--- title: Beat the Heat at These Gatlinburg Swimming Holes description: Gatlinburg is a sensational summer vacation spot. There's so much to see and do, from world-famous hikes to quirky local attractions. It also offers a variety of ways to beat the summer heat! Looking to cool off? Head to one of Gatlinburg's top swimming holes.  image: https://www.smokymountains.me/hubfs/sean-foster-tyrOKMPpjaA-unsplash.jpg --- [![smokymountainsme-trans](https://www.smokymountains.me/hs-fs/hubfs/smokymountainsme-trans.png?width=300&name=smokymountainsme-trans.png "smokymountainsme-trans")](https://www.smokymountains.me) [![smokymountainsme-trans](https://www.smokymountains.me/hs-fs/hubfs/smokymountainsme-trans.png?width=300&name=smokymountainsme-trans.png "smokymountainsme-trans")](https://www.smokymountains.me) [**](https://www.smokymountains.me/beat-the-heat-at-these-gatlinburg-swimming-holes#) 1 ![featured image 1](https://www.smokymountains.me/hubfs/sean-foster-tyrOKMPpjaA-unsplash.jpg) Summer # Beat the Heat at These Gatlinburg Swimming Holes ![](https://www.smokymountains.me/hubfs/BEAADA8B-EAB9-41DB-B81E-479BD788DF9F.jpg) By [Bailee Wilson](https://www.smokymountains.me/author/bailee-wilson) June 18, 2023 ### Posts by Topic - [Activities (152)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/activities) - [Amusement (148)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/amusement) - [Events (106)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/events) - [Family (105)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/family) - [Around Town (97)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/around-town) - [Shopping and Dining (68)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/shopping-and-dining) - [Holiday (64)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/holiday) - [Outdoor (60)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/outdoor) - [Summer (40)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/summer) - [Winter (37)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/winter) - [Free (31)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/free) - [Tips and Tricks (24)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/tips-and-tricks) - [News (23)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/news) - [Date Night (16)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/date-night) - [Music (13)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/music) - [History (10)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/history) - [Nightlife (9)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/nightlife) - [Fitness (7)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/fitness) - [snow (6)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/snow) - [Off-Season (5)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/off-season) - [Contest (3)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/contest) - [Luxury Adventures (2)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/luxury-adventures) - [Season Passes (2)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/season-passes) - [Ski (2)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/ski) - [Weather and Terrain (2)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/weather-and-terrain) - [Golf (1)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/golf) - [House Tour (1)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/house-tour) - [Luxury Homes (1)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/luxury-homes) - [Notable Locals (1)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/notable-locals) - [Services (1)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/services) [![Book Lodging](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/534331/41641d6a-06ef-4999-9369-c4aceb52efda.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/534331/41641d6a-06ef-4999-9369-c4aceb52efda) Search Gatlinburg is a sensational summer vacation spot. There's so much to see and do, from world-famous hikes to quirky local attractions. It also offers a variety of ways to beat the summer heat! Looking to cool off? Head to one of Gatlinburg's top swimming holes.  ![thiago-palia-PzoKQ4U30Og-unsplash](https://www.smokymountains.me/hs-fs/hubfs/thiago-palia-PzoKQ4U30Og-unsplash.jpg?width=3740&height=2992&name=thiago-palia-PzoKQ4U30Og-unsplash.jpg) #### The Sinks [The Sinks](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g143031-d4103171-Reviews-The_Sinks-Great_Smoky_Mountains_National_Park_Tennessee.html) is one of Gatlinburg's most famous swimming holes. It is a beautiful place to swim, with a waterfall that flows into a 10 foot pool. There are lots of rocks to play on, and the water is clear and cool!  *Be aware that the currents here are fairly strong. Swim at your own risk.* #### Metcalf Bottoms [Metcalf Bottoms](https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g143031-d1841697-r592487155-Metcalf_Bottoms_Picnic_Area-Great_Smoky_Mountains_National_Park_Tennessee.html) is popular with families looking to swim. The water is only 3 to 4 feet deep, and the swimming hole is adjacent to a picnic area.  #### LeConte Creek  [Alum Cave Trail](https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/chimneys-alternative-alum-cave-bluffs.htm) is a well-known hike that leads to the summit of Mt. LeConte. The trail also gives you access to some great swimming holes! Along the first 1.5 miles of the trail, you'll encounter great 4-5 foot deep pools where you can take a dip.  #### The Townsend Wye The [Townsend Wye](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g143031-d8459181-Reviews-Townsend_Wye-Great_Smoky_Mountains_National_Park_Tennessee.html) is one of the largest swimming holes in the Smokies. It is always busy- but always fun! This enchanting 30 foot wide, 8 foot deep pool is surrounded by large rocks and has its own beach area. As a bonus, the parking is plentiful.  ![s-asah-opwDLt--Krg-unsplash](https://www.smokymountains.me/hs-fs/hubfs/s-asah-opwDLt--Krg-unsplash.jpg?width=3064&height=4592&name=s-asah-opwDLt--Krg-unsplash.jpg) ### Safety tips #### 1. Stay vigilant  Swimming holes may contain hidden hazards, including rocks, drop offs, and undertows. Stay aware of your surroundings.  #### 2. Be aware of your limitations If you aren't a strong swimmer, then you'll want to stay extra cautious when exploring swimming holes. Swimming abilities vary. Don't push yourself beyond your limit.   #### 3. Don't swim alone  Never swim alone. Having a buddy improves safety and can prevent emergencies from happening. Always supervise children, and make sure that flotation devices are worn.  These are just a few of the many local swimming holes that you can check out this summer in the Smokies. Which swimming hole are you visiting first? Tell us in the comments!  ### POPULAR POSTS ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Activities (152)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/activities) - [Amusement (148)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/amusement) - [Events (106)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/events) - [Family (105)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/family) - [Around Town (97)](https://www.smokymountains.me/tag/around-town) ![shutterstock_1335023963](https://www.smokymountains.me/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_1335023963.png?width=1920&name=shutterstock_1335023963.png "shutterstock_1335023963") Contact Us [800-504-3354](tel:800-504-3354)   SIGN UP FOR UPDATES Copyright © 2021  [Privacy Policy](https://www.steamboat.net/privacy)