America's 13 Most Beautiful Waterfalls You Can Actually Swim In
The United States, a country rich in natural wonders, comes with many grand cascading spectacles that double up as pools for a real "plunge" into the raw. These are America's most beautiful waterfalls calling for a refreshing swim.
Brandywine Falls, Ohio
Brandywine Falls is officially a classic geological feature located within the namesake creek. The 65-feet tall water cascade conceals a layer of hard rock underneath that, in turn, shields soft layers of Bedford and Cleveland shales deeper within. These soft rock forms galvanized from mud in the area that was formerly a seabed some 400 million years ago. The finely-chunked shale is the reason behind the falling spectacle in a veil style. The unique falls also come with a swimming hole at the bottom for an especially-cool experience of splashing around in a renowned natural setting.
Bridal Veil Falls, Georgia
Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most known and popular in the country, as well as extremely photogenic, just as its name suggests. It wholeheartedly offers a 3-in-1 experience for visitors in a grand spectacle, a swimming hole, and a natural water slide. The falls is set at the Tallulah Gorge, with its own dose of adventures to discover. The hike to the falls comprises a three-mile trek and traverses over the Gorge Floor Pass, with the most rewarding experience in the end. The 30-foot tall fast, and slick waterslide with a deep dunk pool below is a popular destination for families and friends. It is a scenic place to spend a day or set camp in the vicinity for more sights, natural experiences, and the refreshing swimming hole at a hand's reach.
Carlon Falls, California
The marvelous Carlon Falls calls for a visit with one of California's most scenically-rewarding experiences. The hidden gem is located over the path running along the south fork of the Tuolumne River. The forest trail takes one through woodland and across the river to a refreshing natural pool. The year-round swimming area is shielded by sky-high ponderosa pines and adorned with meadows full of purple lupine and golden sunflowers. The glorious experience amongst the natural oasis is a real fantasy come alive.
Cummins Falls, Tennessee
Cummins Falls is one of the nation's favorite, as well as the most popular cascade in Tennessee. The 75-foot tall scenic spectacle is located within the Cummins Falls State Park that comprises a dreamy escape. A short but rough hike leads to the falls for an exciting experience and the most-worthy reward at the end. The fairy-tale setting comes with scenically-plunging waters over rocky bluffs and into the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River below. The cliffs above offer an atmospheric lounging opportunity and a dramatic backdrop for photography. As one of the top 10 waterfall swimming holes in the country, it is best to visit Cummins Falls during the mild weather in early fall. With thinner crowds and second-to-none foliage, one can reap the most out of the breathtaking experience that pleases all senses.
Desoto Falls, Alabama
Visiting the Desoto State Park is like entering a land of waterfalls, with the Desoto Falls the most known, magnificent, and popular of all. The grand, 104-foot cascading spectacle of plunging waters comes with a huge pool at the bottom and marvelous natural surroundings. The swimming hole is deep and wide enough for diving, exercising, or just enjoying a good swim and some lounging around in the natural paradise. There is a unique behind-the-scene option to peak and even sit in a cave on the other side of the falls. The water cover right in the front of the eyes combined with the mist in the face makes for one of the most scenically-refreshing experiences in the state.
Gulf Hagas, Maine
The renowned Gulf Hagas is set in the scenic Hundred-Mile Wilderness of Maine. The densely-forested gorge is cut through slate bedrock, with countless waterfalls dotting the area around. The Grand Canyon of Maine cuts down up to 400 feet into the earth, featuring numerous holes for a swim. The gorge is also part of the Appalachian Trail, which comprises a great opportunity to cool off and relax in the refreshing Gulf Hagas following a day-hike or venture. The wonderful destination is rarely visited by many tourists at once because of its grandness and ample choice for a dunk in the region. There is a great 8-mile loop trek that combines scenic hiking, several waterfalls, and swimming holes on the way. It comprises the most rewarding time spent in nature with varied sights and adventures.
