Swimming Holes in Ohio

Ohio's swimming holes concentrate in the unglaciated Hocking Hills country in the southeast. The Hocking River drainage and the gorge systems of Logan have cold creek swimming below the sandstone cliffs, though most designated swimming is at lake beaches in state parks. The Grand Lake St. Marys reservoir and Caesar Creek Lake have state park beaches. The Scioto River and its tributaries in the hill country south of Columbus have informal swimming access in the more scenic stretches.

Always check current conditions before visiting — water levels, algae advisories, and access roads change seasonally. Never swim alone in remote sites. Tell someone your plans. Explore all swimming holes on the Trek4Free map →