When local pools and water parks just aren’t refreshing enough, a secluded swimming hole might give you just the hot-weather cool-down you need. The following lakes, creeks, and rivers create what we consider to be among the best of the best swimming holes in Ohio, and we think you’ll definitely want to check them all out as soon as you get a chance to.
- Clear Fork River
Todd Petrie/Flickr This river is the water source of the popular swimming hole known as Gatton Rock in Mohican State Park. For less crowds than you’re bound to find at the state parks, though, you could always sneak a visit to Clear Fork in instead.
- Sunfish Creek
Don O’Brien/Flickr You can find this serene swimming spot just off of Wynn Road in Pike County. It’s quiet, beautiful, and the water is always just right (well… except for when it’s frozen).
- Alum Creek Reservoir
Edward Raybould/Flickr The reservoir at Alum Creek State Park flows into several small coves, which are simply perfect for a more secluded dip. This spot is beautiful day and night, and all year round, there’s something beautiful to be seen here.
- Chagrin Falls
Thaddeus Quintin/Flickr In the town of Chagrin Falls, southeast of Cleveland, are beautiful waterfalls from the Chagrin River, and multiple swimming locations in the event that the first one you find isn’t quite your style.
- Caesar’s Creek
Ted/Flickr Along a section of Caesar’s Creek, near the Little Miami River, are dozens of swimming holes, accessible only by hiking trails. They’re less crowded and much quieter than some of the more popular lakes and rivers!
- Punderson State Park
Punderson State Park This 150-acre natural lake features a small swimming beach within Punderson State Park that’s just perfect for taking a serene dip. The crystal-blue water will blow you away!
Address: 11755 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township, Ohio, 44065
- Cedar Falls
J. Todd Poling/Flickr So you can’t actually swim in this one, but it’s a popular spot for kids (and adventurous adults) to cool off during a hike to Old Man’s Cave at Hocking Hills State Park.
Where are some of your favorite swimming holes in Ohio? Let us know in the comments!
Todd Petrie/Flickr
This river is the water source of the popular swimming hole known as Gatton Rock in Mohican State Park. For less crowds than you’re bound to find at the state parks, though, you could always sneak a visit to Clear Fork in instead.
Don O’Brien/Flickr
You can find this serene swimming spot just off of Wynn Road in Pike County. It’s quiet, beautiful, and the water is always just right (well… except for when it’s frozen).
Edward Raybould/Flickr
The reservoir at Alum Creek State Park flows into several small coves, which are simply perfect for a more secluded dip. This spot is beautiful day and night, and all year round, there’s something beautiful to be seen here.
Thaddeus Quintin/Flickr
In the town of Chagrin Falls, southeast of Cleveland, are beautiful waterfalls from the Chagrin River, and multiple swimming locations in the event that the first one you find isn’t quite your style.
Ted/Flickr
Along a section of Caesar’s Creek, near the Little Miami River, are dozens of swimming holes, accessible only by hiking trails. They’re less crowded and much quieter than some of the more popular lakes and rivers!
Punderson State Park
This 150-acre natural lake features a small swimming beach within Punderson State Park that’s just perfect for taking a serene dip. The crystal-blue water will blow you away!
Address: 11755 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township, Ohio, 44065
J. Todd Poling/Flickr
So you can’t actually swim in this one, but it’s a popular spot for kids (and adventurous adults) to cool off during a hike to Old Man’s Cave at Hocking Hills State Park.
