CreekTNClosed
Chickamauga Creek
CLOSED March 23, 2026–~2027: North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Blue Hole in Soddy-Daisy / Chattanooga is shut for state-park construction. Do not attempt access. Use Blue Hole Ocoee instead.
View detailsSwimming holes near Chattanooga, Tennessee
20 natural swim spots within about 100 miles of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Swimming holes near Chattanooga are creek and river day trips, not a downtown secret hole. The famous North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Blue Hole in Soddy-Daisy has been closed since March 23, 2026 for about one year of park construction — do not try to access it. Use Blue Hole on the Ocoee, Hiwassee river access, and north-Georgia backups instead.
Where can you swim near Chattanooga?
If you searched swimming holes near Chattanooga or the Soddy-Daisy Blue Hole, start here: North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Blue Hole access (Montlake Road / Blue Hole Trail) is closed from March 23, 2026 for about one year. Tennessee State Parks and Hamilton County warn there is no safe way in, and attempting access can bring charges. The open Chattanooga-orbit swim that people actually mean is Blue Hole on the Upper Ocoee at the Ocoee Whitewater Center (~45–60 minutes via US-64), plus Hiwassee corridor access and Blue Hole Pigeon in north Georgia. Cards below are mapped directory listings with GPS miles from downtown — open each page for fees, current, and whether that “blue hole” is a different river.
At a glance — swimming holes near Chattanooga
| Central place | Chattanooga, Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Search radius | About 100 miles |
| Mapped spots | 20 |
| Closest listing | Grundy Forest Area (29 mi) |
| Water types | River (6), Creek (5), Waterfall (7), Other (2) |
| Typical fees | 13 free · 3 fee · 4 varies |
All swimming holes near Chattanooga
20 natural swim spots in Tennessee, sorted by distance from the city center. Statewide inventory counts are on the U.S. swimming holes dataset. For live GPS sorting from your device, use the GPS finder.
CreekTN
Grundy Forest Area
The moment you step onto the trail, the forest closes in. A cathedral of hemlock, rhododendron, and hardwood that filters the light into something soft and green.
View detailsCreekTN
Savage Gulf Swimming Holes
Savage Gulf swimming holes on Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau include Fire Scald Creek pools near Greeter Falls and Blue Hole, day-trippable from Tracy City and Chattanooga. Clear creek water on South Cumberland trails — no lifeguards.
View detailsCreekTN
Richland Creek
No ropes, no lifeguards, no entry booths. Just cold, clear water moving over smooth stone and the sound of the forest pressing in around you.
View details
Waterfall/RiverTN
Conasauga River Swimming Spots
Here, where the Jacks River and the Conasauga River wind through forested hollows and over smooth river rock, you can wade into cool, gin-clear currents and feel the pressures of modern life dissolve with every step downstream.
View detailsFalls, CreekTN
Fall Creek Falls State Park Swimming Spots
The park straddles the watersheds of Fall Creek and Cane Creek, and while the iconic main waterfall commands most of the attention, savvy visitors know that the real joy of .
View details
RiverTN
Hiwassee
Hiwassee near Chattanooga, Tennessee is a river swimming spot on Hiwassee River. What people come for: Crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and tubing; Rich Cherokee cultural history. Expect a fee of about $10., and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when tubing or in moving water.
View detailsFallsTN
Walls Of Jericho
Walls of Jericho near Chattanooga, Tennessee is a falls swimming spot on Turkey Creek. What people come for: Dramatic limestone amphitheater; Crystal-clear waters of Turkey Creek. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in March to May. Check weather forecasts and avoid hiking during or immediately after storms.
View detailsRiverTN
Blue Hole - Ocoee
Blue Hole on the Ocoee River near Ocoee / Ducktown, Tennessee is a clear quarry-style swimming hole popular with Chattanooga day-trippers. Access and parking rules can change — confirm before you go; no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverTN
Piney River Tennessee Swimming Destinations
Piney River Tennessee Swimming Destinations is a river swimming spot on Piney River, Duskin Creek near Chattanooga, Tennessee. What people come for: Swinging Bridge swimming hole with deep pools; White Pines Cascades featuring waterfalls and intimate pools. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to October. Always check water conditions before entering.
