9 local swimming holes to explore this summer
/Enjoy clean water at these Potomac River region swimming holes, state parks, and lakes!
The summer heat is here, and we are ready to cool off! Although certain parts of the Potomac River are unsafe to swim in (between Great Falls and the southern Maryland/DC line), we have lots of alternative options for you!
One of the best parts about living close to the Potomac River is being able to experience so many nature-filled places.
So check out our picks for open and accessible local water wonderlands!
If you are looking for a swimming hole that is dog friendly: Lake Habeeb (Cumberland, MD)
Photo Credit: Photo of Lake Habeeb -- Rocky Gap State Park (MD) July 2016 by Ron Cogswell Cook via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
We aren’t the only ones feeling the summer heat—dogs are too! This lake, located within Rocky Gap State Park, has a dog-friendly section, so you and your pup can stay cool this summer!
Plus, this is a great chance for your canine friend to practice their dog paddle! 🐶
If you are looking for a swimming hole that is a quick trip from DC: Dead Run Waterfall (McLean, VA)
Photo Source: Fun in fairfax va
Within 45 minutes (depending on your starting point), you could be in this amazing nature-filled area. Not only is there a place to swim, but you can also take a 3- to 4-mile, out-and-back hike parallel to the Potomac River.
What a bonus!
If you are looking for a swimming hole that you can camp near: Rocky Gap State Park (Flintstone, MD)
Photo credit: Photo of Beach at Rocky Gap State Park (MD) July 2016 by Ron Cogswell Cook via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Who doesn’t love a nature-inspired getaway with a plethora of water activities? Swimming isn’t the only draw (but it is a big one); you can also fish, boat, and hike around the lake.
Some say this 243-acre lake has the bluest water in the entire state of Maryland. Check it out yourself and see if they are right!
If you are looking for a swimming hole off the beaten path: Emerald Pond (Stanely, VA)
Photo credit: HikingUpward.com
Sometimes big lakes or beaches aren’t your thing, and that’s okay! Emerald Pond is a spring-fed swimming hole that is super refreshing on a hot day (especially after a hike).
The pond is tucked away right off the Bird Knob Trail. The water is usually very warm and clear. And if you want a challenging hike after or before your swim, check out the 11.5-mile Browns Hollow trail.
If you are looking for a swimming hole that is wheelchair accessible: Greenbrier State Park (Boonsboro, MD)
Photo Courtesy of dpbirds/flickr
This swimming location has two beach wheelchairs that are free for use. Plus there is a great accessible eating area. You can cool off in the lake and have a nice picnic lunch afterward!
This is a 42-acre lake, so there is lots of space for you and your friends. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 am-6 pm.
If you are looking for a swimming hole that is further out from DC: Point Lookout State Park (Scotland, MD)
photo credit: Chesapeake Living
Maybe it is just us, but sometimes swimming feels even better after a long scenic drive. And, if you forget snacks, you can check out the Park Store. They also have showers and bathrooms in the area if you need to rinse off before the drive back!
You can even make a whole day trip out of it and check out the exterior of the Point Lookout Lighthouse (the interior is closed for renovations) and the Civil War fortification. This is for all of the nature and history wonks out there!
Directions >
If you are looking for a swimming hole in the mountains: Sherando Lake (Roanoke, VA)
photo credit: George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
Swimming and a view? Yes, please! This lake is a great place to relax in the water while enjoying the surrounding mountains. Some even say it is the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains!
If you have little ones, check out the weekend evening campfire programs at the amphitheater throughout the summer season!
If you are looking for a swimming hole with a hike: Whiteoak Canyon Lower Falls Trailhead (Syria, VA)
photo credit: Hiker.app
This swimming hole includes two of our favorite things: hiking and swimming. There’s nothing like taking a dip after a hard hike!
This is a 3-mile out-and-back hike that features lots of waterfalls and streams to check out.
Directions >
If you are looking for a swimming hole with an activity: Jennings Randolph Lake (North Branch Potomac River)
photo credit: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Swimming may not be for everyone in the family. We get it. Which is why it’s so great that this lake features other water activities! Some of the highlights are an ADA-accessible 3-D Archery Course, fishing, boating, and whitewater rafting.
For those in the family that are going to take a dip, the lake is 6.6 miles long with a surface area of 915 acres!
