Check out a few of the most popular waterfalls and swimming holes in the Smokies: One of the best areas of the park to find your perfect spot is the Greenbrier entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take a moment to soak in the tranquility of the surroundings before continuing your adventure. Before rushing to catch a glimpse of the falls, stop by the new visitor center to grab a snack for the trail, use the restroom, and . Take a look at some of the best swimming holes in Tennessee you'll want to visit when temperatures start to rise: 1) Cummins Falls - Cookeville TN State Parks There used to be two mills on this now vibrantly popular property, but now you'll find a lot of hikers and adventurers ready for a day in the sun. Along the trail, youll encounter a myriad of flora and fauna, each adding its own touch of magic to the experience. Its the best place for a picnic lunch, so grab a picnic blanket and cool off without marching over hilly terrain. From NC, turn left at the bottom of the ramp, follow a short road, then turn left onto the bridge. This campsite is a wide and open area that is really pretty, and next to a bend in the creek. Cheoah Lake is smaller and an easier paddle if you want to go it alone. 5. If you love to fish, be sure to bring all your fishing gear with you! Midnight Hole Falls (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) - All You The Picnic area is also the trailhead for the Baxter Creek Trailhead and Benton MacKaye Trail. You wont find a large pool here so you may not be able to do a lot of swimming, but youll certainly be able to cool off. I think we were just so starved for natural beauty, green, and rushing waters after living in big city Dallas for 11 years! Midnight Hole Falls. You can reach Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls via about 2 miles on Big Creek Trail in North Carolina. Mt. We saw a lot of poison ivy lining the trail in some spots. Kristi F 3 Midnight hole Review of Midnight Hole Falls Reviewed May 28, 2021 via mobile A very brief hike to the pool. If you visit the falls, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time. Photo courtesy Wildwater Adventures and Bryson City / Swain County NC Chamber of Commerce, Fontana Lake follows the paths of the three mountain rivers that were flooded in 1944 the Tuckaseigee, Nantahala, Little Tennessee. Photo by Charles Snodgrass courtesy of the Bryson City / Swain County NC Chamber of Commerce, Cheoah Lake. Juliet), and Laguardo (in the town of Laguardo). The hike to Abrams Falls is about 2.5 miles, but the incredible views make up for the effort. We're right at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which means you won't be far from these popular places for swimming. Located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee off the Big Creek Trail, Midnight Hole is noted for large boulders and a waterfall where the mountain waters have carved a perfect spot most of the time. You Can Hike to This Hidden Swimming Hole in Great Smoky Mountains This makes Chimney Top Trail a good place for people who enjoy jumping in. It's all protected though, so don't move it or take it, the fines are heavy and ruins the history for others. Midnight Hole is a popular swimming destination on the North Carolina-Tennessee border in the Great Smoky Mountains National Forest. First things first you are going to need a lot of great snacks to take with you on the road, after that pack up, and lets hit the water! Thats when I learned about the Townsend Y.. Located near the Dollywood Amusement park and the attractions of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the swimming holes located off the Little Pigeon River banks are easy to access. Midnight Hole is a popular swimming destination on the North Carolina-Tennessee border in the Great Smoky Mountains National Forest. Location & Hours 107 Park Headquarters Rd Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Get directions Edit business info You Might Also Consider Sponsored Aurora Pool, Spa, & Billiard Gallery 14 Our outstanding swimming pool and spa design team will help you realize that swimming pool, spa, or swimming pool and spa combination you have always dreamed about. Midnight Hole Falls: Fun Swim! Water shoes are a good idea as the river is shallow and filled with large rocks. Some people have been known to jump off the boulders, but I grew up around too many quarries and heard too many horror stories for that business. Gatlinburg, TN 37738 He has spent more than 20 years exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and has a deep passion for nature, history, storytelling, and adventure. The Olympic Kayaking Team trains here on the Nantahala River. Cummins Falls is Tennessee's eighth largest waterfall in terms of volume and is known for its refreshing swimming hole. It's a fairly easy hike at just over a mile long, making it ideal for people of any level of skill. The campground is first come first serve, and reservations are not available. The Falls are visible from a small overlook off to the left of Big Creek Trail(where this photo was taken) You'll know where to find it, when you see the rails to tie up horses. The current parking lot was the site for a large lumber mill. Pictured: The Chimney Tops Picnic Area (photo by James Overholt/TheSmokies.com). Camera: Capture the memories and the stunning scenery with a camera or smartphone. However, its important to exercise caution, especially if you have young children, and always supervise them near the water. From the Big Creek Campground, take Mouse Creek Falls trail for approximately 1.5 miles to reach the pool. Buy the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map for Great Smoky at REI.com. