We’ve found the best watering holes, waterfalls, lakes, and more for a cool and cleansing reprieve.
Shinrin-yoku translates to forest or ‘nature bathing.’ It means we can welcome the natural world's wonders into ourselves through all five senses. Today, we aim to add a sixth sense to Shinrin-yoku, ‘soaking.’ Studies have been done on the positive effects of nature bathing on our health. It is time to take time for yourself and benefit from the therapeutic and refreshing waters of America’s national parks.
Here at Boddi, we are all about accessible and equitable adventures. This list is for any adventurer looking for a comprehensive collection of America’s best swimming spots in national parks that are perfect for a dip in divine surroundings. Grab your reef-safe sunscreen, a good book, and hiking boots for a trip to ten of the best spots for a nurturing nature bath in America.
1. Warren Falls
Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont
You found it. Your very own swimming hole of emerald-green water. Leap from a cliff alongside the birds and float. Cascading waters rinse away your troubles with their meditative melody.
You can discover Warren Falls off of Vermont’s stunning Scenic Route 100, a short hike from the parking lot will give you access to several natural pools and cliff-diving locations. With such easy access to a main thoroughfare, the falls are perfect for those needing a quick cool-off on an East Coast road trip or for overnight campers in Green Mountain National Forest. Oh, and hot tip, find the natural waterslide to connect with your inner child.
Location: 3919 Vermont Rte 100, Warren, VT 05674
Nearby Campground: Abel Mountain Campground
2. Firehole River Swimming Area
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone is home to many of America’s natural treasures. Immerse yourself in the crisp current of the Firehole River. Let it carry you downstream through rock formations in an ancient canyon below an electric blue sky.
Firehole River Swimming Area is a jewel within the bounds of Yellowstone. The best thing about Firehole is that it is accessible to swimmers of all ages and features a beach for those who prefer a dry nature bath. If you want a more one-on-one experience with Mother Nature that makes your adrenaline pump, we recommend the upper section, where the river narrows and allows you to drift without effort through canyon walls.
Location: Firehole River Swimming Area
Nearby Campground: Madison Campground
3. ‘Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
The sweet smells of native flora permeate as the rainforest envelops you in its warm embrace. Gaze out from your waterfall watchtower as the sunset meets the ocean and bask in the beauty of Haleakalā or the “House of the Sun.”
‘Ohe’o Gulch, Seven Sacred Pools, is one of East Maui’s most famous sites. Seven waterfall-fed plunge pools lead down to the piece de resistance, a massive outpouring of water that crashes into the cerulean sea below. We suggest going early or late in the day to have a spectacular solo trip. Haleakalā Summit is also in the park; you can’t miss its sweeping 360-degree views from its peak. If you choose to experience a sunrise hike to the falls and the summit, you must make a reservation here.
Location: ‘Ohe’o Gulch
Nearby Campground: Kipahulu Campground
4. Falling Water Falls
Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, Arkansas
Vault over a curtain of rushing water into this cleansing pool hidden in the magical and mysterious Ozarks. The sun gently dries your skin as you lay upon the rocks, grateful for treating yourself to a sojourn in this miraculous place.
A well-maintained road takes you to Falling Water Falls near Ben Hur, Arkansas. This easy-to-access locale will take your breath away and is the ultimate swimming hole on a hot summer day. Ozark-St. Francis National Forest holds many gems within its verdant bounds, so block off a reasonable amount of time for a long weekend adventure.
Location: Falling Water Falls
Nearby Campground: Richland Creek Recreation Area
5. Sliding Rock
Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Barreling down a natural waterslide to shake off what’s been holding you back and bursting into a fit of giggles is just what the doctor ordered. You brought a book, and after your revelry, you binge-read to birdsong under the branches of an oak tree.
Sliding Rock is excellent for the whole family or a solo thrill seeker. There is nothing like zooming down a rock face with reckless abandon in the middle of a stunning forest. Maybe we should coin the term ‘Extreme Nature Bathing’ for this haven? Pisgah National Forest is less than an hour from one of this author’s favorite towns, Asheville, NC. When civilization gets too overwhelming, take a day trip for a joy ride down Sliding Rock.
