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9 Easy Access Tennessee Swimming Holes to Cool Off This Summer

young girl swimming

These nine beautiful swimming spots are easy to get to, so you and your family can spend more time having fun in the sun and less time in the car or hiking to your destination.

West Tennessee

Paris Landing State Park

Address: 16055 Hwy 79 N, Buchanan, TN 38222

You could easily have an entire weekend of fun at this 841-acre state park, located a little more than an hour drive from Union City. Not only can your family take a dip in Kentucky Lake, but the park also has a campground, golf course, fishing piers and a restaurant.

Chickasaw State Park

Address: 20 Cabin Ln., Henderson, TN 38340

One of Tennessee’s oldest state parks, Chickasaw, is just a 30-minute drive from Jackson. The beach on the shore of Lake Placid is open until sunset during the summer. Other family activities include hiking, fishing and horseback riding.

Cub Lake

Address: 24845 Natchez Trace Rd., Wildersville, Tennessee 38388

Located inside the Natchez Trace State Park, a 2-hour drive east from Memphis, Cub Lake is a 52-acre swimmer’s paradise. Pedal boats are available to rent through Labor Day weekend and the park also offers biking trails, horseback riding and cabin rentals.

Middle Tennessee

Old Hickory Lake Park

Address: 827 Burnett Rd., Hickory, TN 37138

Drive a half hour northeast of Nashville, and you’ll hit the massive and picturesque Old Hickory Lake. Start by splashing around at one of the four swim beaches, and once you’ve worked up an appetite, take advantage of the picnic areas and grills.

Percy Priest Lake Swimming Beach

Address: 4010 Anderson Rd., Nashville, TN 37217

Grab your floats and head to Anderson Road Recreation Area, a swimming beach at Nashville’s Percy Priest Lake. Be sure to pack a lunch to enjoy at the picnic areas along the shoreline.

Cheatham Lake Swimming Beach

Address: 1797A Cheatham Dam Rd., Ashland City, TN 37015

Head to Cheatham Lake for swimming on the sand beach, volleyball, picnicking and grilling. At just $5 per car, you won’t find a better bargain for all-day summer fun.

Looking for a way to beat the summer heat? Discover more water recreation opportunities in Tennessee.

East Tennessee

Fort Dickerson Quarry

Address: 3000 Fort Dickerson Rd. SW, Knoxville, TN 37920

Cool off in the serene turquoise waters at the Fort Dickerson Quarry, located just two miles from downtown, Turn your visit into a day-long adventure by checking out one of the several easy hikes in the nearby park.

Anderson County Park on Norris Lake

Address: 2191 Park Ln., Andersonville, TN 37705

Want to know one of the best things about this quiet swimming area, aside from the cool blue water, sandy shoreline and grassy picnic area? You can park your car right at the edge of the beach — making this one of the best spots for young families or folks with lots of gear.

North Chickamauga Creek Gorge

Address: 310 Montlake Rd., Soddy Daisy, TN 37379

Known as “North Chick” to locals, there are several swimming areas to explore on this creek on a hot summer day. From the parking lot you can walk to the first swimming hole in just 10 minutes.

Which of these swimming holes in Tennessee will your family dive into first? Let us know by commenting below!

Most outdoor activities have some level of risk, and you may need to consult an expert before engaging in the activity. Always
check the current weather conditions before embarking on any outdoor activity.

Marygrace Taylor

Marygrace Taylor is is an award-winning health, wellness, and nutrition writer whose work has appeared in Glamour, Redbook, Prevention, and Women’s Health. You can follow her on Twitter @mgtylr, or at marygracetaylor.com.

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