Places to Go Swimming Near Birmingham
Birmingham is hotter than hot. Thankfully, there are several swimming holes around the city offering up sweet relief. Perfect for kids, pups, and nature lovers, these spots offer the perfect way to get outside, even when temps are through the roof.
Safety First!
When it comes to swimming in lakes and rivers, it's imperative to keep an eye on water levels and quality reports. For example, Wil Rainer, Field Programs Director at Cahaba River Society, says, 'In the first 24 to 48 hours after a rain, pollutant levels are high in the river. If you see 'chocolate milk,' it's generally unsafe to swim!' He suggests checking the Cahaba Riverkeeper's Swim Guide before heading to the water. You can also reference this site for statewide, up-to-date water levels.
As a general rule of thumb, Wil advises, 'Stick to the established paths wherever you go.'
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Bibb County
Commute from Birmingham: 50 minutes
More info: cahabablueway.org
In Bibb County, this stretch of the Cahaba welcomes swimmers and splashers every summer, along with the rare and prized Cahaba lily. There is a single-lane gravel road that leads right to the river. The lilies peak between mid-May and mid-June, so be sure to pause and take them in while you're there. Wil suggests heading to the Piper Mine Reclamation Site across the Highway 24 bridge to enjoy a bird's eye view of the lilies.
'The waters of the Cahaba River provide a place to escape the monotony of life and to find peace in nature's solitude,' Wil says. But it's also an essential water source and ecosystem that necessitates our respect and care. 'While critical for the drinking water of over 400,000 people in the Birmingham Metro area, the Cahaba provides life to so many more throughout Central Alabama,' Wil explains, 'More species of fish, snails, crayfish, and mussels call the Cahaba home than many other rivers across the nation and around the world.'
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Oak Mountain State Park Beach
Location: Pelham
Commute from Birmingham: 20 minutes
More info: alapark.com
Birmingham may be several hours from the Gulf, but the sandy beaches of Oak Mountain State Park are only 20 minutes away. The larger beach at Double Oak Lake is a popular spot to spend a scorching summer day, and you'll find a designated swimming area and plenty of room to sprawl out on the sand.
There are permanent restroom facilities and a seasonal concession stand, so you're set up for an all-day stay if the mood strikes. The beach also offers a sand volleyball court, and if you want to get out on the water, you can rent various paddlecrafts just a little ways down the lake. Park entrance fees are $5 per person and $2 for kids four through 11.
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FlipSide at Oak Mountain State Park
Location: Pelham
Commute from Birmingham: 20 minutes
More info: flipsideal.com
Oak Mountain State Park also offers a natural swimming hole for adrenaline junkies. FlipZone is home to Alabama's first cable wakeboard park, where you'll be pulled along on a heart-pumping ride across a ramp course. You can also head to the park's smaller lake to experience the inflatable aqua park, a floating obstacle course. No matter which adventure you choose, one thing is certain — you will get wet. After park entrance fees, FlipSide prices start at $25 per hour.
Beaver Lake has a small beach with a designated swimming area for those who want a more relaxing dip. FlipSide also offers concessions and paddle craft rentals.
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Cahaba River Trail at Grants Mill
Location: Irondale
Commute from Birmingham: 20 minutes
More info: cahabablueway.org
'Of all the [Cahaba River] accesses in the Birmingham area, Grants Mill is used the most,' Wil says. 'People line the river throughout the summer to enjoy the Cahaba's cool waters, abundant fish, and peaceful calm.' This area is about a mile down Grants Mill Road from I-459 and is well known for its canoe launch at the start of the trail. There are also several wade-in spots further along. Oh, and keep an eye out for a rope swing!
A word of caution: Towing is common for cars parked illegally along Grants Mill Road.
Pin
Turkey Creek
Location: Pinson
Commute from Birmingham: 30 minutes
More info: jeffcogreenways.org
Turkey Creek isn't just a swimming hole; it's a natural water park. Each summer, the tumbling waterfall becomes a giant water slide that's fun for the whole family. Bring an inner tube and enjoy a smooth slide down the falls into the shallow swimming hole at the bottom. (Rumor has it the local Five Below keeps inner tubes in stock for Turkey Creek visitors and will inflate them for you!)
If that's too much excitement, you can still splash around the cascading-but-slippery rocks (wear water shoes with a good grip), wade in the pool at the base, or take your tube and enjoy a gentle float further down the creek. The falls make for a refreshing end to a day out on the trails in the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.
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Mardis Mills Falls
Location: Blountsville
Commute from Birmingham: 55 minutes
Take a dip in this idyllic swimming hole along Graves Creek in Blount County. You can climb the rocks of the 16-foot waterfall, float around the base, or splash along the shallow top of the falls. The more adventurous can take advantage of the rope swing.
To get to Mardis Mill Falls, head to Mardis Mill Road in Blountsville and look for the dirt road turnoff near the narrow bridge crossing Graves Creek. The Freshwater Land Trust recently acquired this area, and plans are underway to improve trails and increase signage and maintenance to ensure it remains a special swimming hole for generations to come. Take note that there are no restrooms, snack bars, or other facilities — just serene, natural beauty encasing this tranquil spot.
