San Solomon Springs is a true desert oasis. Photograph courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Your cool escape awaits—in these swimming holes, spring-fed pools, lakes, waterfalls, rivers and hot springs from New Mexico east to Arkansas.
Texas
Big Bend Country
Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale
The roads and scenery are so great in the Big Bend Country that riders tend to stay on the road and don’t stop riding, but that’s a pity if it means missing Balmorhea State Park. With its towering cottonwoods and immense swimming pool filled with icy spring water, it’s a must-see and a must-swim. Find it: It’s right on the way between IH 10 and the mountains. You’ll find it 4 miles southwest of Balmorhea on TX 17.
The Post, Marathon
Swimming in Marathon? It’s possible! Down a dirt road, off-the-beaten path in Marathon is the old army post of Fort Peña Colorada (1879). The spring-fed lake set in the mountains is a popular place for locals to cool off and picnic. Find it: In the middle of town on US 90 take Post Road (not paved) south for 5 miles.
Hill Country
Llano River Park (Llano Badu Park), Llano
This is an easy-access daytrip dip. The Llano River runs through the north side of town and TX 71 crosses over the river just north of the square. In this swimming spot, the Llano River offers live water set within the limestone escarpments, next to the dam. Find it: 301 West Main – if you’re south of the TX 71 bridge take a left before the bridge on Main. If you’re north of the bridge then take a right after you cross the bridge.
Blanco State Park, Blanco
There’s access to the Blanco River off US 281 just south of the downtown square. A couple of bucks gets you in to instant refreshment in a gorgeous river setting. Find it: Park is located on the west side of US 281, four blocks south of the town square.
Hamilton Pool, Bee Cave
What makes Hamilton Pool such a treat is its unique setting; the pool is set in a oak-forested area within a geologic stair step with the creek pouring in from the level above. Maiden ferns hang from the rock walls as the water falls from the creek above into the pool. Two things to note: the park fills up during summer months and there’s a hike to get to the pool itself. Find it: On TX 71 west of Austin in Bee Cave take FM 3238 (Hamilton Pool Road) west 13 miles. The entrance will be on your right.
Frio River, Leakey
There’s always someone there enjoying the coolness of the Frio’s crystal clear flow. Find it: Head east from town on FM 337 about a half mile.
Piney Woods
Huntsville State Park, Huntsville
About an hour north of Houston, this park has a great “gator free” swimming hole. Find it: IH 45 south of Huntsville to Park Road 40
Atlanta State Park, Atlanta
Atlanta is a Piney Woods gem that doesn’t get the same attention as its sister town to the south, Jefferson. Atlanta State Park has a pleasant sandy beach swimming beach set on the shore of Lake Wright Patman. Find it: Take US 59 north from Atlanta, then take FM 96 west to FM 1154. Take FM 1154 two miles north to the park entrance.
Panhandle Plains
MacKenzie Reservoir (Tule Creek Lake), Silverton
Easy access off FM 207, MacKenzie Reservoir is municipal water supply for the area, so there’s only one swimming beach and it’s located down a dirt road that’s not always “passable” (look for signs). But in a region where there are few swimming holes, it’s a welcome respite. Bonus is that it’s set amidst dramatic red rock hills. Find it: About 7 miles north of Silverton on FM 207
Prairies & Lakes
Big Rocks Park, Glen Rose
Right outside of the motorcycle mecca of Glen Rose, Big Rocks Park is exactly as advertised, big boulders in the Paluxy River. Climb goat-like on the rocks or lurk among them in the water like a mock-pirahna waiting for your friends to swim by—it’s your day. A definite daytrip dipping highlight. Find it: On TX 144 just east of downtown Glen Rose
Lake Whitney State Park, Whitney
Lake swimming conveniently located near the DFW Metroplex but far enough away to be in a rural setting, Find it: IH 35 to the Hillsboro exit. In Hillsboro take TX 22 west to Whitney and follow the signs. Park is at the end of FM 1244.
Possum Kingdom State Park, Caddo
Perennial North Texas favorite and rightly so. Possum Kingdom Lake is set among the hills of the Rolling Plains near the famous FM 4 and TX 16, both great motorcycle roads. Find it: From US 180 in Caddo, take Park Road 33 north 17 miles.
Oklahoma
Turner Falls Park, Davis
A number of swimming holes, caves and two waterfalls make up this amazing swimming destination. Find it: Parks is about 125 miles north of Dallas. The short route is IH 35 north to the intersection with US 77 (north of Ardmore). Exit and head north on US 77 until you come to the park entrance on the left.
Arkansas
Albert Pike Recreation Area (Ouachita National Forest), Langley
Located in the Ouachita National Forest of Arkansas, the Albert Pike campground has one of the state’s best swimming holes. It’s located along the Little Missouri River (designated Wild & Scenic river). Look around, you’ll find the swimming hole. Entire area great to explore. Find it: From AR 84 in Langley, take AR 369 north.
Buffalo National River, Buffalo Point in Yellville
The Ozark Mountains dump their rain-catch into this National Scenic River that is popular with whitewater-lovers and nature seekers alike. There are many access points along the river, but Buffalo Point has the advantage of being part of the National Forest lands and has campground facilities on-site. Find it: In Yellville take AR 14 south for 14 miles then head east on AR 268 which dead-ends at Buffalo Point.
New Mexico
Blue Hole, Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa calls itself “The City of Natural Lakes” and that’s saying something for New Mexico, a famously arid state. The Blue Hole is deep at over 80 feet and cold at 64º F. Its clear waters draw serious divers from around the country to the desert of New Mexico. It’s a fascinating geological feature and offers “limited recreational swimming.” Find it: Santa Rosa is about 140 miles west of Amarillo on IH 40. From IH 40 exit US 54 west to Santa Rosa then south on Lake Drive and west on Blue Hole Road
Ojo Caliente, Ojo Caliente
Not so much a swimming hole, but natural hot springs, Ojo Caliente is a remote desert hot springs with all the spa extras. Different hot pools boast differing mineral content, including an arsenic pool which feels better than it sounds. If your bones are tired from a long ride from Santa Fe to Taos, Ojo Caliente is a great a place to stop and rejuvenate body and soul. Find it: About 50 miles north of Santa Fe on US 285.
[ Published: Jul 2011 ]
