See a SLIDESHOW of swimming hole photos in this state.
Please send us E-MAIL if
you have a swimming hole to add or if you have more information about one that is already
listed. Thank you.
This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
ABBIE CREEK PARK
(ABBI)
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TOWNS | DOTHAN, COLUMBIA, ABBEVILLE |
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| LAT LON : | lat=31.412239, lon=-85.079503(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP |
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STATE | AL |
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WATER | Chattahoochee River |
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TYPE | River |
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DESCRIPTION | It is hard to find a safe place to swim in the Chattahoochee in this area; the currents are swift and access is infrequent. At Abbie Creek Park, there is a boat ramp into Abbie Creek just where it empties into the Chattahoochee. One can swim at the foot of the boat ramp where there is little current. |
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AREAS | Abbie Creek Park |
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SANCTION | Unofficial |
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FEE | None |
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FACILITIES |
None |
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ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
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PHONE | None |
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CAMPING | None at site. Blue Springs S.P. and Lakepoint State Resort Park are both not too far from here and have camping. |
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BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
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DIRECTIONS | From Dothan, go about 20 mi northeast on RT 52 to Columbia. Then north on RT 95 and follow signs to Abbie Creek Park. (This is in the southeast corner of AL.) |
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
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VERIFIED | Yes |
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DATE UPDATED | 5/7/2000 |
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
BLUE POND
(BLUP)
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TOWNS | ANDALUSIA, CAROLINA |
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| LAT, LON | lat=31.1125, lon=-86.55278(source:Topozone) (accuracy:exact)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP |
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STATE | AL |
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WATER | Blue Pond |
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TYPE | Spring |
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DESCRIPTION | A clear, cool spring-fed pond in a Conecuh National Forest Recreation Area with sandy beach and (perhaps) lifeguards in season? Hiking trails and camping nearby. |
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AREAS | Conecuh National Forest Recreation Area |
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SANCTION | Official |
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FEE | Unknown |
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FACILITIES |
Unknown |
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ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
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PHONE | Unknown |
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CAMPING | Nearby at the Open Pond Recreation Area |
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BATHING SUITS | Required |
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DIRECTIONS | From Andalusia (in south central AL) go south on RT 29/15 toward the Conecuh N. F.. Turn south (left) on RT 137 near the entrance to the N.F.. After about 5-6 miles, look for signs to the Blue Pond Recreation Area on the east (left) side of RT 137. THe swimming place is in Blue Pond. |
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
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VERIFIED | No |
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DATE UPDATED | 2/20/2003 |
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
BLUE SPRINGS S. P.
(BLUE)
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TOWNS | DOTHAN, CLIO
|
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| LAT LON | lat=31.66158, lon=-85.50742(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP |
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STATE | AL |
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WATER | Blue Spring |
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TYPE | Spring |
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DESCRIPTION | A clear, cool spring is led into a concrete-sided pool with a natural
bottom. This from a visitor in 2007:"The spring area is divided into two sections, the upper & lower sections. The upper section is between 4 to 20ft.deep and the lower section is 3.5ft. to 5ft. deep. There is a nice clean wading area where it flows to the river that is about 2ft. deep for small children."
Very nice water and swimming. The spring empties immediately into the Choctawatchee River but there is no apparent swimming place in the river itself. Blue Springs is very similar to some springs in Florida, like DeLeon or Juniper Springs. |
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AREAS | Blue Springs State Park |
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SANCTION | Official |
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FEE | $3.00 per person (2007). |
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FACILITIES |
Full facilities in State Park |
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ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
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PHONE | (334)397-4875 (State Park) |
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CAMPING | At site (334)397-4875 |
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BATHING SUITS | Required |
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DIRECTIONS | From Dothan, take RT 431 N to Abbeville, then RT 10 NW to Blue
Springs S. P.. (There was a detour on RT 10 in 5/2000, a bridge is out- this adds about 8 miles to
the distance.) |
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
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VERIFIED | Yes |
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DATE UPDATED | 5/16/2000 |
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
CAHABA RIVER AREA
[2 PLACES]
(CAHA)
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TOWNS | BIRMINGHAM |
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STATE | AL |
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WATER | Cahaba River |
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TYPE | River |
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DESCRIPTION | Several swimming place in the Cahaba River not far from Birmingham. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
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AREAS | Unknown |
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SANCTION | Unofficial |
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FEE | Varies - see below |
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FACILITIES |
Unknown |
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ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Rope swing, tubing |
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PHONE | Varies - see below |
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CAMPING | Commercial camping along river at Limestone Park. |
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BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
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DIRECTIONS | Directions below are from Birmingham:
GRANTS MILL RD [GRAN]: Swimming place with rope swing in Cahaba River in Irondale, just east of Birmingham. YOUTUBE . To get here from Birmingham, go east on I-20 to Exit 133 then take Grants Mill Rd. east for about 5 miles to the bridge over the Cahaba River. The swimming place is here near the bridge. No better directions. LAT, LON lat=33.51149, lon=-86.65260(source: Map) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 3/2013.