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Lakeside Park
Location: Pell City
Commute from Birmingham: 40 minutes
More info: pell-city.com
If you're looking for another awesome freshwater beach less than an hour from Birmingham, head to Lakeside Park in Pell City. It's right on Logan Martin Lake, so while you can definitely swim at the beach, just a heads-up that you'll be sharing the water with motorboats. Beyond the beach, you can explore walking trails and let the kids splash around at the splash pad. It's a fantastic way to experience lake life without a long drive from Birmingham!
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Stay cool out there, Birmingham!
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About the Author Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.
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Places to Go Swimming Near Birmingham
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Birmingham is hotter than hot. Thankfully, there are several swimming holes around the city offering up sweet relief. Perfect for kids, pups, and nature lovers, these spots offer the perfect way to get outside, even when temps are through the roof. Safety First! When it comes to swimming in lakes and rivers, it's imperative to keep an eye on water levels and quality reports. For example, Wil Rainer, Field Programs Director at Cahaba River Society, says, 'In the first 24 to 48 hours after a rain, pollutant levels are high in the river. If you see 'chocolate milk,' it's generally unsafe to swim!' He suggests checking the Cahaba Riverkeeper's Swim Guide before heading to the water. You can also reference this site for statewide, up-to-date water levels. As a general rule of thumb, Wil advises, 'Stick to the established paths wherever you go.' Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Location: Bibb County Commute from Birmingham: 50 minutes More info: In Bibb County, this stretch of the Cahaba welcomes swimmers and splashers every summer, along with the rare and prized Cahaba lily. There is a single-lane gravel road that leads right to the river. The lilies peak between mid-May and mid-June, so be sure to pause and take them in while you're there. Wil suggests heading to the Piper Mine Reclamation Site across the Highway 24 bridge to enjoy a bird's eye view of the lilies. 'The waters of the Cahaba River provide a place to escape the monotony of life and to find peace in nature's solitude,' Wil says. But it's also an essential water source and ecosystem that necessitates our respect and care. 'While critical for the drinking water of over 400,000 people in the Birmingham Metro area, the Cahaba provides life to so many more throughout Central Alabama,' Wil explains, 'More species of fish, snails, crayfish, and mussels call the Cahaba home than many other rivers across the nation and around the world.' Pin Oak Mountain State Park Beach Location: Pelham Commute from Birmingham: 20 minutes More info: Birmingham may be several hours from the Gulf, but the sandy beaches of Oak Mountain State Park are only 20 minutes away. The larger beach at Double Oak Lake is a popular spot to spend a scorching summer day, and you'll find a designated swimming area and plenty of room to sprawl out on the sand. There are permanent restroom facilities and a seasonal concession stand, so you're set up for an all-day stay if the mood strikes. The beach also offers a sand volleyball court, and if you want to get out on the water, you can rent various paddlecrafts just a little ways down the lake. Park entrance fees are $5 per person and $2 for kids four through 11. Pin FlipSide at Oak Mountain State Park Location: Pelham Commute from Birmingham: 20 minutes More info: Oak Mountain State Park also offers a natural swimming hole for adrenaline junkies. FlipZone is home to Alabama's first cable wakeboard park, where you'll be pulled along on a heart-pumping ride across a ramp course. You can also head to the park's smaller lake to experience the inflatable aqua park, a floating obstacle course. No matter which adventure you choose, one thing is certain — you will get wet. After park entrance fees, FlipSide prices start at $25 per hour. Beaver Lake has a small beach with a designated swimming area for those who want a more relaxing dip. FlipSide also offers concessions and paddle craft rentals. Pin Cahaba River Trail at Grants Mill Location: Irondale Commute from Birmingham: 20 minutes More info: 'Of all the [Cahaba River] accesses in the Birmingham area, Grants Mill is used the most,' Wil says. 'People line the river throughout the summer to enjoy the Cahaba's cool waters, abundant fish, and peaceful calm.' This area is about a mile down Grants Mill Road from I-459 and is well known for its canoe launch at the start of the trail. There are also several wade-in spots further along. Oh, and keep an eye out for a rope swing! A word of caution: Towing is common for cars parked illegally along Grants Mill Road. Pin Turkey Creek Location: Pinson Commute from Birmingham: 30 minutes More info: Turkey Creek isn't just a swimming hole; it's a natural water park. Each summer, the tumbling waterfall becomes a giant water slide that's fun for the whole family. Bring an inner tube and enjoy a smooth slide down the falls into the shallow swimming hole at the bottom. (Rumor has it the local Five Below keeps inner tubes in stock for Turkey Creek visitors and will inflate them for you!) If that's too much excitement, you can still splash around the cascading-but-slippery rocks (wear water shoes with a good grip), wade in the pool at the base, or take your tube and enjoy a gentle float further down the creek. The falls make for a refreshing end to a day out on the trails in the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Pin Mardis Mills Falls Location: Blountsville Commute from Birmingham: 55 minutes Take a dip in this idyllic swimming hole along Graves Creek in Blount County. You can climb the rocks of the 16-foot waterfall, float around the base, or splash along the shallow top of the falls. The more adventurous can take advantage of the rope swing. To get to Mardis Mill Falls, head to Mardis Mill Road in Blountsville and look for the dirt road turnoff near the narrow bridge crossing Graves Creek. 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