20+ Natural Swimming Holes Near Greenville, SC: Beautiful and Refreshing (2026)

Watch Kidding Around Greenville’s Kristina Hernandez share some favorite natural swimming holes where your family might want to take a dip this summer.

A note about safety: There are hundreds of waterfalls within a short driving distance of the Upstate. Always use extreme caution when wading and splashing. While you’ll often see other visitors climbing the waterfalls, venturing off the path is dangerous and can result in injury and even death. In addition to swift currents, slick rocks, and steep drops, other hazards include poison ivy, snakes, and ticks.

For swim advisories in South Carolina, see the SC DHEC site.

Be sure to check relevant websites for hours of operation and current safety information.

South Carolina Swimming Holes

Lake Keowee, Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Swimming is permitted in Lake Keowee, but there are no designated swimming areas within Keowee-Toxaway State Park, and no lifeguards. There is a small parking area down by the boat ramp where you could take a dip.

The better option, in our opinion, is to hike the Natural Bridge Trail loop and find a spot to cool down in Poe Creek. If you take the Raven Rock Trail, you can swim in the lake via various access points on the trail. There are a dozen small pools and rapids that are perfect for some water fun. Admission to this park is free.

Keowee-Toxaway State Park | 108 Residence Drive, Sunset, SC | 864.868.2605
Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes

You can also swim in Lake Keowee at High Falls County Park and South Cove County Park in Seneca. Both parks have a beach area, but there are no lifeguards on duty. There is a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. Mile Creek County Park is another great option with a small beach and a parking fee of $5. Cash recommended.

High Falls County Park | 671 High Falls Rd, Seneca, SC | 864.882.8234
Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes

South Cove County Park | 1031 S Cove Rd, Seneca, SC | 864.882.5250
Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes

Mile Creek County Park | 757 Keowee Baptist Church Road, Six Mile, SC
Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes

Lake Jocassee at Devil’s Fork State Park

Devil’s Fork State Park has a popular swimming spot in Lake Jocassee. A strip of beach with shallow water attracts a crowd on hot days. There are no lifeguards. Get there early as the parking lot fills up quickly, and then you have to wait to get into the park!
$8/adults, $4/kids 6-15, free/ages five and under

Devil’s Fork State Park | 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem, SC | 864.944.2639
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Lake Hartwell at Twelve Mile Recreation Area

For swimming on Lake Hartwell, head out to Twelve Mile Recreation Area. In addition to the sandy beach, you’ll find a playground, drinking water, and flush toilets.

Twelve Mile Park | 113 12 Mile Park Rd, Clemson, SC | 888.893.0678
Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes

Long Shoals Wayside Park

One of the top destinations in the Upstate for summer water fun is Long Shoals Wayside Park. Here, Little Eastatoe Creek flows through flat, gently sloping shoals to form a natural water slide, complete with plunge pool at the base.

You can bring a picnic and spend the entire day exploring. The facilities are very primitive, but do include a picnic area. Check SC DHEC for swim advisories.

Long Shoals Wayside Park | Just off Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway 11 between Table Rock and Lake Jocassee, Pickens, SC | 864.654.6738
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour

Wildcat Wayside

Wildcat Wayside is another popular spot. The pool beneath the 10-foot cascade can get pretty crowded during the weekends, but you can combine your visit with a trip to nearby Caesars Head or Table Rock State Parks for a full day of fun.

Wildcat Wayside | US 276/SC 11, Cleveland, SC
Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes

Riley Moore Falls, Sumter National Forest

In Sumter National Forest, you’ll find one of our favorite swimming holes, Riley Moore Falls. The huge pool, a large sandy beach with gradual entry, and the 50 feet wide waterfall make it a one-of-a-kind summer destination.

However, you’ll want to prepare for the hike to the falls. Bring a picnic and plenty of drinking water in addition to your swimsuits on the two-mile round trip hike. You’ll also need swimming shoes to protect your feet from litter and sharp rocks. If you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle, you may want to park on the gravel road and hike up the logging road instead of driving. It adds maybe another half mile to the hike.

