Tired of chlorine and crowds? Same. If your crew is craving a summer day with cool, clear water and wild adventure, it is time to try a blue hole, Chattanooga style.
I’ve schlepped the towels, packed the peanut butter sandwiches, and wrangled kids in and out of swim shoes. And let me tell you. Nature wins every time.
From calm creeks perfect for toddler wading to deep swimming holes for confident swimmers, Chattanooga is surrounded by natural gems. Your family can unplug, explore, and splash the day away.
This is your go to guide for the best natural swimming spots near Chattanooga. I’ve included drive times, water depth, and shore access to help you plan a day that feels more like fun and less like chaos management.
Blue Hole Swimming Near Chattanooga (For Confident Swimmers)
These are our big kid spots. The water runs deep and clear. While the views are totally worth it, you will want to bring water shoes and stay close to the kids. There are no lifeguards at these locations, and the terrain can be tricky.
1. North Chickamauga Creek Blue Hole – Soddy Daisy
Drive time is about 25 minutes from downtown
This is the blue hole in Chattanooga and a summer classic. I’ve watched my husband channel his inner teenager here more than once. Crystal clear water, big boulders to jump off of, and deep swim spots up to 10 feet. Entry is only over boulders. No beach or gradual slope. The hike in is short and rocky and sometimes includes ankle-deep creek crossings. Go early because parking fills up fast.
2. Rainbow Lake – Signal Mountain
Drive time is about 25 minutes from downtown
This one feels like a hidden escape. A serene swimming hole is tucked away along the trail. While the center is deeper, the edges are gentle. I love bringing my kiddo here for a slow morning and some creekside snacks. The hike is moderate due to the steep uphill section on the way back, but the scenery is beautiful.
3. Big Soddy Creek Gulf – Soddy Daisy
Drive time is about 30 minutes from downtown
Big Soddy is our go to when we want a chill afternoon. Clear water, flat rocks for picnicking, and a stroller friendly trail. The pools vary in depth, so everyone can find their comfort zone.
4. Foster Falls – Sequatchie
Drive time is about 45 minutes from downtown
A 60 foot waterfall that drops into a natural swimming basin. Yes please. The hike in has some steeper parts, so I’d leave the littles at home for this one unless you feel up to a rigorous hike with them in a hiking pack! It is a favorite for older kids and teens. Plus, there are shady picnic spots and trails nearby.
5. Ocoee River Blue Hole Area
Drive time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes from downtown
Most people know the Ocoee for rafting. But there are quiet swimming pockets too. We often combine it with a tubing trip or a hike. Be sure to check water flow conditions. There are multiple places to pull off and get in safely.
Wading Spots for Little Ones
When mine was tiny, these kinds of spots were gold. Shallow water, easy entry, and just enough room for throwing rocks and making mud pies.
1. Collegedale Greenway – Collegedale
Drive time is about 30 minutes from downtown
This spot is stroller-friendly, shaded, and full of shallow water fun. The banks slope gently, and it is easy to hop in and out. Perfect for a small stop during errands, since it’s right amongst the main shopping area. My toddler loved this place.
2. Greenway Farms – Hixson
Drive time is about 20 minutes from downtown
Forest playground meets stream time. The water is shallow with a gravel bottom. Trails are dog-friendly, and there are bathrooms and covered tables. It checks all the mama boxes.
3. Goforth Creek Trailhead – Polk County
Drive time is about 1 hour from downtown
Quiet. Clear. Refreshing. This rocky creek is peaceful and often less crowded. Small dirt parking lot, but the water is just steps away! This is our go-to for a quick escape.
4. Harrison Bay State Park – Harrison
Drive time is about 25 minutes from downtown
This one is a bit of a wildcard. It is technically a lake spot, but there are small inlets and shallow shoreline areas perfect for littles who just want to stomp, scoop, and splash without going too deep. We treat it as a hybrid spot when we want variety in one stop.
Family Lake Days Near Chattanooga
Need more space? These lakefront spots often have beaches, bathrooms, and room for a full day of family adventure.
1. Parksville Lake (Lake Ocoee)
Drive time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes from downtown
Scenic and peaceful, this one is great for paddleboarding and relaxing. The swim beach near Chilhowee Rec Area is our favorite. Bring everything with you. There is no place nearby to grab extra supplies.
2. Chickamauga Dam Beach – Harrison
Drive time is about 25 minutes from downtown
This open space is great for bigger families. There is a grassy area, river access, and a playground. The shoreline is rocky, so don’t forget your shoes. You may want to bring your fishing supplies too!
3. Chester Frost Park – Hixson
Drive time is about 25 minutes from downtown
This is my go to for easy lake days. Sandy beach, restrooms, shaded picnic spots, and a kayak launch. Even better, the fishing dock adds some variety. There are also a couple of small playgrounds around the park.
4. Chilhowee Recreation Area – Benton
Drive time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from downtown
This is a full on nature retreat. Swim beach, trails, and overlooks all in one place. We pack lunch, water, and a speaker and then lose track of time. In the best way.
5. Harrison Bay State Park – Harrison
Drive time is about 25 minutes from downtown
This spot is versatile. While there is no formal swim beach, the calm lakeshore is shallow in many areas and great for wading or relaxed swimming. There are plenty of picnic spots, bathrooms, and even a marina if you are feeling extra adventurous. I love this one for its flexibility and space to roam.
What to Pack
This is my must have checklist. It exists because of all the things I’ve forgotten at least once.
- Water shoes (think Chacos, Crocs, slip-ons)
- A Bogg bag. I’m deep in love with mine.
- Towels (obvs)
- Wet bag
- Rash guards and sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Snacks and water (obvs)
- Gallon of water to wash off with, if needed
- Mini first aid kit for slips or scrapes
- Goggles
- Bucket
- Sand shovel
- A couple of small toys to play in the sand with
The best memories are not always made in the big ticket places. Sometimes they are in the splash your kid makes right before they soak your sandwich. Or the creekside rock your toddler decides is their throne.
Pick one blue hole Chattanooga spot to explore this weekend. And if you go, tag me. I want to see those muddy feet and happy hearts.
If you’re looking for public pools and splash pads, check out this post!
