The Great Smoky Mountains offer plenty of swimming options for visitors to enjoy. If you’re looking to spend a couple of days near the Smoky Mountains, whether you prefer to take a refreshing dip in your Gatlinburg cabin with a pool or cool off in one of the natural swimming holes with cool water, each option is sure to invigorate and revitalize you. For those who prefer to just dip their toes, there are plenty of swimming holes in Gatlinburg with warm rocks to bask on and let the babbling waters soothe and calm you.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a gateway to adventure for anyone who loves the outdoors, and one of its best-kept secrets is the abundance of natural swimming holes scattered throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you’re seeking the tranquil waters of Metcalf Bottoms, the exhilarating plunge at The Sinks, or the iconic Midnight Hole tucked away in the Big Creek area, there’s a swimming spot for every mood and level of adventure. The Smoky Mountains are renowned for their crystal-clear creeks and cool mountain streams, making them the perfect place to escape the summer heat. In this guide, we’ll help you explore the most inviting swimming holes in the Smoky Mountains, from the calm and family-friendly to the wild and rugged. Get ready to plan your trip and discover why swimming in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-do experience for visitors to Gatlinburg.
Getting to the best swimming holes in Gatlinburg is part of the adventure, but it’s important to plan ahead for parking and access. Many popular swimming areas, like those near Big Creek Campground, offer designated parking lots that provide easy entry to the trails and creeks. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point for first-time visitors, offering maps, up-to-date information, and helpful advice on which swimming holes are best suited to your group. Some swimming spots are just a short walk from the parking area, while others may require a scenic hike through the forest. Keep in mind that parking can be extremely limited during peak summer months, so arriving early is a smart move. Always park in designated areas and respect private property to ensure these beautiful places remain accessible for everyone. With a little preparation, you’ll find that reaching these refreshing swimming holes is a great part of your Gatlinburg adventure.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a breathtaking landscape filled with rolling mountains, lush forests, and sparkling rivers. Stretching across more than half a million acres, the park is a haven for outdoor lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. The Little Pigeon River and Pigeon River wind their way through the Smoky Mountains, creating countless opportunities for swimming, wading, and relaxing by the water’s edge. Whether you’re hiking to a secluded swimming hole or simply enjoying the view from a riverside trail, the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains National Park is truly unmatched. With its diverse wildlife, cascading waterfalls, and endless mountain vistas, the park offers a perfect backdrop for a day of swimming, exploring, and making memories in the great outdoors.
Midnight Hole is one of the best-known swimming holes in the Great Smoky Mountains. Located at Big Creek on the north carolina side of the North Carolina/Tennessee state line, just inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this swimming spot is formed where the creek flows between two large boulders.
The trail to this swimming hole follows an old railroad grade used to haul lumber out of the mountains during the logging boom. The hike to the Midnight Hole is 1.4 miles
Insider’s Tip: Before or after your dip, hike the extra half-mile up to view the spectacular Mouse Branch Falls. Located at the far side of Big Creek, these falls stand an impressive 45 feet high.
This picnic area in Gatlinburg offers great access to the Little Greenbrier River. Several shallow swimming holes are scattered along this picnic area. The area is wide and makes for a perfect spot to throw a tube into the water and relax. It’s also the perfect swimming area to have a nice picnic, with many tables sitting along the water.
From there you can drive or take the small hike up to the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse adventure to the Walker Sisters Cabin (the cabin of the old teachers from the schoolhouse).
Insider’s Tip: Once you’ve finished swimming, take Lyons Spring Road to Wears Valley. Here you will experience beautiful mountain views, cute antique stores, and some small local shops.
One of the clearest mountain rivers in the park, the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River flows through the Greenbrier area of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Greenbrier area is accessed via the greenbrier entrance and a scenic gravel road. This is a favorite spot for swimming and tubing in Gatlinburg. There is a parking lot near the swimming holes for visitor convenience.
Insider’s Tip: This area of the river is deeper, making it a safer location to swim near the waterfall.
The Townsend Y, also known as the Townsend Wye, is where the Little River and the Middle Prong of Little River join. Probably the most easily accessed and popular swimming hole, this wide pool provides fun for the whole family. Located just after the Townsend entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this swimming area provides plenty of water to play in.