Havasu Falls, Arizona
Havasu Falls is a "startlingly sublime natural spectacle" of the country. The 100-foot tall showstopper is located at the base of the Havasu Canyon on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, as well as next to the renowned Grand Canyon National Park. Moreover, the falls is part of the Grand Canyon in the Arizona desert with more adventures. The arid climate calls for a cooling dip in the natural wonder that comes with a great swimming hole surrounded by red, rocky walls of the canyon. The pristine oasis offers clear, azure waters for the most refreshing experience with views and splashes from the full-flowing, roaring waterfall. It is little known that the powerful plunge of the iconic aquamarine waters is created by a series of sublime chemical reactions at a lower level. The impressive spectacle and glorious pastime must be experienced in person.
Jump Creek Falls, Idaho
The scenic 60-foot-tall Creek Falls comes with a swimming hole and is only an hour away from Boise. It is part of the area known as the Owyhee Wilderness, known for red osier dogwoods and water-birch trees. Just a quick quarter-mile trek brings one to the fantastic setting with the falls. The swimming area at the base is surrounded by stunning scenery to enjoy a dip in the pool overlooked by 600-feet high cliffs. The stark contrast of the aquamarine waters against the Jump Creek Canyon offers Instagram-worthy shots. There are also colorful, hanging features and narrow walls of the canyon that surround the water-falling spectacle for the most memorable experience in nature.
Little River Falls, Alabama
The Little River Falls 45-foot waterfall is the most scenic and popular in the southern part of the country. It is best to visit in the winter and early spring for the full-flowing spectacle of cascading waters and the river that is a kayaker's dream come true. The area is over-run by swimmers and sunbathers during fall and summer when the water levels are lower for the best lounging experience in pleasant weather. The scenery around the falls is beautiful any time of the year, while the waterfalls are meticulously preserved in their natural state for the most authentically-raw experience.
Lower McCloud Falls, California
The grand McCloud River Falls is a well-known grand spectacle of cascading waters on two levels. It is also the most popular swimming waterfall in the region, with a pool at the base of the lower falls. One can do 12-foot jumps into a large swimming area, while the rocky edge bounding the waters offers a scenic place to sunbathe or lounge around. The falls are easily accessible via a drive on a paved road or by taking a scenic trek. Many opt for the latter to hike through the natural wonderland in the mild, permitting California weather year-round.
Pe'epe'e Falls, Hawaii
The Pe'epe'e Falls drops 60 feet down from the Wailuku River in Hawaii. It is a beautiful waterfall that only gets more photogenic up-close for some great Instagram shots. The short hike to the falls comprises an effortless downhill trek and hopping over rocks to avoid getting wet prematurely. It is a multi-spouted waterfall feeding into small pools at the base. Navigating over a trail from the side of the lookout point and down to the river brings one right to the swimming area. The naturally-rich tropical state of the country guarantees a unique experience in a scenic setting, albeit with mosquitos.
Toketee Falls, Oregon
The Toketee Falls is a natural wonder of intense and graceful grandeur. It is carved through ancient black basalt on the North Umpqua River in the Umpqua National Forest. The falls are comprised of a 28-foot upper tier plunging into a pool flanked by a deep alcove that is adorned in emerald-green leaves. The next 85-foot plunge dispels waters into an endless pool at the bottom. The scenic spectacle and the enchanting oasis for lounging are easily accessible. There is a simple, under-a-mile round trip that gives way to an observation platform. From there, the stunning Toketee is sighted in full grandeur, or "gracefulness," as the name translates from Chinook. The cool and refreshing pools are a breathtaking experience, with the harmonious cascades plunging right in front of the eyes.
Warren Falls, Vermont
Warren Falls offers a wholehearted spectacle, swimming hole, and a natural waterslide in one pleasure-filled experience. The enchantingly-emerald waterfall is located in the Northeast part of the state on the Mad River in the surroundings of a scenic wonderland. It comes in the form of tiered cascades that flow into abundant pools below. There is ample room for roaming around the swimming area to the heart's content. The oasis is also set surrounded by a natural paradise for more scenic explorations.
Swimming in the natural pools and bathing under cascading waters is a bucketlist-worthy experience in the United States. The most beautiful waterfalls in the country guarantee a scenically-refreshing dip for a pleasure-filled specter of emotions and memories that will last for a lifetime. The country rich in natural wonders comes with many grand cascading spectacles that double up as pools for a real "plunge" into the raw. These are America's most beautiful waterfalls calling for a refreshing swim.