LIMESTONE PARK [LIME]: This from a visitor: "Huge college kid hang out. There is a rental place there and they rent tubes mostly but they have an extra long canoe trip too. The camping is set next to a bend in the Cahaba river where a small waterfall sends everyone off there tubes. The water is cold year round but you just stick your cooler in a tube and after a few sandbar stops you don't even notice it." Phone for rental and camping place: 205-926-9672. To get here from Birmingham, go south on I-65 for about 23 miles then take Exit 238 toward Alabaster. Take RT 119 south about 12 miles then turn right onto RT 25. Go about 8 miles then turn right onto Bulldog Bend Rd. Go 2 miles then turn right onto Cahaba Valley Rd and keep left onto Limestone Pkwy and go about 1 mile to the river. LAT, LON lat=33.05350, lon=-86.99666(source: Map) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 3/2013.
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CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
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VERIFIED | No |
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DATE UPDATED | 3/2013 |
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
CHATTAHOOCHEE S. P.
(CHAT)
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TOWNS | DOTHAN, GORDON |
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| LAT LON | lat=31.00478, lon=-85.03464(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP |
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STATE | AL |
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WATER | Unknown |
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TYPE | Lake |
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DESCRIPTION | Swim from a boat dock in a picturesque, small lake. (Be careful-
may be alligators present). |
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AREAS | Chattahoochee State Park |
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SANCTION | Unofficial |
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FEE | None |
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FACILITIES |
Full facilities in State Park |
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ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
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PHONE | (354)522-3607(State Park) |
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CAMPING | At site (354)522-3607 |
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BATHING SUITS | Required |
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DIRECTIONS | From Dothan, 26 mi southeast on RT 84 then south on RT 95 to the state park. (This is in the extreme southeast corner of AL.) When you enter the park, go to the right and over a
small dam. There is a boat ramp and a wooden dock. Swim from the dock. (Be careful-there may be alligators present.) |
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
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VERIFIED | Yes |
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DATE UPDATED | 5/7/2000 |
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
CHEAHA AREA
[3 PLACES]
(CHEA)
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|
TOWNS | BIRMINGHAM, ANNISTON, TALLADEGA |
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| LAT LON | lat=33.468, lon=-85.883(source: Topozone) (accuracy:general area)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP |
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STATE | AL |
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WATER | Cheaha Creek/ High Falls Branch |
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TYPE | Falls/River |
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DESCRIPTION | Several swimming holes in pools at the bottom of falls in the Talladega N. F. near Cheaha Mountain. For details, see "directions" below. |
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AREAS | Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area, Talladega N. F., Cheaha State Park. |
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SANCTION | Unofficial |
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FEE | None |
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FACILITIES |
Cheaha State Park is very nearby and has all facilities. |
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ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
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PHONE | None |
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CAMPING | At Talladega Campground (NF) also at Cheaha State Park |
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BATHING SUITS | Possibly optional; some places are very isolated, see descriptions |
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DIRECTIONS | From Birmingham, take I-21 east just past Anniston then Rt 431 south at exit 191. Take RT 431 south a short way then turn south (right) on RT 281, the Cheaha Skyway. Follow this very scenic drive south toward Cheaha State Park until where RT 49 goes off to the left. Then:
DEVILS DEN FALLS [DEVI]: Continue south on RT 281 to just past the Cheaha State Park camping area where a road goes off to the right marked Anniston and Talladega. Set odometer. Take this road a total of 3 miles, past the little State Park swimming lake (a nice-looking swimming place with diving platforms) and continue until at 3 miles you come to a road on the left (south) marked either "Talladega campground" or "Lake Chinnabee". Take this road down to the day use parking area on the left (a nice small campground is just a bit further ahead on the small lake). From the parking area, take the trail that goes upstream along Cheaha Creek. Follow this trail as it parallels Cheaha Creek and stay on it as the Lake Chinnabee Loop Trail goes off to the right and then the Skyway Loop Trail also goes off to the right (both of which immediately cross the Cheaha Creek; don't cross the creek.) The trail will go uphill then over an elevated wooden observation walk where you can see Devil's Den Falls below. Continue a bit further, then, at about .5 miles from the trailhead, it will come down to Devil's Den Falls with a very large and deep pool to swim in at the bottom (swim all summer, even in dry times). PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO . LAT, LON (drive to) lat=33.4591, lon=-85.8738(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. LAT, LON (hike to) lat=33.4563, lon=-85.8679(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Verified, 10/08. Very confident. Updated 10/08.