The Townsend Wye is situated along Little River Road and River Road, making it a popular spot for visitors. As one of the most popular swimming holes in the Smoky Mountains, it attracts many people looking for a convenient and scenic place to swim and relax.
Insider’s tip: Visitors can also sunbathe or enjoy a great picnic on the sloping hill above the pools and watch as sightseers enter the park.
Take a relaxing drive through the mountains and enjoy your views on your way to The Sinks. This is one of the easier swimming holes to access and as such is usually popular on hot summer days. The Sinks offers visitors one of the best waterfalls in the Smokies with a small cliff and rocks that flow down into a reservoir below. This swimming hole is a mix of rapids and deep pools.
Be aware that slippery rocks are common in this area, especially near the water and around the falls, so use caution to avoid slips and falls.
Insider’s tip: Remember this area is very rocky, the waterfall is massive and there are often strong currents, including the potential for a strong undertow near the waterfall; be cautious and never go behind or around the waterfall as this is very dangerous.
This swimming hole is for the adventurer and skilled hiker. The Chimney Top trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Smoky Mountains because of its swimming area, beautiful mountain views, and challenging two-mile hike that gains 1,700 feet in elevation.
The cascading waters are calming, making it a great place to relax. If you’re there for the hike, follow the trailhead and be prepared for an exciting and challenging excursion. This 2-mile hike is filled with a rocky ridge-line and once you reach the top you will have a near 360-degree view that is stunning.
Insider’s tip: For those of you who are just looking for a place to cool off, this is where you can enjoy the refreshing Little Pigeon River. There are plenty of rocks to jump off into the river, however, be sure that the water levels are high enough for jumping.
Also known for its tubing, the Deep Creek Trail area offers some great swimming holes for those seeking a splash but not a ride. While you may see many tubers passing through, there is an excellent swimming hole where the creek is “deep,” for those wishing to splash and swim.
Insider’s Tip: Just over the bridge, there will be rock outcroppings that make-up the creek bank. This is where you will see many tubers pulling out or putting in for their ride. This area however is also a great swimming spot because the water is deeper. For safety, especially for children and non-swimmers, it is recommended to wear life jackets while swimming or tubing here.
Located in Cades Cove, this swimming hole is a Kodak moment waiting to happen. Although Abrams falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over the falls makes up for its lack of height. The water plunges into a large 100-foot pool at the base that sparkles with laughter and light.
While there is a bit of hike to this swimming hole, 2.5 miles from the trailhead, the scenic stretch of trail leading to Abrams Falls offers beautiful views and opportunities to spot wildlife, making your journey as enjoyable as the destination. Viewing Abrams Falls and lounging in the swimming hole make your arduous hike worth the effort.
Insider’s Tip: Don’t forget your camera and swimsuit for this picture-perfect spot!
This refreshing swimming hole is located at the base of Indian Creek Falls. The twenty-five foot waterfall cascades down slick rock into a clear pool. Perfect for dipping, splashing and cooling off. Visitors can bask in the beauty of the falls and splash around.
Insider’s Tip: The hike to the falls is a pleasant and easy one-mile stroll, making it an ideal destination for those who want to relax and unwind. You can bring along chairs, food, and drinks to spend more time lounging around and enjoying the serene atmosphere.
The Great Smoky Mountains offer a range of swimming holes for visitors seeking to escape the heat and enjoy the beauty of nature. From the popular Midnight Hole and Abrams Falls Swimming Hole to the Metcalf Bottoms Swimming Area and Greenbrier Swimming Holes, each swimming spot offers a unique experience to visitors. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual swimmer, the Great Smoky Mountains have something for everyone, and our Gatlinburg cabins at Elk Springs Resort is the perfect base to discover it all.
For those looking to discover a quieter side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mouse Creek is a true hidden gem. This peaceful creek meanders through the forest, forming a series of inviting pools and gentle waterfalls that are perfect for a refreshing swim or a relaxing wade. Surrounded by dense greenery and the sounds of nature, Mouse Creek offers a tranquil escape from the more crowded swimming areas. The pools here are ideal for cooling off on a hot summer day, and the setting is perfect for spotting local wildlife or simply soaking in the mountain scenery. If you’re searching for a serene swimming experience in the Smoky Mountains, Mouse Creek is a must-visit spot that showcases the park’s natural beauty and quiet charm.