Waterfalls and Natural Swimming Holes
Cool off this summer in a fun way! Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are home to some of the best natural swimming and wading spots in the Southeast. Most of them are within a 3-hour drive! Your kids will love it, and it makes for a great getaway!
Local Spots
Hammonds Ferry Sand Bar
Website Information
Click Here For Google Maps Pin
– Kid-Friendly
– Grass Space for Blankets
– Access To The Savannah River
– Gazebo Nearby
– North Augusta Greeneway Access
The Sandbar is located by the boat dock near Boeckh Park in Hammonds Ferry. Be mindful of your surroundings. Never approach wildlife.
The Clearing – Augusta Canal
Website Information
Click Here For Google Maps Pin
– Kid-Friendly
– Grass Space for Blankets
– Access To The Savannah River
– Picnic Tables
The Quickest Access Point Is From The Eisenhower Park. Walk alongside the railroad tracks, hang a left, go over the canal bridge and then make a left. Walk down the trail and you will come upon the Clearing on the Right. Please be mindful of wildlife and be cautious on the rocks.
Aqueduct Park – Augusta Canal Trail
Website Information
Click Here For Google Maps Pin
– Kid-Friendly
– Flat Rocks For Sitting
– Safe to Swim and Wade
– Rocks are Very Slippery. We Recommend Water Shoes.
You can access the Aqueduct Park from the Augusta Canal near the Lake Olmstead Trailhead. Take the Mill Village Trail and you will find it on your right. Be cautious on the rocks.
** The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area has stated that the water flow can be unpredictable and dangerous. If you choose to swim…please be cautious and safe.
Richardson’s Lake
***This was the best video I could find (Which means I need to go) 🙂 Skip to about 1:30. It’s nine minutes of them having a good time. They show all the features.***
Website Information
Click Here For Google Maps Pin
– Kid-Friendly
– Beach Sand and Tables
– Water Park Features
– No Coolers Inside The Park
– Low Admission Cost
State Parks With Swimming Areas
South Carolina
Aiken State Park – Baker Creek State Park – Hamilton Branch State Park
Georgia
Elijah Clark State Park – Mistletoe State Park – Clarks Hill Lake
Day Trip Ideas Under Three Hours
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Website Information
338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr.
Tallulah Falls GA 30573
– Kid Friendly
– Campsites
– Sand Beach
– Playgrounds
– Suspension Bridge
2 Hours and 52 Minutes From North Augusta
Helton Creek Falls
Website Information
US Hwy. 129 S.
Blairsville GA 30512
– Kid Friendly
– Easy Walk
– Rocks Are Slippery
3 Hours and 38 Minutes From North Augusta
Chau Ram County Park
Website Information
1220 Chau Ram Park Rd.
Westminster, SC 29693
– Kid Friendly
– Sandy Beaches and Rapids
– Playground Nearby
– Picnic Shelters, Campgrounds with Sites & More
2 Hours and 52 Minutes From North Augusta
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms
Website Information
1213 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy.
Mooresville, NC
– Kid Friendly
– 25 Ft Pool With A Grassy Area Nearby
– Covered Pavilion
– Must Pass Swim Test/Children Must Wear Life Vests
– $15/Person During Open Swim Times
2 Hours and 52 Minutes From North Augusta
Horseshoe Falls
Website Information
Horseshoe Falls Rd.
Enoree, SC 29335
– Kid Friendly
– Large Pool With Sandy Beach
– Prepare To Hike
– No Facilities On Site
2 Hours and 52 Minutes From North Augusta
Riley Moore Falls
Website Information
Sumter National Forest
112 Andrew Pickens Circle
Mountain Rest, SC 29664
– Kid Friendly
– Large Pool With Sandy Beach
– Prepare To Hike
– No Facilities On Site
2 Hours and 52 Minutes From North Augusta
Long Shoals Wayside Park
Website Information
Just off Scenic Hwy 11
Pickens, SC 29671
– Kid Friendly
– Shoals Are Gentle and Flat
– Picnic Tables Are Present
– Smooth Enough For Tubes
2 Hours and 52 Minutes From North Augusta