View detailsRiverTN
Rock Island State Park
Rock Island S. P. is a river swimming spot on Upper Caney Fork River near Chattanooga, Tennessee. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of the Upper Caney Fork River; Scenic Twin Falls Overlook with cascading waterfalls. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. There are no lifeguards on duty at this unofficial area.
View detailsFallsTN
Ozone Falls
Ozone Falls is a falls swimming spot on Fall Creek near Crossville, Tennessee. What people come for: 110-foot plunge waterfall; Natural swimming pool. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May to September. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with grip for the rocky, uneven trail.
View detailsFallsTN
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 detailsCreek/FallsTN
Carmac Falls
Carmac Falls is a private waterfall swimming hole on the historic Evins Mill property near Smithville, Tennessee (Nashville / Cookeville day-trip range). Paid access and registration required — not a free public swim.
View detailsRiverTN
Goochie Ford
Goochie Ford is a shallow river-ford swimming hole near Readyville between Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Free informal access for wading and cooling off — scout depth and current after rain.
View detailsRiverTN
Stones River Rentals
This officially recognized access point opens up a beautiful stretch of the Middle Fork Stones River to swimmers, paddlers, and campers who want to linger a little longer than a day trip allows.
View details
Varies- see belowTN
Obed Scenic River Swimming Holes
Carved over millennia by the Obed River and its tributaries, the Obed Wild and Scenic River corridor in the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee is one of the Southeast's most spectacular and underappreciated natural retreats.
View detailsFallsTN
Cummins Falls
Fed by the cold, clear waters of Blackburn Fork, this stunning 75-foot two-tiered waterfall plunges and cascades into one of the most celebrated .
View detailsVaries, see belowTN
Smoky Mountain South Swimming Holes - Knoxville, Maryville, Chilhowee
Smoky Mountain South Swimming Holes - Knoxville, Maryville, Chilhowee is a natural swimming spot near Knoxville, Tennessee. What people come for: Abrams Creek’s accessible deep pool; Little Bottoms trail’s secluded swimming holes. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Check weather and water conditions immediately before departure.
View detailsCreekTN
Frozen Head State Natural Area Swimming Holes
Frozen Head State Natural Area Swimming Holes is a creek swimming spot on Flat Fork Creek near Knoxville, Tennessee. What people come for: Five distinct swimming holes along Flat Fork Creek; Crystal-clear waters with varied depths and settings. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in May to September. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsTypes of swimming holes near Chattanooga
Browse by water type in Tennessee — each link opens the full state directory for that category.
River (6)
Looking for rivers near you to swim? A river swimming hole is moving water deep enough to swim or wade — often a bend, pool, or slack-water pocket. Browse river spots below, or start with GPS near-me sorting, then confirm access and flow the day you go.
Creek (5)
Looking for swimming creeks near you? Creek swimming holes are smaller stream and brook pools — usually cooler, shallower, and tucked into forests or hollows. Use the list below (or near-me GPS), then confirm water level after rain.
Waterfall (7)
Waterfall swimming holes are plunge pools and cascades fed by falls. Flow is often seasonal; check depth, cold water, and slippery rock before you enter.
Other (2)
Mixed or unique water types that do not fit a single category — review each listing for access and conditions.
Creeks, lakes, and water holes near Chattanooga
People search for this in a dozen different ways. Here is what each one means around Chattanooga, with the counts from our directory.
- creeks near me
- Within about 100 miles of Chattanooga we map 5 creek swimming holes. The closest is Grundy Forest Area, about 29 mi out. Also searched as: swimming creeks near me, water streams near me. Sort creek swimming holes by distance from you.
- river swimming near me
- Within about 100 miles of Chattanooga we map 6 river swimming holes. The closest is Hiwassee, about 45 mi out. Also searched as: rivers you can swim in near me. Sort river swimming holes by distance from you.
