Cool Spots

The days are still scorching, but you don't have to hide inside. Do yourself a favor and plan your next weekend camping trip around the cool, inviting waters of a swimming hole-and have we got some suggestions for you.

Camp Here: Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tenn.

Swim Here: Cane Creek Falls

The Scoop: It's not as tall as the park's namesake, but Cane Creek Falls carries a far larger volume of water into a football field-sized pool below. The 125-foot Rockhouse Falls drops into the same pool to the left, giving this swimming spot twice the majestic views. Set up your tent in one of the park's three camping areas and take the infamous Cable Trail down to the swimming hole for a cool-down before the dreaded trek back up.

Camp Here: Laurel Fork Falls, S.C.

Swim Here: Laurel Fork Falls

The Scoop: Laurel Creek winds its way through the Blue Ridge Mountains before plummeting 80 feet into a hidden corner of Lake Jocassee, creating a magical backdrop for a dip at the bottom. Ledges aplenty are available for your climbing and jumping pleasure. You can hike 8 miles via the Foothills Trail to the top of the falls, but the truly adventurous should kayak in for a jaw-dropping view. Climb up to a primitive campsite at the top.

Camp Here: Panthertown Valley, N.C.

Swim Here: Red Butt Falls

The Scoop: Deep in the heart of southern Blue Ridge country, the aptly named Red Butt Falls is the 50-foot water slide of your childhood's wildest dreams. Wide, smooth and gently sloping, this section of the Tuckasegee River provides a backdrop of overhangs and lush vegetation as you slide your way down to the blue hole (jorts recommended). Beautiful backcountry campsites abound throughout the surrounding Panthertown Valley.

Camp Here: Buck's Pocket State Park, Ala.

Swim Here: High Falls

The Scoop: Famed for its cliff jumping, this northeast Alabama gem is surprisingly ideal for both daredevils and kids in floaties-cannonball from one of dozens of rock springboards, or splash in the wide, shallow Town Creek at the top of the falls. As if the deafening cascades, 35 feet tall and up to 300 feet wide, aren't impressive enough, some of the water tumbles through a natural bridge at the bottom. Check out the primitive and RV campsites at Buck's Pocket, just a 20-minute drive from High Falls Park.

Camp Here: Watauga Dam Tailwater Campground, Tenn.

Swim Here: Blue Hole at Mill Creek

The Scoop: Mill Creek drops over four cascades as it leaves Holston Mountain near Elizabethton. The third one empties into a rare Tennessee sight-a "blue hole" that's gorgeously blue. Bring your photography equipment and rappelling gear along with your swim trunks to better experience this corner of the Cherokee National Forest, and stake down your tent at the TVA campground, a half-hour drive away.

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