10 Best Places to Swim in Pennsylvania This Summer

When the summer heat rolls into Pennsylvania, there's nothing quite like finding a crystal-clear swimming hole tucked away in the mountains. From waterfalls and natural pools to lakes with sandy beaches, the Keystone State is filled with places where you can cool off and enjoy the outdoors.

Here are ten of Pennsylvania's best swimming holes and natural swimming destinations.

1. Jacob's Creek Falls

Cook Forest State Park

Hidden inside Cook Forest State Park, Jacob's Creek forms several beautiful natural pools beneath a picturesque waterfall. The cool mountain water and peaceful surroundings make it one of Pennsylvania's most scenic places to cool off.

2. Poe Paddy State Park

Centre County

Flowing through the Bald Eagle State Forest, Penns Creek creates shallow pools and gentle currents perfect for wading and relaxing on a hot summer day.

3. Worlds End State Park

Sullivan County

Loyalsock Creek has carved out countless pools among massive boulders. While visitors should always use caution due to changing water conditions, there are many places along the creek where families enjoy cooling off during the summer.

4. Ricketts Glen State Park

Luzerne, Sullivan & Columbia Counties

Swimming isn't allowed along the famous Falls Trail, but nearby Lake Jean features a designated swimming beach, picnic areas, and beautiful mountain scenery.

5. Parker Dam State Park

Clearfield County

A sandy beach, calm waters, and surrounding forest make Parker Dam one of Pennsylvania's most relaxing summer destinations.

6. Greenwood Furnace State Park

Huntingdon County

This picturesque mountain lake offers a designated swimming beach surrounded by scenic ridges and forests.

7. Laurel Hill State Park

Somerset County

Laurel Hill Lake features a large sandy beach and is consistently ranked among Pennsylvania's best places to swim.

8. Mount Pisgah State Park

Bradford County

One of northern Pennsylvania's hidden gems, Mount Pisgah features a large public swimming pool that's completely free to use. Surrounded by hiking trails and scenic overlooks, it's the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon.

9. Beltzville State Park

Carbon County

With more than 500 feet of sandy beach on Beltzville Lake, this is one of eastern Pennsylvania's most popular swimming destinations.

10. Presque Isle State Park

Erie County

If you're looking for the closest thing Pennsylvania has to an ocean beach, Presque Isle is it. Multiple sandy beaches stretch along Lake Erie, offering some of the state's best swimming anywhere.

Honorable Mentions

• Pine Grove Furnace State Park

• Cowans Gap State Park

• Black Moshannon State Park

• Keystone State Park

• Prince Gallitzin State Park

• Chapman State Park

• Little Buffalo State Park

• Locust Lake State Park

• Tobyhanna State Park

• Hills Creek State Park

  
  

Swimming Safety

Pennsylvania's natural waterways can be beautiful, but they can also be unpredictable.

Before swimming:

• Always obey posted signs.

• Never dive into unfamiliar water.

• Watch for strong currents.

• Wear a life jacket when appropriate.

• Supervise children at all times.

• Remember that rocks near waterfalls can be extremely slippery.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking for a quiet mountain stream, a scenic lake, or a family-friendly beach, Pennsylvania offers countless ways to beat the summer heat. Some of the state's best swimming spots are hidden just a short hike from the parking lot, while others have been favorite family destinations for generations.

So pack a towel, grab your sunscreen, and start exploring.

Because every great summer adventure begins with finding the perfect place to cool off.