Riley Moore Falls Trail | Westminster, SC | 864.638.9568
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Cedar Shoals Creek, Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

To the southeast of Greenville, is the 10-foot high Horseshoe Falls on Cedar Shoals Creek. This waterfall has long been popular with the locals as a picnic area and swimming hole. Part of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, the falls are just a short hike on a paved path from the parking area on Horseshoe Falls Road.

Musgrove Mill State Historic Site | 398 State Park Road, Clinton, SC | 864.938.0100
Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes

Chau Ram County Park

From sandy beaches to small rapids, Chau Ram County Park in Oconee County is a great destination for water adventures. There is a good swimming hole on Ramsey Creek at the bottom of Chau Ram falls. Swings and playground equipment provide a break from the water play.
$5/ per car

Chau Ram County Park | 1220 Chau Ram Park Road, Westminster, SC | 864.647.9286
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour,

Pleasant Ridge County Park

Pleasant Ridge County Park is better known for its bike trails, the but Leroy Smith Nature Trail offers easy access to Pleasant Ridge Falls, a great spot for splashing around.

Pleasant Ridge Park | 4232 Highway 11, Marietta, SC
Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes

Lake Placid, Paris Mountain State Park

The closest lake to Greenville with a public swimming area is Lake Placid in Paris Mountain State Park. Access to the swimming area at Lake Placid is included with the park entry fee. For hours, see the park website. Swimming is not allowed in any of the other three lakes in the park. You can rent kayaks here for a small fee.
$6/adults, $3.50/kids 6-15, free/children five and under

Paris Mountain State Park | 2401 State Park Road, Greenville, SC | 864.244.5565
Distance from Greenville: 0 minutes

Pinnacle Lake, Table Rock State Park

The Pinnacle Lake swimming area at Table Rock features a small sandy beach and picnic area. Kayaks and small boats are available to rent for a small fee. Wading is also allowed at your own risk in the Carrick Creek waterfall near the observation deck.
$6/adults, $3.50/kids 6-15, free/children five and under

Table Rock State Park | 158 Ellison Lane, Pickens, SC | 864.878.9813
Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes

Oconee State Park

A little further down Highway 11, Oconee State Park also has a designated swimming area available Memorial Day – Labor Day weekend.
$5/adults, $3.25/ages 6-15, free/children five and under

Oconee State Park | 624 State Park Road, Mountain Rest, SC | 864.638.5353
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Lake Greenwood State Park

South Carolina’s beautiful Lake Greenwood State Park has a gorgeous lake for swimming. There are also picnic benches. $3/adults, $1/kids 6-15, free/children five and under

Lake Greenwood State Park | 302 State Park Road, Ninety Six, SC | 864.543.3535
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Calhoun Falls State Park

Another SC State Park gem, is the small beach at Calhoun Falls State Park. Camping there is a lot of fun, and you can swim in the lake. $3/adults, $1/kids ages 6-15, free/children five and under

Calhoun Falls State Park | 46 Maintenance Shop Road, Calhoun Falls, SC | 864.447.8267
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Lake Murray

Lake Murray is near Columbia, SC. You’ll find a beach area with swimming, though no lifeguards. The area is roped off and relatively shallow. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day at the lake! A one-time use pass to the park requires an online reservation for $5 up to three weeks in advance.

Lake Murray | 1832-1834 North Lake Drive | Lexington, SC 29072
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 30 minutes

North Carolina Swimming Holes

The Quarry at Carrigan Farms

Enjoy a pool with natural, spring-fed water at Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, North Carolina. They have open swimming dates over the summer, and every person 12 and under gets a mandatory life vest. Water is 25-feet deep so adults can use life vests as well. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
Open swim prices range from $20-$30/person + $5 deposit made during reservations.

