Gorgeous Swimming Destinations In The Ozarks To Beat The Summer Heat

Escape the summer heat while exploring these breathtaking natural swimming holes and waterfalls in the Ozarks.

Buffalo Point River

KINGSTON, ARKANSAS

Established in 1972, Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. It is America’s First National River. This breathtaking swimming destination lies within the Ozark Mountains, surrounded by ancient rock bluffs and lush forest.

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

REYNOLDS COUNTY, MISSOURI

Looking for a unique destination? Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers ancient beauty.

The wilderness qualities and geology of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and the surrounding St. Francois Mountains make this park a special place to visit. Its rugged character provides the perfect backdrop for camping, hiking, picnicking, splashing in the shut-ins, exploring nature or just relaxing.

 Rocky Falls

WINONA, MISSOURI

Hidden in the forest, this gorgeous lesser-known swimming hole is a perfect summer destination. It has a beautiful waterfall and many other utilities including a walking trail, bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire grills.

Fugitive Beach

ROLLA, MISSOURI

Carved into the cliffs of a rock quarry, Fugitive Beach is a unique and popular swimming destination for locals and travelers alike.

This hidden oasis offers a variety of summer activities for all ages including a 60 foot water slide, cliff jumps, sand volleyball, a play area for children, pavilion rentals, changing rooms, and a beach bar and grill.

The Rhododendron spring blooms on top of Hawksbill Mountain at t

Kings River Falls Natural Area

MADISON COUNTY, ARKANSAS

Located in the Boston Mountains, Kings River Falls Trail is an scenic hike along the banks of the Kings River, eventually leading to a beautiful waterfall.

Long Pool Recreation Area

DOVER, ARKANSAS

Long Pool Recreation Area lies along beautiful Big Piney Creek and offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities: camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, fishing and hiking. A large natural pool, steep rock bluffs, and captivating forests are just a few examples of the natural beauty surrounding this recreation area.

Petit Jean State Park

KINGSTON, ARKANSAS

Petit Jean State Park is an Arkansas icon, a state natural and historic treasure that features the beauty and ancient geology of the surrounding mountains. Explore a variety of breathtaking scenery, including Cedar Creek Falls, a 95 foot waterfall in the forest, and “Blue Hole”, a popular swimming destination.

5 Trails In Arkansas That Lead To The Most Breathtaking Scenery

From serene ancient mountains to lush oak forests, Arkansas holds a pristine beauty that you can only witness while exploring these trails.

Whitaker Point Trail

KINGSTON, ARKANSAS

Radiant with wildflowers and a waterfall in the spring, and then graced with the crimson and amber foliage of turning maple leaves in the fall, this trail winds through some of the most beautiful scenery in the state.

This region was also featured in the opening scenes of the Disney film Tuck Everlasting.

Lost Valley Trail

PONCA, ARKANSAS

Lost Valley Trail leaves the parking area and gently winds up the box canyon passing beneath groves of American beech trees. The trail leads you to an turquoise-blue pool of water with an 8-ft waterfall flowing out of a small opening in the bluff, known as the Natural Bridge. The gem of the hike is Eden Falls. The picturesque Eden Falls cascades 53 ft over towering cliffs offering visitors a firsthand view of what the Ozark Mountains have to offer.

Wildflower and medicinal plant folklore enthusiasts will enjoy the trail immensely as it features a wide variety of species, including bloodroot, crested iris, columbine, mayapple, comfrey and Ozark trillium, just to name a few.

Centerpoint to Goat Trail

BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER, ARKANSAS

Breathtaking river bluffs combined with a world-class geologic experience makes this trail unique. This area also features the tallest sheer bluff face found between the Rocky and Appalachian mountains.

The trail’s destination is the Big Bluff overlooking the Buffalo River. It is considered the tallest along the Buffalo, over 500 ft. tall. The side trail that leads to an outcropping on the bluff is called the Goat Trail, which is about 350 ft tall. It is not for children, the weak, or those afraid of heights.

Pedestal Rocks Loop Trail

WITTS SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

Visitors can view picturesque rock bluffs, swim in crystal clear streams, and hike wooded hillsides. This scenic area consists of two hiking trails, Pedestal
Rocks and Kings Bluff. Pedestal Rocks is 2.2 -miles and Kings Bluff is 1.7-miles long. Although there are some steep sections, the trails are easy to hike with abundant resting places.

Triple Falls Trail

JASPER, ARKANSAS

Triple Falls is a simple hike along the trail on the north side of the creek that heads west from the parking to the 48 ft. tall falls, arguably the most scenic in Arkansas with this ease of accessibility.

It is a 0.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Jasper, Arkansas that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.