The 4 Best Swimming Spots in the Smoky Mountains

A dip in the Smoky Mountains’ cool, clean water refreshes and revives you! These four swimming, wading, and tubing spots offer the relaxation only nature can bring.

1. Townsend Wye

The Little River meets Laurel Creek, forming a Y-shaped area with easy access to the water. Hang out in an inner tube near the bank, just chilling. Float into the deeper water and go tubing on faster currents. Bring your own tubes or rent them in nearby Townsend. Wade along the pebble-lined edges of the river or take the kids swimming. Townsend Wye lies along Laurel Creek Road, 18 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center.

2. Metcalf Bottoms

Grab your wading shoes and grilling gear! More than 100 picnic sites, each with a table and grill, dot both banks of the Little River at this beautiful spot. Park and claim a table and grill–there are more than enough and they’re first come, first served. The peaceful setting invites you to pop on your water shoes and dip your toes in the cool, clear river. While the river here isn’t deep enough for swimming, wading and splashing will keep everyone delighted and cool.

Take Fighting Creek Gap Road from the Sugarlands Visitor Center toward Elkmont. Turn right onto Wear Cove Gap Road to find the picnic areas.

3. The Sinks

Decades ago, loggers used dynamite to clear a logjam in the Little Pigeon River. The blast created The Sinks, a short but powerful waterfall carrying the whole force of the river. The foaming water descends into a 10-foot-deep pool loved by generations of locals and travelers. Be sure to wear water shoes, exercise caution and stay with kids at all times. The Sinks can be both tempting and dangerous. From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn right onto Little River Road. The Sinks is 12 miles away.

4. Chimney Tops

Along the breathtaking Chimney Tops trail, you’ll come to a bridge. Glance down. Below you lies a deep, crystal-clear swimming hole! Take the stairs down and enjoy a dip. You’ll come across the swimming hole in the first part of the trail, so if your crew isn’t up for the full hike, make the swimming hole your destination. The trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road between Gatlinburg and Cherokee, NC.

Return, tired but happy, to your Smoky Mountains rental cabin and grab some shuteye after your day on the river!