If you’re like us, when you hear the term “swimming holes” you think “cement pond” and it doesn’t sound like a whole lot of fun. But America’s Best Swimming Holes presented by Travel + Leisure appear to be just that. Alternately dubbed as nature’s swimming pools (now that’s more like it) they’re a great way to beat the August heat.
Havasu Falls (AZ), located a mile and a half outside the Havasupai Indian village of Supai, boasts water so turquoise it looks like it’s on loan from the Caribbean.
In northeastern Alabama, the Little River snakes across the top of Lookout Mountain before plummeting into the 12-mile-long Little River Canyon. Bordered by broad-faced cliffs, the canyon is home to a handful of perfect swimming holes
In an area where salmon outnumber people, Redfish Lake (ID), outside Stanley (population: 106), is a jaw-dropping example of why you explore the backcountry.[image]
Sliding Rock in Brevard, NC is like nature’s original waterslide. Smoothed by centuries of flowing water, the 60-foot boulder shoots bathers into the frigid Carolina mountain waters like they have buttered backsides. [image]
For more of America’s Best Swimming Holes, visit the entire list at Travel + Leisure. [main image]