CHEAHA FALLS [CHEF]: Continue on the above trail to about 3 miles from the trailhead where it gets to the Cheaha Falls Shelter. Go past the shelter and downhill to the creek, wade across it here and go downstream from here to a number of waterfalls, including Cheaha Falls, which has a large swimming pool at the bottom. LAT, LON (drive to) lat=33.4591, lon=-85.8738(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. LAT, LON (hike to) lat=33.4525, lon= -85.8738(source: web site) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 10/08.
HIGH FALLS CHEAHA [HIGC]: (This is a different place from High Falls Park at Grove Oak in Northeast Alabama near Guntersville, listed below, which is a spectacular swimming hole.) To get here, from the intersection of RT 281 and RT 49 (above, before you get to the state park) turn left on RT 49 (set odometer). Take RT 49 south about 6 miles then turn right (southwest) on County Rd. 31 (toward Pyriton) and go about 4.5 miles then turn right (west) on Clairmount Springs Rd.. In a little over 1 mile, turn right (north) on High Falls Dr./High Falls Trail. Go up this road a short way to the High Falls Park. (no specific directions to the falls). Mostly just a pretty wading place, no deep swimming holes. LAT, LON (drive to) lat=33.37197, lon=-85.84159 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 6/2011. (There is also a popular hiking trail, Odum Trail, which begins up on RT 281, Cheaha Skyway, and goes down this gorge to the falls.)
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CONFIDENCE | See above |
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VERIFIED | No |
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DATE UPDATED | 6/2011 |
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
CHEWACLA S. P.
(CHEW)
|
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TOWNS | MONTGOMERY, AUBURN |
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| LAT LON | lat=32.54861, lon=-85.47843(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP |
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STATE | AL |
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WATER | Chewacla Creek |
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TYPE | Creek/Falls |
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DESCRIPTION | Swim in
Chewacla State Park at the lower falls hole (the park also has an official lake swimming beach.). Perfect depth and size, about 6 feet deep, where two streams meet. About 10 yards across and maybe 30 yards long. Average depth is about knee high (2 feet maybe?) with a deeper hole going down to about 6 feet. Perfect place to take the dogs and let 'em play fetch and swim. |
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AREAS | Chewacla State Park (124 Shell Toomer Pkwy., Auburn, AL 36830) |
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SANCTION | Unofficial in creek (also official lake swimming) |
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FEE | Unknown |
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FACILITIES |
Unknown |
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ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
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PHONE | 334-887-5621 (park) |
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CAMPING | Developed camping at site |
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BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
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DIRECTIONS | From Montgomery take I-85 east to exit 51 then RT 29 (S. College St.) south. In a very short distance, turn east (left) on RT 863 (Shell Toomer Pkwy) then south (right) on RT 159 (Wrights Mill Rd.). This road goes along the west side of the lake then turns sharply to the east (left) below the lake. It appears to jog slightly to cross the creek then, where it turns sharply south (right) again park somewhere near here and walk north through woods to the creek and falls and swimming hole at the lower falls hole. |
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CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
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VERIFIED | No |
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|
DATE UPDATED | 1/23/2008 |
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
CHICKASABOGUE PARK
(CHIC)
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TOWNS | MOBILE, CHICKASAW |
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| LAT LON | lat=30.78269, lon=-88.10261(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP |
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STATE | AL |
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WATER | Chickasaw Creek (?) |
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TYPE | Creek |
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DESCRIPTION | The following description thanks to R. Jones, Parks & Wildlife Manager, Mobile County: "Chickasabogue Park is a 1200 acre Mobile County, Al outdoor recreation
