53 natural swimming spots across Georgia —
Lakes & Reservoirs,
spring-fed pools, waterfall plunge pools and hidden creek spots.
22 of 53 are free to visit.
53
Swimming Holes
22
Free Entry
14
Regions
1
Need Reservation
🍑
Georgia
53 holes listed
Type:
Swimming in Georgia
Georgia has 53 documented natural swimming spots
ranging from spring-fed pools to waterfall plunge pools and river swims.
22 of them are free to visit. Browse by region below or use the filters above to find the right type of swim for you.
Atlanta Metro
7 spots
🏞️
Diving Rock (Chattahoochee River)
📍 Atlanta (Chattahoochee River NRA), Fulton/Cobb County
A popular, unofficial spot for jumping into the Chattahoochee River within the National Recreation Area — treat cautiously as conditions are unmonitored.
A popular Atlanta-metro spot on the Chattahoochee below Morgan Falls Dam, good for tubing and relaxed swimming in eddies away from the main current — check the release schedule before visiting.
A historic Civil War-era paper mill ruin site popular with mountain bikers, casual waders, and historians; note that at least one local source explicitly advises against swimming here despite widespread informal use.
⚠️ Safety Notice
At least one regional source explicitly recommends AGAINST swimming here despite its popularity as an informal spot. Flag this conflict rather than presenting it as a straightforward swim destination.
A scenic state park 15 miles from downtown Atlanta centered on the ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester Manufacturing Company mill, with safe creek wading along its Red Trail.
Once a popular, easily reached Roswell waterfall and swim spot near an old brick mill; at least one 2024 source reports that direct access to the waterfall has been closed, reason unclear.
⚠️ Safety Notice
Access status is disputed between sources (one reports the waterfall access was closed; another describes it as an active swim spot). Confirm current status directly with the City of Roswell / NPS Chattahoochee River NRA before publishing — the reason for any closure was not stated in available sources, which itself warrants caution.
Indian Springs State Park (spring house) — VIEWING/DRINKING ONLY
📍 Flovilla, Butts County
Spring🟢 Easy$5 GA State Parks parking…⚠️ Safety Note
One of the oldest state parks in the US, historically known for healing mineral waters; note that the spring itself is for drinking only, though the broader park may offer separate swimming amenities — verify.
⚠️ Safety Notice
The historic mineral spring itself is for drinking, not swimming. Whether the park's separate lake/pool facility is open for swimming was not confirmed — verify before publishing any swim claim tied to this park.
💧 N/A — spring water only for drinking, not swimming
One of Georgia's more enticing primitive spring offerings — unmaintained, warm mineral pools averaging a notably warm 78.5°F, with no on-site amenities.
Year-round wading and rock lounging along a moderate hike, considered one of the best natural swimming areas in the state, though it does require a GORP or license to access.
Chattahoochee NF Central Swimming Holes (Dahlonega/Blue Ridge/Helen area)
📍 Dahlonega / Blue Ridge / Helen, Lumpkin / Fannin / White County
Creek🟡 ModerateFree Entry
A regional cluster of creek and river swimming spots across the central Chattahoochee National Forest corridor — treat as a category to explore rather than one single pin.
One of the clearest rivers in the region, popular enough with snorkelers that it has dedicated Forest Service parking; visibility reveals bass, turtles, and abundant aquatic life.
An 80-foot cascading waterfall dropping into a large, clear pool at the end of a genuinely challenging trail — one of North Georgia's most rewarding swimming-hole hikes.
While you can't swim at the falls themselves, the stream along the approach trail offers running water, bridges, and resting/play spots for families who don't make it the full distance.
One of Georgia's most iconic and difficult-to-reach swimming holes — a natural waterslide into a deep turquoise pool at the bottom of a dramatic gorge, capped at just 100 visitors a day by permit.
⚠️ Safety Notice
Requires a 500+ step descent and boulder-field hiking on the gorge floor; the park caps gorge-floor access at 100 permits/day specifically for safety management, and closes access during heat advisories. Present the permit requirement prominently, not as a footnote.
Waters Creek Falls (Dicks & Waters Creek confluence)
📍 Dahlonega, Lumpkin County
Waterfall🟡 ModerateFree Entry
A ledged waterfall where Dicks and Waters creeks converge, creating cool pools with natural rockslides in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
A large, historic spring-fed swimming pool (formerly known as Farmer's Lake) a mile south of Red Clay State Park, with full bathhouse facilities and even an arcade.
A Suwannee River swimming access point near the town of Fargo, close to the Okefenokee Swamp's western entrance — exercise real caution regarding alligators in this region.
22 of the 53 swimming holes in our Georgia guide are completely free to visit.
Others charge a small entry fee, typically $5–15 per person.
Use the "Free Entry" filter above to see only the free spots.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in Georgia?
Late spring through early fall is generally the best season — typically May through September.
Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends, especially at popular spots.
Spring-fed holes maintain consistent water temperatures year-round, making them swimmable even outside peak season.
Do I need a reservation to visit Georgia swimming holes?
1 of the spots in our guide require advance reservations, particularly
during peak summer weekends. These are marked with a "Reservation Required" badge on each listing.
Always book 1–2 weeks ahead for popular spots in July and August.
Is it safe to swim in natural swimming holes in Georgia?
Natural swimming holes are generally safe when you check conditions before visiting.
Always check water levels after heavy rain, watch for blue-green algae in warm still water,
never swim alone in remote locations, and heed any posted closure signs.
Spots with known safety concerns are marked with warning badges in our listings.
What should I bring to a swimming hole in Georgia?
Essentials: dry bag for your phone and keys, water shoes for rocky creek beds,
reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of drinking water, and a microfibre towel.
If visiting a remote spot, bring more water than you think you need and let someone
know where you're going before you leave.