21 of America's Most Scenic Swimming Holes

For the more adventurous, Queen’s Bath, located on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii, is one of the most beautiful swimming holes in the U.S. with crystal-clear water and crashing waves. Lava rock separates the pool from the rest of the ocean. It’s best to visit during warmer months when waves are calmer—the pool can be dangerous (especially in winter) if waves are too high. Pro tip: Check the daily surf report before trekking out there.

Looking for a fairy-tale-like afternoon surrounded by waterfalls, emerald green water, and ancient forest? You'll find all of these things at Opal Pool in the Willamette National Forest, located just outside Lyons, Oregon. Prepare yourself for quite the trek to get there—Opal Creek Trail leads you down a seven-mile hike before reaching the swimming hole. Loop around on the way back and check out Jawbone Flats, a cute mining town that dates back to the mid 1800s.

This beautiful waterfall and swimming hole is the deepest east of the Mississippi and supplied by a river that flows along the top of Look Out Mountain in northeastern Alabama. For a bonus, the drive to the falls winds through the mountains with frequent lookouts that divulge gorgeous views of the Appalachian Foothills.

Dorset Quarry in Vermont—once a stone mine that provided marble for the likes of the New York Public Library—is now a swimming hole open to the public. There is something for everyone on a sweltering day, from lying around lazily on the smooth rocks tanning to cannonballing into the 60-foot-deep waters from the surrounding cliffs. No hiking is required! The quarry is right off the highway.

With easy access right off the road, Falling Water Falls, located in Ozark National Forest, is an easy destination for the whole family. For an all-day excursion, visit the Richland Creek Wilderness Area (located just south of Falling Water Falls), which is also known for its beautiful waterfalls and hikes.

Snorkelers and scuba-divers-in-training covet Ginnie Springs, a network of seven natural springs off the Santa Fe River, for its clear water and underwater caves.

Pictured: Devil's Eye Cave

Tucked away alongside the Arbuckle Mountains, the historic Turner Falls Park boasts a natural swimming pool that's formed by Honey Creek rushing down a 77-foot drop—a.k.a Turner Falls, a.k.a. Oklahoma's largest waterfall.

Located on the Havasupai Tribe Reservation, the swimming hole at Havasu Falls is a doozy to get to but well worth it (just look at the pics!). You'll need a permit, and the journey involves a 10-mile trek (or a helicopter or mule ride).

Fun fact: Havasupai means "people of the blue-green water."

Formed by the Pipiwai Stream, the seven pools of O'heo Gulch are an excellent spot to cool off after a scenic waterfall hike at Haleakala National Park.

Located in the wine-making Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, the stream-fed pool at Robert Treman State Park lets visitors kick back in the water while admiring the stunning falls.

There's no touching the floor of this artesian spring. Scuba divers know the hole is at least 200 feet deep, and it doesn't stop there—one man even came across an underwater cliff.

Fans of this creekside swimming hole in Swallow Falls State Park say getting there is a fun and easy hike for the whole family.

Tucked away in Los Padres National Forest, this section of Tassajara Creek—known colloquially as "the Narrows"—is a favorite among hikers and guests of the nearby Tassajara Zen Mountain Center.

The section of the East Fork Black River that's narrowed (or "shut in") by smooth rocks forms the basis for this "natural water park."

It's not hard to see why animals of all kinds, from birds and reptiles to amphibians and humans, enjoy the 126-acre haven that is Blue Hole Regional Park.

Bring water shoes for this one: The trek may involve slippery rocks and a logjam or two, but beautiful Lower Oneonta Falls is worth it.

Take a detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway for this 60-foot water slide courtesy of Mother Nature.

Although only accessible by a moderate, one-hour hike, this gem is by no means hidden: It's been popular since the days when buffalo roamed the land and draws a crowd on summer weekends.

A massive pool at the base of Dougan Falls is just one of several places to take a refreshing dip in the Washougal River.

Located in Bankhead National Forest, both the upper and lower Caney Creek Falls cascade into lovely swimming holes.