/ By

 

Pennsylvania is home to dozens upon dozens of beautiful waterfalls that you can chase throughout the year. However, many Pa. waterfalls don’t allow swimming—a major bummer because swimming near waterfalls is relaxing, scenic, and extremely fun—but we get it: It’s a safety thing. You could get injured or damage the environment around the waterfall.

But don’t shrug your shoulders and head south in search of waterfall swimming holes in West Virginia. There are indeed a number of waterfalls and cascades in Pa. where you can swim and beat the heat this summer. Just be sure to always go with a friend, keep abreast of water conditions, and consider bringing a life jacket or other flotation device. Even if you don’t wear it, you could use it to pull a friend to safety if needed. Aim to stay safe as you cool off in Pa. swimming holes this summer!

We’ve done our best to make sure all of these sites are open for swimming, but be sure to check websites before you leave and follow any signs at the site that caution or bar visitors.

1. Meadow Run, Ohiopyle State Park – Ohiopyle

Meadow Run is actually a 14-mile tributary of the Youghiogheny River. But the stream itself includes a long ribbon of cascading waterfalls, which visitors to Ohiopyle know as the Natural Water Slides. You can take a dip down the slides, carved through sandstone. Find Meadow Run’s Natural Water Slides within Ohiopyle State Park — the attraction has its own parking area.

2. Big Falls Swimming Hole, Tioga State Forest – Morris

One of the best swimming holes in the state is found in rural Tioga County, just south of the town of Wellsboro. The turquoise water of Big Falls Swimming Hole — beautifully blue-green because of limestone deposits — is fed by the waters of Stony Fork Creek via a short but lovely waterfall. Bonus: You can jump into the swimming hole on a rope swing!

The list continues here