5 beautiful swimming holes in North Alabama: everything you need to know

Summer is in full bloom in the south, and there truly is nothing quite like Alabama heat. Thankfully, the unforgiving humidity is not the only thing our state is known for.

Huntsville is lucky enough to be surrounded by creeks, waterfalls and other breathtaking swimming holes, perfect for the scorching summer days. If you’re like me, nothing is better than grabbing a group of people you love and spending the entire day swimming and sprawling out under the sun.

To make the search for your summer spot easier, we made a list of our 5 swimming hole recommendations, along with everything you need to know to keep your day warm and breezy.

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1. The “Hippie Hole”

• 📍Where: 4322 Little River Trail Ste 100, Fort Payne
• ✨ About: This beautiful swimming spot is located in Little River Canyon Falls Park. On a sunny summer day, it can get pretty packed, but there is still plenty of room to enjoy yourself.
• 📲 Know before you go: This spot requires quite the hike to reach the swimming hole. There are smaller cliffs to safely jump off of, and taller ones you should be extremely mindful on. (Wear proper footwear, the rocks can be very slippery and the current can be very strong!)
• 👥 Perfect for: Groups of young adults or families with older kids.
• 🚗 Drive from downtown Huntsville: 1.5 hours
• 🗓️ Hours: 7AM-5PM

2. River at Oscar Patterson and Rube Robinson

• 📍Where: 443 Rube Robinson Rd, Huntsville
• ✨ About: Located right off the bridge on Oscar Pattison Rd, this creek is a great place to relax or have fun. Typically, there is not much of a crowd and the spot stays pretty quiet.
• 📲 Know before you go: This creek does not require a hike and has a stellar rope swing.
• 👥 Perfect for: Kids of all ages (make sure to pack your floaties for the little ones)
• 🚗 Drive from downtown Huntsville: 20 minutes
• 🗓️ Hours: Sunrise to sunset.

3. High Falls Park

• 📍Where: 969 Co Rd 144, Grove Oak
• ✨ About: Just 20 minutes from Guntersville Lake, this hidden gem has spectacular views and many additional trails to explore. There are public restrooms and concessions, along with a playground for younger children!
• 📲 Know before you go: Admission to High Falls Park costs $1 for adults, $5 for groups of 6+ and is completely free for kids 10 and under. Reception can be pretty spotty around the area, so make sure to download directions beforehand. Proper footwear is essential as the hike to the bottom of the waterfall is pretty steep.
• 👥 Perfect for: Adults and older kids with parental guidance
• 🚗 Distance from downtown Huntsville: 1.25 hours
• 🗓️ Hours: 10AM-6PM

4. Hump Creek Swimming Hole

• 📍Where: 1960 Walker Ln, New Market
• ✨ About: Hump creek is great for a relaxing day of swimming, fishing, and exploring.
• 📲 Know before you go: The water is pretty shallow, and the area is very peaceful. No hike is required and the parking lot is extremely spacious.
• 👥 Perfect for: Kids of all ages and adults looking for a chill day
• 🚗 Drive from downtown Huntsville: 25 minutes
• 🗓️ Hours: Sunrise to sunset

5. Kinlock Falls

• 📍Where: Kinlock Rd, Bankhead National Forest
• ✨ About: To the experienced hikers looking for a challenge, this one’s for you. This spot is in the heart of Bankhead National Forrest, and is covered in surreal scenery.
• 📲 Know before you go: It takes quite the hike to reach the water, so make sure to be prepared and cautious. This one is a swim-at-your-own-risk, and cliff jumping is strictly prohibited. Download directions before hand- the area is extremely secluded and reception is spotty. Stay extra alert on the drive! (Potholes and deer are plentiful on Kinlock Road)
• 👥 Perfect for: Adults with hiking experience
• 🚗 Drive from downtown Huntsville: 1.5 hours
• 🗓️ Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Map of North AL swimming holes

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