- waterfall swimming holes near me
- Within about 100 miles of Chattanooga we map 7 waterfall plunge pools. The closest is Conasauga River Swimming Spots, about 41 mi out. Also searched as: waterfalls to swim in near me. Sort waterfall plunge pools by distance from you.
- water holes near me
- "Water hole" and "swim spot" are the same search as swimming hole — natural outdoor water deep enough to swim or wade. We map 20 of them within about 100 miles of Chattanooga, across 4 water types. Browse the full directory.
- where to go swimming near me
- For outdoor swimming near Chattanooga, start with the 20 listings on this page sorted by distance from the city center, then read the access notes before you drive — the closest pin is not always one you are allowed to swim in. Municipal pools are not in this directory. Sort everything by GPS distance.
- free places to swim near me
- 13 of the 20 spots near Chattanooga are listed as free or no-fee access. Most are public-land creek and river access points; parking passes can still apply at trailheads. Show free swim spots near me.
What to expect at nearby spots
Highlights and safety notes from our listings — not third-party reviews. Report outdated info or share a tip.
- Chickamauga CreekClosed to the public since March 23, 2026
- Chickamauga CreekDo not attempt to reach the Blue Hole while North Chickamauga Creek Gorge access is closed
- Grundy Forest AreaCrystal-clear swimming holes
- Grundy Forest AreaWear sturdy, water-friendly footwear with grip for slippery rocks and roots
- Savage Gulf Swimming HolesCrystal-clear waters of Fire Scald Creek
- Savage Gulf Swimming HolesSwim at your own risk
- Richland CreekCrystal-clear creek perfect for swimming
- Richland CreekWear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes for the rocky, uneven trail
Natural swim spots in the Chattanooga area
Chattanooga sits at the Tennessee River bend with quick drives into Cherokee National Forest, the Ocoee Scenic Byway, and northwest Georgia. Summer searches for swimming holes near Chattanooga, Chattanooga swim spots, and “the Blue Hole” almost always mean one of two places: the closed North Chickamauga gorge hole in Soddy-Daisy, or the open Ocoee Whitewater Center pools toward Ducktown. Mixing those names is how people get a wasted drive — or a trespass ticket.
This page is a city day-trip list of mapped swimming holes in Tennessee within about 100 miles of downtown, sorted by straight-line distance. It is not a water-park directory and not a GPS sort from your phone — use the near-me finder for that. For narrative planning, read swimming holes near Chattanooga.
North Chickamauga Blue Hole is closed — do not go
Closed since March 23, 2026, for about one year: paving the main lot, restrooms, an ADA river-viewing pier, and related trail work at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park. The Blue Hole Trail, Montlake Road entrance / main trailhead, Hogskin Loop, Stripmine Falls, and the Cumberland Trail from the main trailhead to Boston Branch Overlook are inaccessible. Park staff: there is no safe access to the Blue Hole during construction; both gorge walls are hazardous. Official notice: TDEC / Tennessee State Parks (Jan 12, 2026).
Our Chickamauga Creek listing is the same Soddy-Daisy gorge corridor people call the Blue Hole. Treat that page as a closure notice, not a swim invitation, until the park reopens the trail. Do not park on Montlake Road, do not bushwhack the gorge, and do not trust 2024–2025 Instagram pins.
Open Chattanooga-orbit swims (different “blue holes”)
Blue Hole — Ocoee: listing — Upper Ocoee River at the Ocoee Whitewater Center (Cherokee National Forest), about 45–60 minutes east of Chattanooga on US-64. This is not North Chickamauga. Day-use parking is typically about $3 (30-minute visitor lot often free). Check TVA/USFS release schedules before you enter; water comes up fast on raft-release days.
Hiwassee: listing — River corridor listing toward Cleveland / Reliance for a longer outing when the Ocoee lots are slammed.
Blue Hole — Pigeon (GA): listing — Common north-Georgia backup for Chattanooga travelers. Confirm access on that listing; it is a different hole with a similar nickname.
