNOLIA BRIDGE

NASHVILLE

A guide to the unofficial Magnolia Bridge swimming hole on Whiteoak Creek, TN. Find directions, safety tips, and info for swimming and rope swings.

Whiteoak Creek
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Creek
Fee

METAL FORD

NASHVILLE

Visit the unofficial Metal Ford swimming hole on the Buffalo River near Nashville. Find directions, access notes, and essential safety tips for a day of wading and swimming.

Buffalo River
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River
Fee

NARROWS OF THE HARPETH S. H. A.

NASHVILLE

Plan a trip to the Narrows of the Harpeth State Historic Area near Nashville for swimming, canoeing, and hiking along the scenic Harpeth River.

Harpeth River
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Varies- see below
Fee

Obed Scenic River Swimming Holes

KNOXVILLE

Plan your visit to the Obed Scenic River swimming holes near Wartburg, TN. Get directions, safety tips, and info on the popular Nemo swimming hole.

Varies - see below
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Falls
Free

OZONE FALLS

CROSSVILLE

Plan your visit to Ozone Falls, a natural waterfall and swimming hole in Tennessee. Get directions, safety tips, and details on the unofficial trail.

Fall Creek
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River
Fee

Piney River Tennessee Swimming Destinations

CHATTANOOGA

Guide to unofficial swimming holes on the Piney River and Duskin Creek near Chattanooga. Find directions, trail info, and safety tips for a refreshing swim.

Piney River, Duskin Creek
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Creek
Fee

RICHLAND CREEK

CHATTANOOGA

A guide to hiking and swimming at the unofficial Richland Creek swimming holes near Chattanooga, TN. Find directions, trail info, and safety tips.

Richland Creek
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Creek-fed, man-made pool.
Fee

ROCK CREEK

BRISTOL

Plan your visit to the Rock Creek swimming hole in Tennessee. Find directions, fees, facilities, and safety tips for this creek-fed pool near Johnson City.

Rock Creek
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River
Fee

ROCK ISLAND S. P.

CHATTANOOGA

Explore swimming and cliff jumping at Rock Island State Park's unofficial Twin Falls area. Find directions, safety tips, and park facilities.

Upper Caney Fork River
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Creek
Fee

Savage Gulf Swimming Holes

CHATTANOOGA

Plan a visit to the Savage Gulf swimming holes on Fire Scald Creek. Find directions to Greeter Falls and Blue Hole, with essential safety and access tips.

Fire Scald Creek
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River
Free

SMOKY MOUNTAIN - NORTH AREA

GATLINBURG

Find swimming holes on the Little Pigeon River near Gatlinburg. Guide includes directions, safety tips, and access notes for this unofficial spot.

Little Pigeon River
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Falls/River
Free

Smoky Mountain Central Tennessee Swimming Holes

KNOXVILLE

Find unofficial swimming holes along Route 321 near Townsend & Maryville, TN. Tips for access, parking, and safe water recreation in the Smokies.

Varies, see below
View Details
Varies, see below
Fee

Smoky Mountain South Swimming Holes - Knoxville, Maryville, Chilhowee

KNOXVILLE

Guide to unofficial swimming holes in the Smoky Mountains near Knoxville, TN. Find directions for Abrams Creek, Little Bottoms, and Wildcat Falls with safety tips.

Varies, see below
View Details
Falls
Free

STILLHOUSE HOLLOW FALLS

NASHVILLE

Plan a trip to Stillhouse Hollow Falls, an unofficial waterfall and swimming spot near Summertown, TN. Find directions, trail info, and safety tips.

Trib. to Big Bigby Creek
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River
Fee

STONES RIVER RENTALS

NASHVILLE

Plan your visit to Stones River Rentals in Christiana, TN. Details on swimming, canoeing, fees, and directions for a safe river outing.

Middle Fork Stones River
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Creek
Free

TURLEY HOLE

NORRIS

A guide to the unofficial Turley Hole swimming area in Tennessee. Find directions, safety tips, and what to know before visiting this creek spot.

Cove Creek/Turley Branch
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Falls
Fee

TWISTING FALLS

JOHNSON CITY

Find directions and safety tips for visiting Twisting Falls, an unofficial swimming and jumping spot on the Elk River near Johnson City, TN.

Elk River
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Falls
Fee

WALLS OF JERICHO

CHATTANOOGA

A guide to hiking the Walls of Jericho in Tennessee. Find trail info, safety tips, and directions to this unofficial waterfall and swimming area.

Turkey Creek
View Details

Safety & Responsibility

  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, and hazards change quickly.
  • Follow posted signs and local regulations. Do not trespass.
  • Never jump or dive without checking depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for non‑swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

Overview

TN features 38 natural swimming spots across 14 water types. Expect varying access and conditions by season; arrive early on weekends, pack out trash, and always verify current rules and water levels before you go.

Explore More Swimming Adventures

Ready to discover more? Check out swimming holes in other states or browse our complete directory.

Browse All Swimming Holes View All States

Frequently Asked Questions

How many swimming holes are in TN?
Our directory lists 38 natural swimming destinations in TN, spanning 4 water types: Rivers (11), Creeks (9), Falls (6), Falls/Creeks (1). Of these, 9 (24%) are free to access and 29 require an entry fee or parking pass.
What types of swimming spots does TN have?
TN's 38 listed swimming destinations include rivers and creeks with natural swimming access, and waterfall plunge pools. Notable water bodies include Tellico River, Beaver Dam Creek, Buffalo River, Mill Creek (Trib. of Stony Creek), Ocoee River.
Which swimming holes in TN are free?
9 of the 38 swimming holes in TN (24%) are listed as free to access. The remaining 29 are in managed areas such as state parks or national forests that charge a day-use or parking fee — typically $5–$10 per vehicle. Always verify current fee information with the managing agency before your visit, as prices change.
Where are the best areas to find swimming holes in TN?
Swimming destinations in TN are clustered around KNOXVILLE, TELLICO PLAINS, BRISTOL(TN/VA), ABINGDON(VA). 36 of the listed sites are officially sanctioned swimming areas, typically in state or national parks with better access and signage. 2 are informal or unofficial access points — these require more research before visiting.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in TN?
Based on the conditions reported across TN's listed sites, fall tends to offer the best swimming conditions — warm enough water with manageable crowds. Late spring is ideal for waterfall flows; check USGS streamflow data before visiting any river site after rainfall. Always check current weather and water conditions before heading out.
Are swimming holes in TN safe for families and children?
Safety varies significantly by location. 36 officially managed sites in TN typically have clearer access, signage, and in some cases lifeguard coverage — these are generally the best starting points for families. Unofficial or backcountry swimming holes require more caution: always check water depth before letting children enter, watch for currents — even slow-looking rivers can have strong undertow, and avoid swimming during or after heavy rain. Supervise children closely at all times.
Do I need a permit or reservation to swim in TN?
Most swimming holes in TN do not require advance permits, but some high-traffic locations within national forests and popular state parks have moved to timed-entry reservation systems, especially on summer weekends. 29 sites charge a day-use or parking fee. Check the official website of the land management agency — US Forest Service (fs.usda.gov), BLM (blm.gov), or your state parks authority — for the most current access rules before your trip.