facility with a very nice cold, clear but dark water stream (tannic color) with sugar white sand bars. It is one of the few streams in this part of the state that remain cool and refreshing even in the dog days of summer. There is a roped off swim area popular with locals in the summer and large white sand bars upstream and downstream from there reachable by canoe or boat for a more private swimming experience. The Park rents canoes for $5 per hour and $20 all day." |
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AREAS | Chickasabogue Park |
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SANCTION | Official |
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FEE | $1.00 admission |
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FACILITIES |
Full facilities |
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ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
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PHONE | 251-574-2267 |
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CAMPING | At site |
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BATHING SUITS | Required |
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DIRECTIONS | From Mobile, go north a few miles on I-65 to exit 13. Follow signs to the park. |
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
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VERIFIED | Verified by operator |
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DATE UPDATED | 6/3/2008 |
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
COLDWATER CREEK PARK
(COLD)
|
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TOWNS | BIRMINGHAM, ANNISTON, OXFORD |
|---|
| LAT LON | lat=33.59678, lon=-85.92356 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP |
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STATE | AL |
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WATER | Coldwater Creek |
|---|
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TYPE | Creek |
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DESCRIPTION | Long time swimming hole that has been turned into a public park where people regularly still play in the creek. Mostly very shallow, deeper near the bridge. Lots of families hang out here. |
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AREAS | Coldwater Creek Park |
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SANCTION | Official |
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FEE | Unknown |
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FACILITIES |
Unknown |
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ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
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PHONE | Unknown |
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CAMPING | None at site |
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BATHING SUITS | Required |
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DIRECTIONS | From Birmingham, go east on I-20 to exit 179 (Coldwater Creek) then go north to RT 78. Turn right onto RT 78 and take the first left (Scott Drive) down into the park's parking lot. The swimming hole is between Cecil Drive and RT 78. Very public. |
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
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VERIFIED | No |
|---|
|
DATE UPDATED | 1/23/2008 |
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
DESOTO S. P.
(DESO)
|
|
TOWNS | ANNISTON, GADSDEN, CHATTANOOGA
(TN) |
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| LAT LON | lat=34.54892, lon=-85.59142(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP |
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STATE | AL |
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WATER | West Fork Little River |
|---|
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TYPE | River |
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DESCRIPTION | Desoto State Park is a "resort" park, with lodge, restaurant and
other amenities. Nearby is Desoto Falls, which are awesome, with a huge pool at the bottom of
the falls but no apparent easy way to get to the bottom and no apparent safe place to swim.
However, behind the State Park lodge, there is a network of trails that lead quickly down to the
West Fork Little River and there are several nice swimming places here with large flat rocks to
sun on and swim from. To get there, follow the "white" trail behind the lodge, down to the
"yellow" trail which goes along the river. Follow the river upstream and look for large, flat ricks
with deep places in the river below.
|
|---|
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AREAS | Desoto State Resort Park |
|---|
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SANCTION | Unofficial |
|---|
|
FEE | None |
|---|
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FACILITIES |
Full facilities at the lodge. |
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ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
|---|
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PHONE | (205)845-0051 (State Park) |
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CAMPING | At site (205)845-5075 |
|---|
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BATHING SUITS | Customary |
|---|
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DIRECTIONS | From Gadsden, I-59 NE about 35 mi to Ft. Payne. From Ft. Payne,
follow RT 35 east to the top of Lookout Mtn. Then north (left) on RT 89 to Desoto
S.P.. See area map.
