Swimming holes near Knoxville are cold Smokies river and waterfall pools — check NPS and forest rules, water level after rain, and weekend parking.
- Metro page
- /states/tennessee/knoxville/nearby/
- Regions
- Smokies, Tellico, Big South Fork
- Water
- Cold mountain rivers
- Season
- Late May–September
- Risk
- Current after storms
Swimming holes near Knoxville mean East Tennessee mountain rivers — emerald pools under hemlock canopy, waterfall plunge basins, and forest-road access that rewards an early start. Pair this guide with our Knoxville nearby directory.
Smokies corridors
South / Maryville side — Smoky Mountain South cluster groups multiple river access points worth comparing for crowds.
North area — Smoky Mountain North listings for deeper-forest day trips.
Tellico River waterfall swims
Baby Falls on the Tellico is a classic Knoxville weekend target when water is up — read the listing for parking and current speed.
Big South Fork and beyond
Big South Fork listings reach 90+ minutes from downtown but reward multi-day camping plans. Browse the Tennessee state directory for the full index.
Safety
Smokies water runs cold and fast after rain. No lip swimming at waterfalls. See river safety.
Top picks for this trip
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
For most swimmers, the Earth Pak is the easy default — tough, affordable, and it comes with the phone case you were going to buy anyway.
Check price on
Outward Hound Granby Splash Life Jacket
The best all-around dog swim float for natural water — as long as the hole is calm and you stay hands-on.
Check price onSpots from our directory
Smoky Mountain South Swimming Holes - Knoxville, Maryville, Chilhowee
Smoky Mountain South Swimming Holes - Knoxville, Maryville, Chilhowee is a Varies, See Below swimming destination near Knoxville in Tennessee.
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Smoky Mountain - North Area
Just cool, clear mountain water rushing over smooth stone in one of the most celebrated wild places in the eastern United States. It's the kind of place locals have been slipping away to for generations, and it rewards those who seek it out with exactly that: a sense of genuine escape.
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Baby Falls On The Tellico River
A 15-foot cascade tumbles down the Tellico River into a wide, deep pool so inviting that once you see it, the only question is how quickly you can get in.
View detailsFrequently asked questions
What are the best swimming holes near Knoxville?
Smoky Mountain river clusters, Tellico River waterfalls, and Big South Fork access points are common picks — open each listing for current rules and flow.
How far are swimming holes from Knoxville?
Many mapped spots are 30–80 miles straight-line but 45–90 minutes by car on mountain roads. Use our Knoxville nearby page for ranked listings.
Can you swim in the Smokies near Knoxville?
Some river and waterfall pools allow swimming where posted; others are view-only. National park and forest rules differ — never assume access.