Swimming holes have always been loved by nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, they are like natural pools that give you an escape from the heat of summer. From rivers to waterfalls, the crystal-clear water of these swimming holes attracts people of all ages, now that summer is around the corner and everybody will be looking for places to swim.
In this article, we will share The 6 Best Swimming Holes Near Pittsburgh, PA, Each one has a gorgeous waterfall and crystal blue water. There are also some epic scenic overlooks and some of the best free camping in the state.
What is a Swimming Hole?
There is a lot of natural beauty around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It has lush forests, winding rivers, and beautiful parks, each with its hidden swimming spot, these hidden gems are known as swimming holes, which offers the chance to cool off while connecting with nature.
The 5 Best Swimming Holes Near Pittsburgh, PA
1. Meadow Run Natural Waterslides, Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
Meadow Run Natural Waterslides, located in Ohiopyle, PA, down the road from the falls at Ohiopyle Meadow Run, flows over several flat sheets of 300 million-year-old Homewood sandstone, this formation underlies much of the park and contains many plant fossils over the centuries the stream has worn a smooth shoot through a crack in the rock creating a natural water slide, and watch out the rocks can be slippery.
Access to the water slide is provided by wooden steps down to the stream from a parking area. This is a natural slide that was formed from the sandstones.
Location
| Location | Fayette County, Pennsylvania, USA |
|---|---|
| Distance from Pittsburgh | Approximately 70 miles southeast |
| Surroundings | Nestled in the Laurel Highlands, along the Youghiogheny River |
| Park Size | Over 20,000 acres of rugged wilderness |
| Address | Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470 |
You May Also Want To Read: Discovering Adventure and Beauty: The New River Gorge National Park
2. Jackson Falls Apollo, PA
Jackson Falls is located in the quiet town of Apollo, it is a town with the countryside full of amazing breathtaking views that will make you relax from the buzzing city life.
It consists on three falls – lower falls, middle falls, and upper falls. The water falls into a swimming hole that is around five feet deep, the whole area is covered with wood and full of wildlife.
The falls are located close to the Rock Furnace Trail, it is hard to find the fall if you are not familiar with the place, even though the main trail is not that far from the lower falls, but it can not be seen from there, you have to go through a small bridge to see it.
From the lower falls, you can go up to the middle falls, and then there are upper falls beyond that point.
Think of this place as a short excursion for the whole family away from the hustling crowd. It is nothing spectacular but feels therapeutic to sit by the stream, take in the beauty of the sparkling water, and listen to it splashing gently down the rocks, nature’s musical instrument.
Location
| Length | 3.2 miles (out-and-back) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderately challenging |
| Average Time | Approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes |
| Accessibility | Open year-round |
| Address | 930 Brownstown Rd, Apollo PA 15613 |
3. Blue Hole in Jacob’s Creek
Blue Hole is very popular among visitors in Pittsburgh, it is located in Perryopolis PA, part of Jacob’s Creek. There is a natural diving board with a rock overlooking the waterfall.
This is a natural swimming hole known for its deep crystal-clear water, this serene pool offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat, that is surrounded by lush green trees.
The blue hole is a very small waterfall but it has a huge jump into the deep swimming hole. It is a popular spot for swimmers but because of the dangerous conditions, there is a warning to visit to go on this place from the authorities. So whenever you visit you need to be extremely careful.
To get there, park in the gravel area under the train bridge, near the entrance to the gun club (Tri-Town Sportsman Association). Then walk the train tracks until you hear the falls – and you’ll see trails to your left when you hear the falls to take you down, then walk for almost 100 yards from the second train bridge.
4. Kennedy’s Mill
This is not a very popular place, and is not visited by many people, a neighbor of McConnell’s Mill State Park. This is kind of an underrated swimming hole area.
This place is like the hidden gem next door to McConnell’s Mill State Park, and it’s become one of my favorite spots to get away in nature. The ABC Trail is full of big rocks and narrow canyons to explore. After a sweaty hike, you can cool off in the clear, fast-moving water. There are lots of big rocks around that create calm, deep pools. And they’re perfect for lounging in the sun and taking in the summer vibes!