Not a Chattanooga day trip: Blue Hole — Mill Creek is a Tri-Cities / Bristol ravine hole, and Blue Hole — Buffalo River sits west toward Nashville. Same nickname, wrong region.
How to use this page vs GPS
Cards are Tennessee directory listings with coordinates, sorted by crow-flies miles from downtown Chattanooga (35.0456, −85.3097), not drive time. US-64 toward the Ocoee is usually faster than a similar-mile forest road. After storms, wait for lower, clearer water — see water levels.
For dog-friendly filters or a live GPS sort, use swimming holes near me or dog-friendly near me. Statewide index: Tennessee swimming holes.
Swimming holes near Chattanooga — FAQ
Is the Blue Hole near Chattanooga open?
The famous North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Blue Hole in Soddy-Daisy has been closed since March 23, 2026 for about one year of state-park construction. Do not attempt access. Blue Hole on the Ocoee River at the Whitewater Center is a different, typically open river swim about an hour east.
Where are swimming holes near Chattanooga, Tennessee?
Use mapped river and creek listings in this radius — especially Blue Hole Ocoee, Hiwassee access, and north-Georgia Blue Hole Pigeon — not the closed North Chickamauga gorge hole. Open each listing for parking, current, and dam-release notes.
What is the best swimming hole near Chattanooga right now?
While North Chickamauga is closed, the most searched open option is Blue Hole at the Ocoee Whitewater Center. Pick based on US-64 traffic, weekend crowds, and whether TVA is releasing water that day.
Is Blue Hole Ocoee the same as Soddy-Daisy Blue Hole?
No. Ocoee Blue Hole is in Polk County on the Upper Ocoee. Soddy-Daisy / North Chickamauga Blue Hole is a state-park gorge trail north of Chattanooga and is closed for construction through roughly early 2027.
Where is Chickamauga Lake?
Chickamauga Lake is a TVA reservoir on the Tennessee River near Chattanooga — boating and some recreation shoreline, not the gorge Blue Hole. The closed North Chickamauga Creek Gorge hole (Soddy-Daisy) is a different place. Do not treat lake ramps as a substitute for the closed Blue Hole Trail.
Where can you swim near Chattanooga?
Near Chattanooga, Tennessee, our directory lists 20 natural swimming holes within about 100 miles — mainly 6 rivers, 5 creeks, 7 waterfalls, and 2 others. Each listing links to directions, fee notes, and safety context. Use near me on your phone for live distance sorting from your location.
How many swimming holes are near Chattanooga, Tennessee?
This page shows 20 mapped natural swim spots within about 100 miles of Chattanooga. The full Tennessee directory may list additional holes farther out or awaiting coordinates. Counts update as we verify new listings.
What is the closest swimming hole to Chattanooga?
The closest open mapped spot to Chattanooga is Grundy Forest Area (29 mi straight-line). Open that listing for driving directions, access notes, and current fee information — unofficial holes can change without notice.
Are swimming holes near Chattanooga free?
13 listings note free or no-fee access; 3 require a fee or park admission; 4 have variable or unverified fees. Open each spot page for current fee details.
What types of swimming holes are near Chattanooga?
Near Chattanooga, documented water types include rivers, creeks, waterfalls, others. A swimming hole is a natural outdoor pool in moving or spring-fed water — not a chlorinated pool. Filter by type on the Tennessee state page or open each card for water-body details.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes near Chattanooga?
Late spring through early fall is the usual swim season near Chattanooga, but snowmelt, drought, and weekend crowds change conditions week to week. Check each listing before you drive — high water after storms can make creeks and rivers unsafe.
Is it safe to swim in rivers and creeks near Chattanooga?
Wild swimming near Chattanooga carries real risks: cold water, currents, rocks, and no lifeguards at most unofficial sites. Check weather, water level, and posted warnings the day you visit. Read our river safety guide and each listing's safety section before entering the water.
Listing data last updated across spots on this page.
Guides: Tennessee swimming holes near Nashville · Swimming holes near Knoxville · Swimming holes near Chattanooga