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Address: Clear Fork Mohican River, Hanover Township, OH, USAAddress: Sunfish Creek, Ohio, USAAddress: Alum Creek, Ohio, USAAddress: Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USAAddress: Caesar’s Creek, Ohio, USAAddress: Punderson State Park, 11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065, USAAddress: Cedar Falls, Benton Township, OH 43138, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Swimming Holes in Ohio April 28, 2021 Tori Jane What are some good places to swim in Ohio? Lucky for us, Ohio’s got a bunch of lakes, ponds, swimming holes, and swim spots to enjoy during the warmer months. Some of our favorite swimming places in Ohio include man-made places like the White Star Sapphire Quarry near Gibsonburg, and naturally perfect swimming spots like Mineral Springs Lake near Peebles or Headlands Beach alongside Lake Eire. We also have several awesome, enormous pools, and plenty of retreats and getaways best for relaxing in and around the water. Check out this article for more of our favorite Ohio swimming spots! What kind of things to do this summer in Ohio is there? Plenty. Don’t let our Midwestern status fool you, our summer sure can get sticky, and there’s nothing better during those hot and sweaty months than finding great places to cool down. For example, there are numerous swimming holes, natural pools, man-made pools, and more to utilize, as well as more than enough State and National Parks with creeks, rivers, and waterfalls to explore. We’re also a great state for hiking, fishing, and camping; all of those activities are more popular than ever as folks come from all over to experience the natural beauty of Ohio. What is summer in Ohio like? In one word? Sticky. We tend to get both worlds - heat, and humidity - so our summers can sometimes feel more sweltering than the lucky denizens of dry desert states don’t quite have to worry about. Towns nearby Lake Erie, however, are a little cooler, since the lake contributes to the climates of places in their immediate vicinities. During spring and through summer, we get some amazing thunderstorms, though occasionally we will see tornadoes or other severe weather in our backyards. Ohio is a beautiful place with plenty to explore; it’s best not to let the hot summers and cold winters tell you if you ought to come to visit or not!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Swimming Holes in Ohio
April 28, 2021
Tori Jane
What are some good places to swim in Ohio? Lucky for us, Ohio’s got a bunch of lakes, ponds, swimming holes, and swim spots to enjoy during the warmer months. Some of our favorite swimming places in Ohio include man-made places like the White Star Sapphire Quarry near Gibsonburg, and naturally perfect swimming spots like Mineral Springs Lake near Peebles or Headlands Beach alongside Lake Eire. We also have several awesome, enormous pools, and plenty of retreats and getaways best for relaxing in and around the water. Check out this article for more of our favorite Ohio swimming spots! What kind of things to do this summer in Ohio is there? Plenty. Don’t let our Midwestern status fool you, our summer sure can get sticky, and there’s nothing better during those hot and sweaty months than finding great places to cool down. For example, there are numerous swimming holes, natural pools, man-made pools, and more to utilize, as well as more than enough State and National Parks with creeks, rivers, and waterfalls to explore. We’re also a great state for hiking, fishing, and camping; all of those activities are more popular than ever as folks come from all over to experience the natural beauty of Ohio. What is summer in Ohio like? In one word? Sticky. We tend to get both worlds - heat, and humidity - so our summers can sometimes feel more sweltering than the lucky denizens of dry desert states don’t quite have to worry about. Towns nearby Lake Erie, however, are a little cooler, since the lake contributes to the climates of places in their immediate vicinities. During spring and through summer, we get some amazing thunderstorms, though occasionally we will see tornadoes or other severe weather in our backyards. Ohio is a beautiful place with plenty to explore; it’s best not to let the hot summers and cold winters tell you if you ought to come to visit or not!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lucky for us, Ohio’s got a bunch of lakes, ponds, swimming holes, and swim spots to enjoy during the warmer months. Some of our favorite swimming places in Ohio include man-made places like the White Star Sapphire Quarry near Gibsonburg, and naturally perfect swimming spots like Mineral Springs Lake near Peebles or Headlands Beach alongside Lake Eire. We also have several awesome, enormous pools, and plenty of retreats and getaways best for relaxing in and around the water. Check out this article for more of our favorite Ohio swimming spots!
What kind of things to do this summer in Ohio is there?
Plenty. Don’t let our Midwestern status fool you, our summer sure can get sticky, and there’s nothing better during those hot and sweaty months than finding great places to cool down. For example, there are numerous swimming holes, natural pools, man-made pools, and more to utilize, as well as more than enough State and National Parks with creeks, rivers, and waterfalls to explore. We’re also a great state for hiking, fishing, and camping; all of those activities are more popular than ever as folks come from all over to experience the natural beauty of Ohio.
What is summer in Ohio like?
In one word? Sticky. We tend to get both worlds - heat, and humidity - so our summers can sometimes feel more sweltering than the lucky denizens of dry desert states don’t quite have to worry about. Towns nearby Lake Erie, however, are a little cooler, since the lake contributes to the climates of places in their immediate vicinities. During spring and through summer, we get some amazing thunderstorms, though occasionally we will see tornadoes or other severe weather in our backyards. Ohio is a beautiful place with plenty to explore; it’s best not to let the hot summers and cold winters tell you if you ought to come to visit or not!
