8 swimming holes inside 2 hours of Birmingham

School could also be again in session, however don’t pack away your swimsuit simply but. With Alabama temps staying within the 90s for a number of extra weeks, there’s loads of time to squeeze in a number of extra swimming adventures. 

Grab your towel and take a look at eight of the most effective swimming holes lower than two hours from Birmingham. 

1. Cahaba River

Some traditions by no means exit of fashion, and considered one of our favorites is cooling off within the Cahaba River. 

Whether you’re wading alongside the shoreline, floating with mates or simply dipping your toes within the water, it’s onerous to beat a day at considered one of Birmingham’s most beloved rivers. 

Know earlier than you go:

• Where: Find a number of entry factors all through the Birmingham space, together with:
• Tip: Water ranges + circumstances can change, so verify circumstances earlier than heading out + convey water footwear for rocky areas.
• Perfect for: Families, teams of mates, floating + nature lovers
• Drive from downtown Birmingham: About 20-40 minutes relying in your entry level

2. Cahaba River Walk Park

If you’re searching for a simple solution to benefit from the Cahaba River with out venturing too removed from the town, Cahaba River Walk Park checks all of the bins. Located on Overton Road close to the Liberty Park exit off of I-459, this five-acre park in Mountain Brook incorporates a brief paved strolling path, a pavilion, a canine park and easy accessibility to the river for swimming, fishing and paddling.

Whether you’re packing a picnic or launching a canoe, it’s a simple spot to take pleasure in a summer season swim session simply minutes from downtown Birmingham.

Know earlier than you go:

• Where: GPS: 3529 Overton Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 | Access level: 3503 Overton Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
• Tip: Canoe entry consists of steps right down to a flat space alongside the riverbank with a 6-foot slide into the water. The launch will be slick after heavy rain, so use warning.
• Perfect for: Swimming, paddling, fishing, household picnics, strolling + bringing the canine
• Drive from downtown Birmingham: About quarter-hour

3. The Blue Hole—Turkey Creek Preserve

Crystal-clear water, colourful rock formations and barely any climbing required? Sign us up!

Tucked inside Turkey Creek Preserve in Pinson, this refreshing swimming spot provides a scenic place to chill off when Alabama’s summer season warmth is in full swing. It’s shut sufficient for a spontaneous afternoon journey with mates or household—even when the forecast is screaming “feels like 102.”

The Blue Hole is situated inside Turkey Creek Preserve, which protects considered one of Alabama’s most biodiverse ecosystems and provides loads of alternatives to discover past the water.

Know earlier than you go:

• Where: 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126
• Tip: Swimming is allowed in designated areas, however there aren’t any lifeguards. Bring every thing you want as a result of facilities are restricted.
• Perfect for: Families, nature lovers + anybody searching for a fast summer season escape
• Drive from downtown Birmingham: About 25 minutes

4. Peavine Falls

If you don’t thoughts incomes your swim session, Peavine Falls is the spot for you. To discover this swimming gap, you’ll must deal with a reasonably difficult path that results in your remaining vacation spot.

The excellent news: It’s completely value it! Oak Mountain State Park has one of many prettiest waterfalls close to Birmingham, and the cool-off is completely well worth the sweat sesh it took to get there.

Know earlier than you go:

• Where:
• Tip: The hike to Peavine Falls will be rocky and difficult in spots, so put on sturdy footwear and convey loads of water. The pool on the base of the falls is shallow, making it greatest for wading, cooling off and standing beneath the waterfall relatively than conventional swimming.
• Perfect for: Hikers, journey seekers + waterfall chasers
• Drive from downtown Birmingham: About 25 minutes

5. Bulldog Bend Canoe Park—Montevallo

Bulldog Bend Canoe Park in Montevallo is a kind of spots that looks like a real Alabama summer season secret. A neighborhood favourite for paddling, floating and cooling off alongside the Little Cahaba River, this scenic stretch of water function sandy riverbanks, mild rapids and deep swimming holes excellent for taking a dip on a steamy day.

Located close to Montevallo, this swimming gap provides a peaceable place to chill off, discover and spend a day exterior.

With rocky riverbanks, swimming areas and loads of room to unfold out, it’s a favourite for these searching for a extra pure swimming expertise.

Know earlier than you go:

• Where: 3224 Bulldog Bend Road, Brierfield, AL, 35035
  • Access level: The canoe launch is situated off County Road 26 close to Montevallo and supplies entry to the Little Cahaba River.
• Tip: Water ranges can range relying on rainfall. If you favor a extra informal creek swim nearer to city, try the shallow shoals and strolling trails at Shoal Creek Park (2781 Hwy 119) or Orr Park in Montevallo.
• Perfect for: Swimming, tubing, kayaking, fishing + a full day outdoor
• Drive from downtown Birmingham: About 45 minutes

6. Graves Creek (Mardis Mills Falls)—Blountsville

Not each swimming gap requires an all-day trek (hallelujah, proper?). Graves Creek, often known as Mardis Mills Falls, is only a brief stroll from the roadside, making it one of many best waterfall adventures close to Birmingham.

The small waterfall and swimming space make this a fantastic choice while you desire a fast nature escape with out spending hours on the path.

Know earlier than you go:

• Where: 546 Mardis Mills Rd, Blountsville, AL 35031
• Tip: Rocks across the falls will be slippery, and there aren’t any lifeguards. Visit after rainfall for the most effective waterfall views.
• Perfect for: Families, newbie adventurers + waterfall followers
• Drive from Downtown Birmingham: About 1 hour quarter-hour

7. Devil’s Den Falls—Lineville

If you’re prepared to take a little bit street journey, Devil’s Den Falls is an exquisite swimming gap vacation spot tucked away within the Talladega National Forest.

The journey begins at Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area, the place a brief hike takes you thru the woods and straight to the falls. The payoff? A beautiful waterfall, a refreshing swimming gap and the right excuse to spend a summer season day outdoor. Honestly, the half-mile hike is nothing when you see the falls.

Know earlier than you go:

• Where: Lake Chinabee Rd, Lineville, AL 36266
• Tip: Start on the Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area + hike about half a mile upstream to achieve the falls.
• Perfect for: Hikers, waterfall lovers + anybody searching for a day journey
• Drive from downtown Birmingham: About 1 hour half-hour

8. Sipsey Fork—Bankhead National Forest

Looking for a swimming gap that looks like a real Alabama journey? Sipsey Fork is well worth the drive. Located within the coronary heart of Bankhead National Forest, this scenic stretch of the Sipsey River is understood for its clear water, peaceable environment and loads of spots to chill off on a sizzling summer season day.

Whether you’re swimming, floating, fishing or simply enjoyable alongside the riverbank, Sipsey Fork is the type of place that makes you wish to decelerate and keep awhile.

Know earlier than you go:

• Where: Sipsey Recreation Area (Sipsey River Picnic Area), Bankhead National Forest, close to Double Springs, AL
• Access level: Park on the Sipsey Recreation Area parking zone, then observe the paths down towards the river entry factors. This space additionally serves as a launch level for paddling sections of the Sipsey Fork.
• Tip: This is a pure swimming space with uneven terrain, rocky spots + altering water ranges. Wear water footwear, pack loads of water + verify circumstances earlier than visiting.
• Perfect for: Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, fishing + a full-day out of doors journey
• Drive from downtown Birmingham: About 1 hour 45 minutes

Did we miss your favourite swimming gap close to Birmingham? Let us know your go-to spots at @bhamnow.