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The Best Swimming in Tennessee

Looking for the best swimming in Tennessee? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Tennessee. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top swimming spots in and near Tennessee

  • Tellico Plains, Tennessee

    Exploring Bald River Falls

    4.8
    If you're looking to check out a secnic waterfall in East Tennessee, Bald River Falls is sure to be on your list. At 90 feet, you can't miss this roaring beauty during any season. Also, Tellico Plains is an awesome mountain town in itself; check it out before or after your hike.To get to Bald Riv...
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  • Guild, Tennessee

    Climb Lake Nickajack

    4.0
    Lake Nickajack has an incredible stretch of 50' limestone that is only accessible by water. The beauty of this wall is that a majority is vertical to slightly overhung, so you can ascend and at any time and just drop into the deep waters below. The limestone is covered in tufas, so plenty of op...
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  • Smithville, Tennessee

    Hike to Carmac Falls

    5.0
    1 mi / 90 ft gain
    It is important to note that Carmac Falls is located on the private property of Evins Mill, a resort and special event venue that hosts weddings, conferences and other contractually exclusive events. As such, one must be a guest of the resort in order to access its property and enjoy its trails, ...
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  • Pikeville, Tennessee

    Hike to Rockhouse and Cane Creek Falls

    5.0
    1 mi / 500 ft gain
    Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to multiple waterfalls. The main attraction and biggest waterfall, Fall Creek Falls, is often tourists' main destination, but I encourage you to visit the base of Rockhouse Falls and Cane Creek Falls to enjoy some quiet solitude and get away from the usual week...
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  • Tullahoma, Tennessee

    Hike to Lower and Upper Busby Falls

    4.8
    2 mi / 275 ft gain
    Short Springs Natural Area is where these falls are located. There is a decent amount of hiking trails that are a nice getaway for a day to hang out at for waterfalls. Put into your gps "machine falls parking." The gps will take you to the exact parking area. The directions go as follows from Nas...
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  • Chattanooga, Tennessee

    Hike and Swim at the Middle Creek Slide

    3.0
    4 mi / 200 ft gain
    You park just west of the map waypoint on the wide shoulder (remember to lock your car, thefts have been reported in this area).  The trailhead is really just an opening on the side of the road. Follow this to the creek and start making your way along the rocks upstream.  The difficulty of the cl...
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  • Tracy City, Tennessee

    Hike the Fiery Gizzard Trail

    5.0
    13.5 mi
    Start this journey from the Grundy Forest Trailhead, where you will quickly begin a decent along the Little Fiery Gizzard Creek. At the 0.7-mile split, be sure to turn left and cross the bridge to stay on the Fiery Gizzard Trail. For the next 0.8-mile journey, you'll encounter the gorgeous Black ...
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  • Tellico Plains, Tennessee

    Explore North River Road

    4.7
    If you're looking to get off the beaten path and take the road less traveled, North River Road is your ticket to solitude.A popular loop for the locals is starting on Tellico River Road, then getting on North River Road to make your way up the mountain all the way to the Cherohala Skyway. Take th...
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  • Grandview, Tennessee

    Hike to Piney Falls

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 500 ft gain
    The gravel road heading to the trailhead is on the rougher side to take it slow. When you get to the trailhead it’s a small gravel pull off right off the road. There are no maps at the trailhead but there are only a few trails to take and they are marked with a blue marker. To get to the upper fa...
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  • Lewisburg, Tennessee

    Canoe down the Duck River

    4.3
    Start this canoe adventure from Milltown Dam for an easy five-mile paddle down a wide, scenic river. During the warmer months, you will undoubtebly encounter a variety of wildlife, from water to land. Take your time as you float around small islands and rocks, and dock your boat for a quiet picni...
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  • Moscow, Tennessee

    Float The Scenic Ghost Section of the Wolf River

    5.0
    The Wolf River is a hidden gem for any paddler located in west Tennessee or the greater south. Originally called “Blackbird River” by late 17th century French explorers, the upper Wolf River has been generally untouched by society and luckily has never fallen victim to industrial contamination. T...
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  • Lancing, Tennessee

    Climb The Lilly Bluff Wall

    The Obed Wild and Scenic River is typically not found in the same conversations as Zion or Yosemite, but be assured this hidden gem of Tennessee is one of the East Coast's must climb destinations.There are a number of climbing areas within the Obed worth exploring, ranging from bouldering to mul...
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  • Elizabethton, Tennessee

    Climb at Blue Hole Falls

    3.7
    0.1 mi / 0 ft gain
    From TN 91, turn onto Panhandle Road. Follow Panhandle for 1 mile and park in the parking lot to the left.  Waterfall Follow the path to your right downwards until you encounter wooden stairs. The main waterfall will be to your right less than .1 mile from the parking lot. There are two other wat...
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  • Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee

    Hike the Hogskin Loop to Stripmine Falls

    2.5
    1.3 mi
    Stripmine Falls is not the biggest waterfall in the area, but it is both beautiful and accessible with just a short and easy out-and-back (or loop) hike.  The additional attraction of cool swimming pools along Chickamauga creek make this an ideal destination for a day full of relaxation and adven...
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  • Rutledge, Tennessee

    Swim and Fish at Buffalo Creek Falls

    5.0
    Buffalo Creek is located near Rutledge, Tennessee and Cherokee lake. It is a wilderness area with a fish hatchery run by TWRA and a few acres of game land. You can drive straight up to the falls then hike around a little bit through the river to see the rest of the river and fishing areas. The be...
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  • Sequatchie, Tennessee

    Climb at Foster Falls SP

    5.0
    4.5 mi
    Foster Falls will suit any climber. A novice climber can find routes here, and an expert can find new and exciting projects. There are a few camping sites near the climbing area. Father Adams which is a primitive spot, and Foster Falls campground which has a shower and toilets (around $16 a night...
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