Trying to escape the summer's heat while enjoying nature's beauty and majesty? Then look no further than Gatlinburg Tennessee. With six spectacular swimming areas within a few minutes’ drive, you can escape the hectic beach scene and make a cool mountain stream your next vacation destination.
The Greenbrier Area
If you are staying in town, a ten-minute drive will take you to a popular site for swimmers and tubers. The West prong of the Little Pigeon River is the home of a multitude of spots to cool-off in your own private pool. Go northeast on highway 321 for approximately eight miles until you come to Greenbrier Road. A right turn will put you alongside the water. Park along the road and explore the lazy, crystal-clear river on your left. Chase frogs, catch butterflies, or skip stones with your kids, but most of all, enjoy one of the cleanest rivers in the area. Due to the close proximity to town and easy access, weekends can get a bit busy. Plan appropriately.
The Sinks
Little River is the place to head for a gorgeous waterfall and a thrilling river swim. Thirty minutes from town, just off highway 71, this local favorite is well worth a stop. The brave and fearless can climb up rocks and jump fifteen feet into the river below. Those not looking for thrills can swim in the deep pool that surrounds the cliff. Whether you are looking to get wet or just want to enjoy the beauty of the Smokey Mountain National Park, the Sinks is a great place to spend the day. Water shoes are recommended. Children should not be left unattended, as the current can be quite swift in spots. Care should be taken near the falls and on the rocks. The Sinks can also become busy during peak times. Take 71 South until you come to Little River Road and turn right; the falls are eleven breathtaking miles ahead and on the left.
Midnight Hole
For those who don’t mind making an easy one and a half mile hike, Midnight Hole might offer the best bet for those who want both excitement and calm in one picturesque swimming area. Big Creek funnels between two giant boulders where it pools into a large swimming area surrounded by pristine hardwood wilderness. The more adventurous can climb one of the boulders and jump ten feet into a deep pool. Those looking for a gentle swim or an easy wade have plenty of space because of the large ponding area beyond the rocks. You’ll need to drive to the Big Creek trail-head, which is an hour East of Gatlinburg. From the parking lot, Midnight Hole is 1.5 miles. Continue on another half mile to enjoy the incredible Mouse Branch Falls; a forty-five foot cascading waterfall well worth the effort.
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
This is the ultimate family-friendly Tennessee swimming hole. Charcoal-grill equipped picnic areas; fully-equipped toilet facilities; nearby shops and antique stores – Metcalf Bottoms has it all. Let’s not forget the Little Greenbrier River and the multiple near-perfect holes to let your little fish splash to their heart’s content. The picnic grounds are only thirty minutes from Gatlinburg. Take Highway 71 into the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Look for the Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you will turn right on Little River Road. At approximately ten miles, you will come to Wear Cove Gap Road; a quick right will put you at the entrance to the picnic grounds on the left.
Abrams Falls
If hiking and swimming are your passions, then this stunning waterfall will be a dream come true. The 2.5 mile hike to the falls is no beginner jaunt. Expect an above average difficulty getting to this hole; flip-flops should stay in the backpack. The view is well-worth the effort. A torrent of water rushes down a wall of rocks where it meets up with one of the Smokey’s most idyllic swimming holes some twenty-feet below. Dense brush and tall trees frame the pool, making the picture complete. Caution should always be observed when swimming in a mountain stream; the Abrams Falls swimming hole is no exception. Because of the volume of water pouring over the falls, the current can be over-powering in spots. Stay in calmer, outer-banks of the pool and away from the falls. It's nearly a two hour drive from Gatlinburg to the trail-head. Follow the same directions for the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. Continue on Little River Road until it turns into Laurel Creek Road; this will become Cades Cove Loop Road and will take you to Abrams Falls Road, which is a right turn.
The Townsend Y
Having nothing in common with 'The Y' in any other American city, this gem of swimming hole is the result of the confluence of the Little River and the Middle Prong of Little River. Just inside the Townsend entrance of the park, the Townsend Y offers easy access and hours of family fun. Although, there aren't any facilities available, there is plenty of room to throw down a blanket and spread out your picnic fare. Shallow pools and gentle flowing water make it ideal for little ones. Don't expect any cliff diving or deep-water plunges, but there is plenty of water to cool off on a hot Tennessee summer day. The Townsend Y is on your way to the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area; you'll find it right after you turn on Little River Road.
The Gatlinburg area offers a wide variety of entertainment options for any local resident or visitor. Its swimming holes are some of the finest in the country. Be sure to use caution and keep a close on those little-ones. If you’re up for an adventure, then grab a large tube of water-proof sun-screen and a pair of water shoes, as you head out for the vacation of a life-time. There’s no place like it for a swim.
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