|
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
|---|
|
VERIFIED | Yes |
|---|
|
DATE UPDATED | 5/15/2000 |
|---|
|
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
GUNTERSVILLE AREA
[2 PLACES]
(GUNA)
|
|
TOWNS | FORT PAYNE, GUNTERSVILLE, GERALDINE, ALBERTVILLE |
|---|
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STATE | AL |
|---|
|
WATER | Varies - see below |
|---|
|
TYPE | Varies - see below |
|---|
|
DESCRIPTION | |
|---|
|
AREAS | Varies - see below |
|---|
|
SANCTION | Unofficial |
|---|
|
FEE | Unknown |
|---|
|
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
|---|
|
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping |
|---|
|
PHONE | Unknown |
|---|
|
CAMPING | No camping at sites |
|---|
| BATHING SUITS | Customary |
|---|
| DIRECTIONS | From Birmingham take I-59 north to Exit 205. Take RT 68 west to Crossville, then
HIGH FALLS PARK [HIGF]: Falls in Town Creek. This report from a visitor in 2010: "It was incredible! There is a very shallow area at the top when you first get into the park that's good to wade around in...it's good for kids/family, I'd say. That creek then spills over onto the rocks that create the falls. There is a beautiful, naturally formed stone bridge that people jump from (about 20-30 feet high). I think the water level was somewhat low as most of the places on the rocks where water would cascade over were dry so there was just the one BIG fall and then a few other little ones."
"There is a rock walkway (carved from the falls) that you have to walk down if you don't want to jump to get down. The rocks can be a bit dangerous if they're slippery, people need to be wary of that. Below the falls is gorgeous, and the swimming is great! The swimming hole is plenty deep in most places, just got to be wary of jumping too close to the shore where it is more shallow. The cliff jumping is what makes this place special and fun, in my opinion. The jumps range from about 5 ft to 42 or so feet. Here's some YOUTUBE we took". LINK TO INFO AND PHOTOS. From Crossville (above) take RT 227 north through Geraldine and follow the signs to High Falls Park where RT 227 crosses Town Creek. LAT, LON lat= 34.39073, lon=-86.01836(source: Map) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 3/2013.
OLD RED MILL [OLDR]: Swimming and jumping place near old mill in creek. YOUTUBE . DO NOT SWIM HERE IF WATER FLOW IS HIGH. To get here from Crossville (above), continue west on RT 68 about 10 miles then continue onto Co Rd 414/Hustleville Rd and go about 1.5 mi then turn right onto Co Rd 409/Martling Rd and go about 1.2 miles to Old Red Mill near where Martling Rd. crosses 2 creeks. LAT, LON lat= 34.3264, lon=-86.1618(source: Map) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 3/2013.
|
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|
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
|---|
|
VERIFIED | No |
|---|
|
DATE UPDATED | 3/2013 |
|---|
|
|---|
This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
LITTLE RIVER CANYON AREA
[6 PLACES]
(LITT)
|
|
TOWNS | CHATTANOOGA (TN), FT. PAYNE (AL)
(TN) |
|---|
|
STATE | AL |
|---|
|
WATER | Little River |
|---|
|
TYPE | River |
|---|
|
DESCRIPTION | Little River Canyon is one of the deepest gorges East of
the Mississippi. It is very beautiful but hiking trails are not yet well developed. Much of the canyon is very hard to access. You can drive the 22 mi scenic road (RT 176) along the west rim of the canyon and, while there are several viewpoints, the road is very high above the river and there are few apparent points to hike down. See "directions" below for several swimming places.
Here's an email we got in 8/02 "My friend and I just went to the Little River Canyon gorge in Alabama, and swam in three places named in your reviews. It was WONDERFUL!! In the southernmost one, we had 3 kids for company. In the Lower 2-Mile one, we had opportunity to skinny dip. We also had some little fish for playmates when we were just sitting on a rock, dangling our feet. What a blast! And you can swim up under the actual waterfall (once you get to it) when the water is low in summer. "
NOTE: Swimming anywhere in Little River is NOT SAFE at high water levels - use caution and do not swim if water levels are high.
