It’s no secret that summer in Alabama is very, very hot, which means finding a place to cool off is almost essential.
While a pool or the beach will do, it’s always fun to find a new place to take a dip -- whether it’s a hidden swimming hole tucked away and off the beaten path or a popular spot in one of our many state parks.
With that in mind, here’s a look at a few unique places you can go for a swim when the heat gets to be too much this summer -- or any month when it gets wickedly warm here.
Turkey Creek Falls in Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson, Ala., is a popular swimming hole every summer. (Sarah Jackson/courtesy of Forever Wild)Sarah Jackson/Forever Wild
Turkey Creek Falls at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
A popular and scenic spot to cool off this summer is Turkey Creek Falls, or “The Falls” as its called by locals, at the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson. While there, you can choose between floating down the natural “slide” the falls form, swimming in the water beneath or relaxing on the surrounding rocks. There are several hiking trails that take you near the falls, according to the preserve’s website, or you can drive to the them by using the main entrance road. Another swimming spot, known as the Blue Hole, is also nearby in the preserve.
Blue Springs State Park in Clio, Ala., is popular for its swimming holes. (Courtesy of Alabama State Parks)Alabama State Parks
Swimming holes at Blue Springs State Park
Every summer, locals and tourists alike flock to Blue Springs State Park in Clio to take a dip in its two sandy-bottomed swimming pools. According to the park’s website, the pools are fed by a crystal-clear underground spring that pumps 3,600 gallons of water per minute and remains a cool 68 degrees year-round -- making ‘em the perfect place to enjoy a swim while surrounded by the natural beauty of the state.
Devil's Den swimming hole is located in the Talladega National Forest near Cheaha State Park. (Special to AL.com)(Special to AL.com)
Devil’s Den Falls in the Talladega National Forest
Devil’s Den Falls in the Talladega National Forest near Cheaha State Park is another picturesque spot to swim this summer. The falls are accessible through the Chinnabee Silent Trail, which runs a little over seven miles, according to the National Forests website, or there’s a parking area that’s a short half-mile hike to the falls. Once there, you can relax in the tranquil waters and climb the rocks that create the waterfall. Another popular swimming spot, Cheaha Falls, is also nearby.
Bulldog Bend swimming hole on the Cahaba River (Tamika Moore/AL.com)TAMIKA MOORE/AL.com
Limestone Park on the Cahaba River
Limestone Park on the Cahaba River is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, tubing and more, but it’s also a great place for locals and travelers alike to get in a free swim, according to Swimmingholes.org. Along the river there’s an area known as Bulldog Bend, which includes a rope swing and more, that’s become a popular swimming spot during hot summer days.
A swimming area at Chewacla State Park in Auburn. (Alabama State Parks)Alabama State Parks
Swimming area at Chewacla State Park
If you’re looking for a spot to cool off after a long hike at Chewacla State Park in Auburn look no further than the park’s swimming area at its 26-acre lake, which is fed by Moore’s Mill Creek, according to the Alabama State Park’s website. There’s a roped-off area with a diving platform open year-round for those looking to get in the water, but keep in mind it’s swim-at-your-own risk. You can also dip your toes in picturesque Chewacla Falls while you’re there too.