These are the best swimming holes the Chattanooga area has to offer, ready to help you stay cool in the summer heat.
As temperatures soar to new highs this week, it might be time to consider some swimming holes to stay cool. To help you find the perfect place to cool off, I’ve rounded up 6 of the best swimming holes around Chattanooga. Now I’ll count down these spots by my order of personal favorites.
FREE downloadable Google Map with all the swimming holes listed in this post so you’re ready to explore!
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6: North Chick Blue Hole
This is the go-to spot if you want to jump off boulders and cliffs into crystal blue swimming holes below. There’s no need to go up and down mountains here. The trail stays around creek level most of the time with minimal elevation. This spot gets busy really quick. So, arrive on a weekday morning if possible. And if you can’t make it early, do note that parking is limited and when it’s full you cannot park on the street.
If the main “Blue Hole” gets too crowded for your liking, you can venture further upstream for more swimming holes. You’re bound to find a spot somewhere on this creek that suits you. Learn more and plan your trip the North Chick Blue Hole.
5: Greeter Falls
Greeter Falls is fifth place because it has one of the largest swimming holes with a waterfall on this list. It’s very similar in nature to the next one on the list, Foster Falls and it’s close by. I appreciate the access to the upper part of Greeter Falls which Foster Falls does not offer. Note that this place gets crowded quickly so visit in the morning and on a weekday if you can for the best experience.
Top of Greeter Falls
The hike isn’t very long, but it’s downhill from the upper plateau to the base. Although fairly gradual, it is slippery with a spiral staircase to take out the steep ascent. Greeter Falls also features a Blue Hole Trail and Boardtree Falls as well. I have yet to explore these though so I’m not sure how great they are for summer swimming holes. Plan your day at Greeter Falls.
4: Foster Falls
Foster Falls comes in fourth place in the lineup because I personally prefer it over Greeter Falls. If you’re looking for a large swimming hole with a big waterfall, this is one of the best spots for you. Foster Falls is also easier to access than Greeter Falls due to the nature of the trail. Again, this spot gets crowded quickly so visit in the morning and on a weekday if you can for the best experience.
The hike is similar to that of Greeter Falls as it goes down the plateau. But the hike at Foster Falls is rocky and a little steep. I would say both are fairly moderate for a challenging hike. Plan your next visit to Foster Falls.
FREE downloadable Google Map with all the swimming holes listed in this post so you’re ready to explore!
3: Sycamore Falls and the Grundy Day Loop
Sycamore Falls
This is a new favorite of mine because there’s so many swimming holes and waterfalls all in one place. It’s like a natural waterpark! Sycamore Falls and the Grundy Day Loop feature just over 3 miles of hiking trail with countless creek access points, swimming holes, and waterfalls.
Blue Hole Falls
If you just want to wade in the shallows, you can do that here. Want to swim in the deep? There’s quite a few blue holes that allow for it here. You can also swim close Sycamore Falls or Blue Hole Falls, but watch out for debris that may flow down with the waterfall. Learn more to plan for your visit to Sycamore Falls and the Grundy Day Loop.
2: Piney Falls
Although I’ve yet to swim here, I can say I’ve been splashed by the waterfall. This is one of my favorites just for the waterfall alone. Even if you don’t get in the pool below, standing near the waterfall is exhilarating. Even just walking up behind the waterfall is awe-inspiring. However, do note that if it hasn’t rained in a little while, the waterfall will be much smaller.
The pool at the bottom can easily be accessed by the far side of the falls. I can’t wait to go back and try this swim spot for myself. Last time I visited it was still a little too cold out for swimming. Plan a trip to Piney Falls this summer.
1: Blue Hole at Big Soddy Creek Gulf
Now for my favorite of all the swimming holes. This one takes first place for me simply because of its blue beauty. There’s rock ledges to jump off into the water. And the way the hole is formed creates a smooth descent deeper into the water without surprise drop-offs. It’s like a natural swimming pool!
This place is small though, so if you want to really enjoy it without the crowds, I highly suggest arriving early and on a weekday if you can. Even if there’s quite a few people, you can still enjoy this spot with plenty of space. The hike to get there is just over a mile long and fairly flat and easy. Learn more about this blue hole at Big Soddy Creek Gulf.
FREE downloadable Google Map with all the swimming holes listed in this post so you’re ready to explore!
Conclusion
There are so many swimming holes around Chattanooga to choose from. I hope my list narrowed down some great options for you. These truly are some of the best swimming holes around. Let me know in the comments below which ones you’ve been to and which ones you’ll be visiting next.
I have a video for each of these locations (actually 2 for Foster Falls) which are in this YouTube playlist for your convenience. Until next time, stay cool and enjoy exploring Chatt!
More Summertime Fun in Chattanooga
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Hey what would you recommend for a good blue hole with good swimming. I can’t decide if I should do north chi k blue home or the Soddy gulf one
There’s definitely more room/space at the North Chick location. Especially if you’re willing to blaze a trail upstream a little further (read more about this in this post: https://exploringchatt.com/chattanoogas-best-swimming-holes/). But for the ease of access and pure beauty, the one at Soddy Gulf is my favorite. However, it’s small so you really have to get there early and prefarably on a weekday if you can to have the place to yourself or just share it with a few others.
Thanks so much for an excellent list. Don’t stand under waterfalls — rocks or debris can land on your head.
Really wonderful article, though, and thank you once more.
That’s a good safety tip, thanks!
Thanks looking forward to seeing them. Been to Foster falls downhill hike a little rough but worth it when you get to the bottom.
Yes, lots of rock steps to get down to Foster Falls but definitely worth it. Others in this list are easier though.