10 Alabama swimming holes to find before the end of summer
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The school year has arrived and football season is just around the corner but that doesn’t mean we’re done with the summer weather just yet.
If you’re still looking to get outdoors and cool off, check out one of these natural swimming holes across the state.
Hump Creek in New Market
- Location: 1960 Walker Lane, New Market, AL 35761
- What to expect: The water is pretty shallow, and the area is very peaceful. No hike is required and the parking lot is extremely spacious.
- Cost: Free
High Falls Park in Grove Oak
- Location: 969 Co Rd 144, Grove Oak
- What to expect: Just 20 minutes from Guntersville Lake, this hidden gem has spectacular views and many additional trails to explore. There are public restrooms and concessions, along with a playground for younger children.
- Cost: Admission is $1 for adults, $5 for groups of 6+ and is free for kids 10 and under.
Find more details on swimming holes in north Alabama from our friends at Hville Blast.
Kinlock Falls in Bankhead National Forest
- Location: Kinlock Road, Bankhead National Forest
- What to expect: This spot is in the heart of Bankhead National Forrest, and is covered in surreal scenery. But it takes quite the hike to reach the water so make sure to be prepared and cautious.
- Cost: Free
Hippie Hole at Little River Canyon
- Location: 4322 Little River Trail Ste 100, Fort Payne
- What to expect: This spot requires quite the hike to reach the swimming hole. On a sunny summer day, it can get pretty packed, but there is still plenty of room to enjoy yourself.
- Cost: Free
Mardis Mill Falls in Blountsville
- Location: 546 Mardis Mill Rd, Blountsville, AL 35031
- What to expect: The Falls is on Graves Creek which flows into the Locust Fork and is part of the Black Warrior River watershed. Plenty of shade to stay cool but wear sturdy shoes to get to the water. Swimming hole depth gets to roughly 10 feet.
- Cost: Free
Turkey Creek Falls in Pinson
- Location: 3895 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126
- What to expect: In the heart of the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, you can relax by the water, go for a swim or even fish in the waterways at the preserve.
- Cost: Suggested $5 donation for admission
Find more swimming holes around central Alabama in this guide from Bham Now.
Peavine Falls in Pelham
- Location: Peavine Falls Road, Pelham, AL 35124
- What to expect: This popular water attraction inside Oak Mountain State Park is the perfect spot to cool down from a hike. You can use the short gravel trail from the parking lot or pick a longer hike before arriving at the top of the falls.
- Cost: $5 for adults, $2 for children + seniors.
Corn Creek in Wetumpka
- Location: Off U.S. Hwy 231 (Gravel road across from Julia Tutwiler Prison), Wetumpka, AL 36092
- What to expect: Featuring shallow rapids, smooth rock shelves and clean running water with average depths around 1 to 3 feet, it’s an ideal playground for wading, splashing and exploring. Thrill-seekers will love the rope swing over a deeper pool downstream, while families can relax along the shaded, rocky banks.
- Cost: Free
Check out more swimming holes around the capital city.
Chewacla State Park in Auburn
- Location: 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL 36830
- What to expect: Chewacla State Park features a stunning 26-acre lake with a designated swimming area, sandy beach section and a picturesque stone waterfall.
- Cost: $5 for adults (ages 12–61); $3 for children (ages 4–11) and seniors (62+); Free for children under 4
Styx River in Robertsdale
- Location: Baldwin County
- What to expect: The Styx River is known locally as a great place for float trips. This river also has one of the few waterfalls in south Alabama. This waterway is popular for kayakers + tubers.
- Cost: Free