Right after you pass the bridge over Frew Falls, find a small gravel spot next to the road by the woods. There aren’t any signs for parking or the trail, so keep an eye out. Once you park, hop over the guardrail and follow the ABC Frew Mill Trail along the creek. Less than a mile down the trail, you’ll find a small beach area with a rock island in the middle of the creek. It’s a perfect spot for swimming!
Location
| Location | 3956 Frew Mill Rd, New Castle, PA 16101 |
|---|---|
| Address | 3956 Frew Mill Rd |
| New Castle, PA 16101 |
5. Salt Springs State Park, PA
Salt Springs is a home of 3 superb waterfalls on the aptly-named Fall Brook in Susquehanna County. These falls were Created by glaciers more than 18,000 years ago, this is a fun hiking destination.
The first fall was less than 100 yards away. The falls is easy to climb because of its natural steps. If you’re not comfortable with climbing, take the marked trails along the river. All three falls are less than half a mile from the parking lot.
If you want to have the best view of the fall you should hike along the Fall Brook Trail, this trail has amazing views of the falls, to return to the parking you can take a loop through the Hemlock trail which is about 0.5 miles.
When you go up to the Fall Brook Trail, you will see the first waterfall which is the lowest one.
To go up to the next waterfall I will recommend you to stay around the left side of the fall. The second fall is very similar to the first one. To go to the third and last fall of the Fall Brook, keep going upstream from the left side and you will be surprised that the third fall is the shortest one. I don’t suggest getting in the water or walking on the unmarked trails next to it during high water.
If you decide to use GPS, I’d suggest downloading a map of the area beforehand. The road leading to the park might also be difficult to navigate during adverse weather. The roads inside the park are gravel. You’ll find multiple picnic areas throughout the park, some with grills. There is a main pit bathroom at the parking lot. Hunting, fishing, and camping are allowed. The waters are stocked with trout.
A charming isolated Pennsylvania State Park containing forests, fields, and waterfalls, Salt Springs State Park is a beautiful example of the diversity of Penn’s Woods.
Location
| Location | Intersection of Route 29 and Silver Creek Road |
|---|---|
| Directions | Turn left on Silver Creek Road and proceed 1 mile to the |
| park entrance on Salt Springs Road | |
| Park Size | Entire Park: 842 acres |
| Fall Brook | Natural Area: 34 acres |
6. Rock Falls, Slippery Rock, PA
Slippery Rock attracts thousands of visitors each year and is one of the beautiful places in western Pennsylvania. The brick and rock sidewalks complement storefronts.
Rock Falls is a swimming hole with very slippery rocks. When low water flows over smooth rocks the rocks got structured, It is a perfect place for sunbathing or sliding into the shallow water, there is always a pool for swimming and fishing.
Rock Falls is a swimming hole with very slippery rocks.When low water flows over smooth rocks the rocks got structured, It is a perfect place for sunbathing or sliding into the shallow water, there is always a pool for swimming and fishing.
Location
| Location | Slippery Rock, PA |
|---|---|
| Address | Stoughton Beach Road |
| Slippery Rock, PA 16057 |
Final Thoughts
Pittsburgh, PA is a beautiful place, there is a lot to explore, and so many activities for summer. We have shared The 6 Best Swimming holidays near Pittsburgh, PA, including Meadow Run Natural Waterslides, Rock Falls, Slippery Rock, PA, Salt Springs State Park, PA, and Jackson Falls Apollo, PA. We recommend that do your research before you visit any of the places.
FAQs
Where do people swim in Pittsburgh?
There are a lot of swimming holes where people love to swim such as, Meadow Run Natural Waterslides Rock Falls
Slippery Rock, PA
Salt Springs State Park, PA
Jackson Falls Apollo, PA.
Kennedy’s Mill
Can you swim in Ohiopyle?
Yes, there are five waterfalls in Ohiopyle State Park, including Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls. Swimming is allowed in designated areas of Ohiopyle State Park, including the Youghiogheny River.