|
|---|
|
AREAS | Little River Canyon National Preserve (Nat'l Park
Service) |
|---|
|
SANCTION | Unofficial |
|---|
|
FEE | None |
|---|
|
FACILITIES |
Toilets at parking area near Little River Falls and at Canyon Mouth Park. |
|---|
|
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
|---|
|
PHONE | None |
|---|
|
CAMPING | Nearby at Desoto S.P. (205)845-5075 |
|---|
|
BATHING SUITS | Possibly optional; some places are very isolated, see above descriptions |
|---|
|
DIRECTIONS | From Gadsden, take I-59 northeast about 35 mi to Ft. Payne. From Ft. Payne,
follow RT 35 east to signs for Little River Canyon. (See local area map for details). Some possible swimming places are (in order from North to South in gorge):
LITTLE RIVER FALLS [LITF]: (See local area map) The falls are spectacular and beautiful and you can swim at the bottom WHEN WATER LEVELS ARE LOW! Park at the falls parking area off RT 35 and follow the paved walkway to a well travelled trail on the left. The trail leads to the bottom of the falls. LITTLE RIVER FALLS PHOTO , SWIMMING AT LITTLE RIVER FALLS . LAT, LON lat=34.3950, lon=-85.627(source: Topozone) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. (If the kids just want to play in the water where it is not very deep and there is no hike, from the main parking lot at the falls, take the walk down to the falls and walk up the river a safe distance from falls. Alternatively, from the over flow parking lot on the other side of the road, follow signs that say “to falls” and when you get under the bridge that is the area.) Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/29/2008.
HIPPIE HOLE [HIPP]: (See local area map) This description by a visitor:" A swimming place known by locals as the Hippie Hole. Leaving the Little River Canyon Falls parking area turn right and just up the road on the right is another gravel parking area. Park there and follow the gravel trail which will lead to a rock path that ends at the Hippie Hole. The gravel trail is approximately 1/4 mile and then the rock path down to the hole is about 200 yds... It took us about twenty minutes to get there from the car. It was a bit difficult to hike back out but the swimming was awesome. Plenty of spots to jump... "
This from a visitor in 2008:"Directions were right on. The swimming is great. Plenty of people, but also plenty of space to lay out and swim. There are 3 places to jump, a 7’ jump, a 12’ jump and the main cliff in the photo is 20-25”.Watch the locals before jumping or swimming. High water levels are very dangerous here. The 200 yd. hill when leaving will have you panting for air. I don’t recommend this place for children under 10." PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO , YOUTUBE . LAT, LON lat=34.38942, lon=-85.62139(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/29/2008.
UPPER HOLE [UPPE]: (See local area map) This description by a visitor in 8/2008: "There is a spot on the other side of the road (across from Hippie Hole) with a rope swing and no difficult hills. (This is above the falls.) This spot is great for anyone that can not climb the hills. PHOTO . The directions are, leaving the main (paved) parking area from Little River Canyon Falls make a right and go for about a ¼ mile. Watch for a dirt road on the LEFT that cuts back to the left at a sharp angle. Take this road about 200 yds. to a small parking area at the dead end. The river is right there with the rope swing. (If you get to the big gravel parking lot on the right for Hippie Hole, you just passed it up.) When water levels are low in later summer, the river above the main falls is a great place for young children to splash and play. The river is very wide with many small shallow pools. There were many couples with young children here in Aug. 08." LAT, LON lat=34.395306, lon=-85.621186(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 10/2008.
LOWER TWO MILE [LOWE]: (See local area map) About 3.1 miles from the north end of the canyon rim parkway (RT 176), you will see a small pull out (partially hidden due to a sharp curve in the road, and easy to miss) and sign. The sign says "Lower two-mile" and gives boating advice. This is apparently a canoe put-in, although the trail, which begins at the sign, is very primitive, very steep and takes about 30 minutes to descend (and is quite a climb back up!) (There is an overlook just a short way by car further up the canyon and you can look over and see how far down you will be hiking.) Follow this trail to the river and there is a huge, deep swimming place, with a sandy beach and large rocks to sun on. You may well have this place all to yourself and bathing suits may well be optional here. LAT, LON lat=34.36397, lon=-85.65264(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
LOWER TWO MILE PHOTO. Very confident. Verified. Updated 1/29/2008
EBERHART POINT [EBER]: (See local area map) A few miles from the south end of the canyon rim parkway (RT176), you will see a major pull out and sign. The sign says
"Eberhart Point" and has pictures of the river below. There is a trail which begins here and goes down to the river and there are apparently swimming places there. LAT, LON lat=34.34997, lon=-85.67297(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
Unknown how long or strenuous this trail is. Pretty confident. Partially verified. Updated 1/29/2008
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CANYON MOUTH PARK [CANY]: (See local area map) There is a park, with rest rooms and picnic tables and boat ramp, at the south end of the Little River Canyon, called
Canyon Mouth Park. Here the Little River emerges from the canyon and there is a large, deep,
clear swimming place, easily accessed and with sandy bottom. It is very near where RT 15/273
meets the canyon rim parkway (RT176). LAT, LON lat=34.28814, lon=-85.68161(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
CANYON MOUTH PARK PHOTO. Very confident. Verified. Updated 1/29/2008. |
Family-Friendly
Walden's Pond |
| CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