Location: Sliding Rock
Nearby Campground: Mount Pisgah Campgrounds
6. Diablo Lake
North Cascades National Park, Washington
As you approach, a breathtaking jewel framed in snowcapped peaks and otherworldly green comes into focus. The turquoise surface is untouched, nearly too beautiful to break, but this is your moment. An actual commune with nature occurs as you experience a cold plunge unlike any other.
Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park is undoubtedly one of the most striking locations in the United States. The lake’s unique color results from the sun reflecting off rock particles in the water that have eroded from the surrounding mountains. Diablo Lake is chilly year-round since it’s filled with glacier melt, making it the perfect icy reset on a summer’s day. Kayaking, fishing, and camping are all popular activities in the area. Take a day to explore the Diablo Lake Trail, a 7.6-mile forest bath hike that will lead you to Sourdough Mountain for a bird’s eye view of the lake and the rest of this incredible national park.
Location: Diablo Lake
Nearby Campground: Colonial Creek North Campground
7. Scorpion Anchorage Beach
Channel Islands National Park, California
The whooshing rhythm of your paddling lulls you into a blissful peace as you approach Scorpion Anchorage Beach by kayak. Once you park your vessel, you strap on a snorkel and witness the underwater living, breathing kaleidoscope of color just off Santa Cruz Island's shore.
Scorpion Anchorage Beach is an adventurer’s wonderland. Whether you long to explore the kelp forests below, bob and weave through sea caves by kayak, or hike to the top of Smuggler’s Cove, there’s a nature bathing experience that is tailor-made for you. Camping under a starry night that would bring a tear to Van Gogh’s eye is a must on the largest of the Channel Islands. This national park has no admission fee, you just pay for the ferry to the islands, so it’s perfect for budget travelers.
Location: Scorpion Anchorage Beach
Nearby Campground: Scorpion Canyon Campground
8. Jackson Lake
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
As you kick to the surface and take a gulp of fresh mountain air, it’s as though you’re inhaling the picturesque panoramas of Jackson Lake. This gift from Mother Nature you will not soon forget. When you return to your towel, it may be time to cancel your flight home.
Jackson Lake is in the Northern region of Grand Teton National Park and cozies right up to the mountains. There are 15 islands within this 15-mile-long glacier-fed lake, and booking a primitive camping site on Elk Island is a must. Spending the night in solitude, except for the occasional mule deer sighting as the sun tucks itself in for the night behind the Tetons, is medicine for the soul. In the morning, rinse off in the cool water if you forgot your Boddi at home.
Location: Jackson Lake
Nearby Campground: Colter Bay Campground
9. Glade Creek Falls
New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
Deep in West Virginia, moss-covered tree trunks soar above as you reach your destination following a babbling brook. Then you hear the music of Glade Creek Falls, and you know you’re nearly there. The bottle-green swimming hole, clear as glass, beckons you, and you oblige, diving headfirst into pure unadulterated joy.
The Glade Creek Trail is home to a bounty of swimming holes and waterfalls in America’s off-the-radar stunner, West Virginia. Glade Creek Falls is the crown jewel of the park and crosses the length of the creek and pouring fresh mountain water into a nymph-worthy pool. Continue along the winding path to Kate Falls for a water bottle refill before you head back to a campfire.
Location: Glade Creek Falls
Nearby Campground: Glade Creek Campground
10. Diana’s Baths
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
You climb the rock formations and draw patterns on the surface of Diana’s Pools; all six senses are open and accepting of this natural paradise. You wade through the pool and finally submerge. Now, this is living.
A collection of nature baths must conclude with a pool fit for a goddess. Cascading falls dance down various ledges to feed into a brook bath that begs you to lounge all day. A hike down a tranquil trail leads travelers to the finest soaking spot on the East Coast. White Mountain National Forest offers hiking, camping, and even skiing in the winter months. And the leaf peeping? Out of control.
Location: Diana’s Baths
Nearby Campground: White Ledge Campground