When we went to TN two summers ago with our three children (ages 9, 8, and 3 at the time), we had a list of swimming holes that we wanted to explore. Our children love to swim and the Smoky Mountains have many swimming holes to choose from. Since our children were younger, we knew we needed easily accessible swimming areas rather than ones at the end of a long hike into a mountain. We have three favorites we recommend to guests at Smoky High House.
Safety comes first when we are near rivers and waterfalls. Children and new swimmers should have a life jacket on at all times. Adults should always look for the shallow areas that are easier for kids to swim. When we arrive at a swimming hole, I always check for the shallow/deep areas and the currents. I also swim/stand in the water with them. We have watched a number of children (of all sizes) get caught in a current and taken through rocky areas of rivers. To have an enjoyable and safe time, always be aware of your surroundings.
Also note that swimming holes and parking lots can get very crowded during high season and mid-day. During high summer season, we suggest going early in the morning, or later in the evening so you can get a parking spot. One of our favorite things to do is to arrive one hour before sunset because the majority of people head back to their cabins/hotels for dinner.
What to pack for swimming: Towels, swim suits, water shoes, change of dry clothes/shoes, life jackets, sun screen, hats, sunglasses, grocery sacks to store wet clothing after your swim
What to pack for a picnic: food, snacks, water, drinks, grocery sacks for garbage (remember, "leave no trace"), blanket/towels, beach chairs (if you have any), anything else you might need
Townsend Wye:
This swimming hole is located where Lamar Alexander Parkway intersects with Little River Road. There is a parking lot right at that intersection and additional parking along the road. It's a great spot for a picnic, tubbing, people watching, or just to swim in the water. One area is rocky and the other has grass (see photos above). Depending on where you park and what you want to do, there is plenty of room to place your belongings or spread out for a picnic. If you're looking for a tubbing trip, check out River Rat Tubing in Townsend!
For more information about Townsend Wye, you can visit this site: https://www.pigeonforge.com/townsend-wye/
The Sinks
The Sinks is a popular spot during the summer for people watching, swimming, hiking, and rock jumping. It is located on the Little River and off Little River Gorge Road with a parking lot close to the waterfall and easy access down to the swimming area. With a powerful and impressive waterfall, visitors can stare in amazement, snap some photos, and also wade in the water in the swimming area. Visitors should stay far away from the waterfall due to strong currents and slippery rocks. (Note: Rock jumping is a finable offense.) The photo below shows our kids watching the rock jumpers.
For more information you can visit this site: https://smokymountains.com/park/things-to-do/the-sinks/
The Chimney Tops Trail
Chimney Tops is one of our favorite hikes (for adults), but right at the beginning of the trail head there is an awesome swimming area. For people who don't want to swim or climb the stairs down, there is a large bridge where they can watch the swimmers below. Since this is at a higher elevation, the water will be colder than the other swimming holes off Little River.
However, it is FUN to jump right in and enjoy the cool water! (After watching our children have a blast in the water, I decided to jump in and join the fun. It was so refreshing!) Parking during the day will be hard to find (due to the hike popularity), so we suggest doing this one in the evening before sunset. Then, enjoy that nice drive home and stop to take some photos of the sunset over the Smokies.
To explore other swimming holes in the Smokies, check out these sites:
Note: Metcalf Bottoms is within a 15 minute drive to Smoky High House!