Nothing is better in the summertime than a hike to a beautiful, natural swimming hole. Typically, swimming holes form at the base of waterfalls or any other place where the water naturally settles between the rocks and soil.
While a dip at your local swimming pool is nice, swimming outside in a natural body of water is well worth the added effort. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best swimming holes in the United States and what you need to know about accessing each.
8 of the Best Summer Swimming Holes
San Diego, California: Cedar Creek Falls
Located in the Cleveland National Forest, Cedar Creek Falls features an 80-foot waterfall plunging into a large swimming hole beneath. The pool is deep and wide, making it perfect for cooling off after a hot hike.
Accessing the falls requires a 5- to 6-mile round-trip hike, with trail access in Julian and Ramona. The hike requires a permit and doesn’t offer much shelter from the sun, so be sure to pack plenty of water.
Although the falls aren’t always flowing, there is enough water for swimming year-round. But fall, winter, and spring are ideal times to visit.