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VERIFIED | Partially - see above |
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DATE UPDATED | 1/28/2008 |
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
NICOL PARK
(NICO)
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TOWNS | TUSCALOOSA, NORTHPORT |
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| LAT LON : | lat=33.307376, lon=-87.478482 (source: Google map) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP |
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STATE | AL |
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WATER | Lake Nicol/Lake Tuscaloosa |
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TYPE | Lake |
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DESCRIPTION | Jumping and swimming place from bluffs alongside of lake. |
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| AREAS | Nicol Park |
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SANCTION | Unofficial |
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FEE | None |
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FACILITIES |
Unknown |
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ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping |
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PHONE | None |
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CAMPING | None at site. |
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BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
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DIRECTIONS | From I-59/20 at Tuscaloosa, take Exit 73 and go north on RT-6/McFarland Blvd for 3.9 mi (cross river) then go right on Rice Mine Rd.. Stay on Rice Mine Rd then continue onto Lake Nicol Rd. then turn right on Old Watermelon Rd. then turn right on Nicol Park Rd.. This from a visitor: "When you go through the park gate, the road splits and to get to the cliffs stay to the right on a dirt road. It ends in a cul de sac where people park and put in kayaks, etc. There is a little walkway to a island with a picnic table, CUTE! There is a gated service road to the west that goes up a huge hill. Follow the road and any rocky spot along the path is good for jumping off. The best one is about a ten minute walk around the top of the cliffs. Hiking is treacherous but worth it if you are able."
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CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
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VERIFIED | No |
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DATE UPDATED | 10/27/2008 |
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
SIPSEY RIVER AREA
[2 PLACES]
(SIPS)
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TOWNS | HUNTSVILLE, DECATUR, FLORENCE |
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| LAT LON | lat=34.28300, lon=-87.39683(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP |
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STATE | AL |
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WATER | Varies -see below |
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TYPE | River/Falls |
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DESCRIPTION | Several swimming places in the Sipsey River area of the Bankhead N.F.. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
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AREAS | Bankhead N.F., Sipsey River Wilderness |
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SANCTION | Unofficial |
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FEE | None |
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FACILITIES |
None |
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ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping, SLiding (check for safety first) |
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PHONE | Unknown |
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CAMPING | Unknown |
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BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
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DIRECTIONS | From Decatur, go southwest on RT 24 to RT 33. Go south on RT 33 into the Bankhead N.F.. At CR6 (or CR60)(Cranal Rd.?), turn west (right) and continue to the Sipsey Recreation Area then:
SIPSEY RIVER [SIPR]: The Sipsey River is Alabama's only Wild and Scenic River.
It has numerous popular swimming holes in the Sipsey Wilderness Area. Places to jump from
large boulders into river. Jumping (check for safety first). To get here: At the Sipsey Recreation Area (above) turn left into a parking area with an iron bridge over the Sipsey River. The swimming places are here. LAT LON lat=34.28300, lon=-87.39683(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP> Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/2008.
KINLOCK FALLS [KINL]: Swimming places and sliding possibilities at multi-level, cascade-type waterfall. Picnic area also. WEB INFO , PHOTO , MORE WEB INFO. CAUTION: There are hidden deep places here and swift currents, be very careful with children here - lifejackets recommended.
There have also been reports of trash here. To get here: From the Sipsey Recreation Area (above), continue west on CR 6 to the end of this road then turn north (right) and drive past where the pavement ends. When you come to a sharp curve to the left, you will soon pass on the right a gravel road then see several small pull offs to park (if you get to the bridge you have passed it). Park and walk down a short, steep path to the falls. LAT LON lat=34.3086, lon=-87.5017(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/2008.
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CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
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VERIFIED | no |
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DATE UPDATED | 1/28/2008 |
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This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info .
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