Carrigan Farms | 1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC | 704.664.1450
Distance from Greenville: 2 hours

Midnight Hole

Hike the three-mile round-trip trail to this emerald lagoon swimming hole. There’s lots of space to play in the water, but be careful around the slippery rocks. Midnight Hole is within Great Smoky Mountain National Park, so be sure to get your parking pass ($5/day or $15/week or $40/year). The crystal-clear water is worth it and is truly a gem. No dogs are allowed on trails in the park. Arrive early, as the swimming hole gets crowded.

Type in “Big Creek Trail” on your GPS. The trail head is in the Great Smoky Mountains in NC, right past Waynesville
Distance from Greenville: 2 hours

Graveyard Fields

Sounds like a strange name for a swimming hole, but don’t let that scare you. Graveyard Fields is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway and has everything you need, including paved parking and restrooms!

Mile marker 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Schoolhouse Falls

This swimming hole is awesome because you can walk behind the waterfall. Schoolhouse Falls is located in Panthertown Valley just north of Cashiers, North Carolina. The hike to the falls is 2.5 miles round trip and not very hard. It’s mostly downhill on the way there so the hike back is a little more difficult.

Park at Cold Mountain Gap in Panthertown Valley | (precise directions)
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Silver Run Falls

This hidden swimming hole in North Carolina near Cashiers is a little harder to find and is located in Nantahala National Forest. You have to pay attention to the road and look for a sign that says “Silver Run Falls”. The hike to the falls is around a quarter-mile and pretty easy. The waterfalls flow into a tranquil pool, perfect for smaller kids. Arrive early as the swimming hole and small parking area fills up quickly.

From Greenville on your way into the Sapphire Valley, head west on Hwy 64 towards Cashiers and turn left on Hwy 107.
Parking is about four miles on the left.
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Pines Recreation at Lake Glenville

Lake Glenville is a gorgeous mountain lake near Cashiers, NC. You can park at the beach at Pines Rec and swim in the lake there. It’s free to visit.

Address: 1965 Pine Creek Rd, Cullowhee, NC
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Sliding Rock in Cashiers

Not to be confused with the larger Sliding Rock in Pisgah Forest, the Sliding Rock in Cashiers, NC is smaller but just as fun. And it’s free! Plus, its only about an hour north of Greenville and about 10 minutes from the heart of Cashiers. You can pull off the side of the road, grab a towel, and hike the short distance to the big granite rock and take your chances by sliding down into the frigid water.

From Cashiers on Hwy 64, take Hwy 107 south and turn right onto Whiteside Cove Road.
Limited parking available in just under three miles.
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 25 minutes minutes

Gorges State Park

My kids love the Hidden Falls swimming area downstream from Rainbow Falls (never, ever swim above a waterfall) in Gorges State Park. The swimming hole is certainly hidden. It took me three tries to find it. It’s off a little, unmarked trail on the left, maybe an eighth of a mile before Rainbow Falls. If the water is high and fast, this one is not safe for swimming. Use common sense.

Gorges State Park | 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC | 828.966.9099
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 25 minutes

The Reedy River is not safe for swimming

However appealing the Reedy River may be on a hot day, it is not safe for swimming. Officials test bacteria levels regularly, and results from sections in Travelers Rest all the way through Mauldin to Waterloo are in excess of federal standards.

Despite its pleasant appearance, the Reedy River is contaminated with high concentrations of harmful bacteria that can cause serious infections to humans.

For these reasons, wading, swimming, and climbing on the rocks in Falls Park and Cedar Falls Park are prohibited. You would be smart to keep children and pets out of the river.

Something for everyone

Sandy beaches, natural sliding shoals, waterfall pools. It’s easy enough to stay out of the Reedy when you’ve got all these options! Whether you need a break from the sweltering humidity, are looking for a day trip with a cool-down at the end, or just want to take a refreshing dip without the chlorine, there’s something in Upstate SC and WNC for everyone.

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If you’re looking for more options, don’t miss our huge guide on Where to Cool Off, Splash, and Swim in Upstate, SC. It includes splash pads, water parks, and pools.

Did your favorite swimming hole make the list? If not, add it in the comments.