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing. On the Tennessee-North Carolina border off I-40, head to the Big Creek area for one of the most beautiful swimming holes in the park, Midnight Hole. DATE : Here's a video with Mouse Creek Falls in it. The unique tube design skirts over the rocks for a floating experience with less drag and fewer snags. Rock Island State Park, 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581, USA. The falls first spills about 20' over a moss covered rock face into a pool, then another 10-15' over more moss covered rocks into Big Creek. If you're interested in tubing, there are several river tub companies serve the Deep Creek area of the . Q1: Is the Midnight Hole swimming hole suitable for all ages?A1: Yes, the Midnight Hole swimming hole can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Put in at the swimming hole above the first bridge for the milder float. Blue Hole Falls is a series of 4 falls. The falls are 45' in height. Sevierville, TN, USA 35.8681455 , -83.561835 With 26,000 acres of breathtaking Tennessee wilderness, you can take a swim at the largest and most consistently visited state park. In the summertime when air temperatures are in the high 80s and 90s with 90% humidity, the cool 65 degree F mountain waters are a refreshing relief. At Old Hickory Lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has three day use areas that are accessible to the public: Old Hickory Beach (in the town of Old Hickory), Cedar Creek (in Mt. Make sure you hike up past Midnight Hole the extra .5 miles to. 3.8 mi Ramsey Cascades Gatlinburg, Tennessee 22.4 miles E Hike, Kayak, Swim, and Whitewater near Gatlinburg, Tennessee Deep Creek Area Learn about swimming holes such as Little Pigeon River, Ramsey Cascades, Cosby Campground, Mouse Creek Falls, Deep Creek Area, French Broad, Fingerlake, Rocky Bluff,. Reserve your stay online and avoid the phone wait! Bam, youll have a map to follow while you hike to Midnight Hole, and the best part, it works offline when you have no cell service or WIFI. With 56 state parks and an abundance of other public and private recreational areas throughout the region, the Volunteer State is a paradise for those wanting to get their hair wet when its nice outside. Whether youre an experienced hiker or introducing your little ones to the wonders of nature, the Midnight Hole trail offers a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. This area is a great spot to catch some fish as well. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable family adventure as you explore the Midnight Hole trail. At 1.4 miles the trail passes Midnight Hole, a deep, picturesque pool below a 6' falls. The pool is very deep and is surrounded by tall rocks. As you venture along the trail, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Midnight Hole Midnight Hole Falls - 2 Refreshing Experiences Now stop thinking and GO. The Fontana Marina on the west side of the lake offers watercraft rentals, a store, fishing licenses, and lake tours. Follow the narrow winding road up to the Waterville power plant. Photo by Alex Ford via Flickr, Park visitors venture behind Grotto Falls. . In particular, the vibe is the closest Ive ever felt to a Beach Boys summer song away from the ocean. Since it is dam-controlled, the Nantahala has a reliable water level for rafting. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address below to subscribe to our email updates. What places to swim in Tennessee did we miss? Cove 6 The grade goes left, where the main trail goes right. Let the family-friendly fun begin! 16 Free Swimming Holes near Townsend, Tennessee Almond Boat & RV Park The scenic falls and gorgeous area are the perfect place to hit the trail, no matter what time of year. The Sinks 28 Hiking "that there's a nice swimming hole and when the water level is higher, it's definitely a place to." more 3. Enjoy fantastic scenic views while paddleboarding." more 2. Feel the mist on your face as you marvel at the raw power and beauty of Mouse Creek Falls. At the end of the day, go back to your cabin rental in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge to relax in your outdoor hot tub beneath the moon and stars in the night sky. It is located just beyond the Townsend entrance to the park along Little River Road. If you make the only left-hand turn off this road, you will end up at the trailhead for Ramsey Cascades. Have your own tube? The narrow lake is a perfect lane for fishing boats (not so much for water sports.) Its too large and too cheesy lookin to miss. Difficult hike but completely worth it! Swimming in the Smokies: 12 Best Spots - The Bearskin Lodge At 1.4 miles the trail passes Midnight Hole, a deep, picturesque pool below a 6' falls. Quick overview: Long but easy hike to falls / swimming hole . The river gets its name from an Indian word meaning, Land of the Noonday Sun and is one of the most popular whitewater spots in the Southeast. - See 71 traveler reviews, 50 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC, at Tripadvisor. Parking during the summer months can be a challenge, as the lot is small. It can be very busy during a hot day but you can't beat this quintessential Tennessee waterfall. Mouse Creek Falls is near the end, after Midnight