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Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

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Five Chattanooga area swimming spots to enjoy while Blue Hole is closed

Staff file photo / The sun rises over Big Soddy Creek Gulf. While the popular Blue Hole at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park is closed for about a year, there are still plenty of Chattanooga area spots to swim at this summer.
Staff file photo / The sun rises over Big Soddy Creek Gulf. While the popular Blue Hole at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park is closed for about a year, there are still plenty of Chattanooga area spots to swim at this summer. Staff file photo / The sun rises over Big Soddy Creek Gulf. While the popular Blue Hole at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park is closed for about a year, there are still plenty of Chattanooga area spots to swim at this summer.


Chattanooga area summers can be brutal, especially with the one-two punch of heat and humidity. That makes the cool waters of a good swimming spot feel like paradise.

Plenty of Chattanoogans have flocked to the popular Blue Hole at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park in the past. But, with construction work set to pave the parking area on Montlake Road, install an accessible river viewing pier and add restroom facilities, the Blue Hole is closed for about a year.

So, those seeking to beat the heat this summer are in need of other options. Here’s a look at five Blue Hole alternatives for seasonal splendor.

Big Soddy Creek Gulf