Hole: For more information on Mouse Creek Falls, see our guide! Here are the top swimming holes in the Great Smoky Mountains. In the far northeast portion of GSMNP, Big Creek flows out of the Balsam Mountain region and into Tennessee via the Pigeon River. Expect it, and you're visit will go much better. This is an easy spot to get to and is flanked by a series of four separate waterfalls. Use the Hangers available here to hang your food up at all times. Leave No Trace is something we always strive for. 1. Located near the city of Gatlinburg on the Little Pigeon River, the Greenbrier swimming hole is a spot that is easy to access from route 321. In other words, a better alternative might be just to hang out at the Chimneys Picnic Area. For me, the cabin is more than just a hotel, Jurassic Boat Ride is an indoor dark ride attraction located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Dont jump. And dont forget to marvel at Midnight Hole Falls, also known as Mouse Creek Falls, as it cascades down the rocky landscape, captivating young and old alike. Midnight Hole. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. 5 Top Ways to Get Wet in the Great Smoky Mountains Here is a collection of all of our best Big Creek Area Photos. If you fit this category, be sure to check for debris before you start diving. If you see a car coming, use one of the pull overs to stop and let them by. It was excavated in 1818! Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Backpack: Carry a comfortable backpack to store essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. The lower section of the Pigeon River serves up family-friendly scenic floats with Class I and II rapids. The Parking lot is fairly small, and often not large enough to accommodate the number of visitors during the summer. Just swim. But it was never quite like a summer filled with primary colors and sand and surf. Start Summer with 50% Off Outside+, Ends June 1. So grab your loved ones, pack your sense of exploration, and get ready to create lasting memories in the natural wonderland of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But, be aware, this is a long and strenuous hike, with some pretty steep inclines as you go up. In fact, if you look closely as you're hiking up the trail, you'll see signs of old homesteads in the form of rock walls. As you traverse the trail, the lush forests envelop you in a peaceful and serene atmosphere, providing a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 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Picture a hidden gem with its emerald waters inviting you for a refreshing swim. Go get em, tiger. This is a good choice for swimmers that would like to enjoy some fairly deep waters while avoiding the excitement of rapids and falls. Creekside picnic area, camping, hiking, waterfalls, historic sights, old railroad items, trout fishing. Crews will also be making repairs to the tread surface and removing hazard trees and logs along the trail. The pool itself is about 30 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet deep. It is part of Big Creek and is characterized by large boulders and a small waterfall. Blue Ridge Mountain Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Midnight Hole (1.5 miles in) is a famous swimming hole with crystal clear water and gorgeous scenery. Its beauty and array of activities is unparalleled. The views are incredible. Photo by Gloria Wadzinski, Tubing in the Little River near Townsend, TN. Also, be sure to head over to our Midnight Hole guide for all the details and lots of photos. PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE (865) 429-4121 (800) 583-6168. Aside from breathtaking waterfalls and streams, you can also take a dip in an Olympic-sized pool, zoom across a zipline, enjoy the aerial obstacle course, rent a boat, go fishing, play a round of golf, ride horses, and hike or bike your way through one of more than a dozen trails. Its a true oasis, perfect for escaping the summer heat and creating joyful moments with your family. If you are planning on visiting the famous Clingmans Dome for the views at the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can also enjoy the swimming hole on the Little River near Townsend, Tennessee. Another favorite spot in the park, Metcalf Bottoms offers a premier picnic area close to the Little River. The trail will be fully closed to all use Monday through Thursday, excluding federal holidays, beginning Monday, May 9 through Thursday, July 14 to safely conduct the rehabilitation work. Some of our favorite hikes in Tennessee are: Some of the most popular hiking trails in Tennessee became known as such for a reason. Nearby attractions include a 45 . Free and open to the public from dawn to dusk each day, the 40-foot waterfall cascades down to a heavenly and icy cold creek at its basea blissful break from the Tennessee heat during swimming season. Blue Hole Falls, Elizabethton, TN 37643, USA. This family-friendly hike is not only about the destination but also about the journey itself. 840 River Road All registered. The trailhead begins at a really gorgeous metal bridge that crosses over Big Creek from the picnic area. Park here, but be sure to not block any horse trailers. Float past Tom Branch Falls along Deep Creek's 2-mile tubing section. In southern Knoxville, Fort Dickerson Quarry is popular among University of Tennessee students, thanks in part to its proximity to the campus.
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