The Blue Hole is a swimming hole fed by water from an underground spring that flows from an underwater cave. The water is a cool 54 degrees year ‘round and never runs dry. It’s located on private property, however the landowner is very generous in allowing the public access to this gem.

National Geographic visited this location in 2015 to dive and see where the cave leads. About 25 or so feet below the water’s surface, there is a horizontal cave that no one has yet been able to fully map.

How cool is that?

There’s a nice sandy beach on one side of the swimming hole, along with a rope swing and a test-it-if-you-dare, homemade diving board fixed to a tree.

Mr. Simmons says that every time they get a really good rain, sand comes out of the swimming hole and piles up on the shore causing the beach to grow larger.

It’s a great place to cool off during the hot Alabama summer and it’s worth the drive to get to see this cool place! Want to go?

Plan your trip:

Where? It’s located on Co Rd 17 in in Larkinsville.

Coordinates for parking 34.6884301 -86.1221108

Coordinates for swimming hole- 34.6887603 -86.1235186

These coordinates can be copied and pasted into Google Maps.

Once you park, you walk across the street and follow the well worn path.

How far is it from my car to the swimming hole? You can almost see it from the county road 17.

Who owns the property? Mr. Simmons allows people to access the swimming hole on his property, but he asks that you pick up your trash, don’t bring any glass and please no motorized vehicles.

Can I bring my cooler? Yes

Is it kid friendly? That depends on the crowd I suppose. I’m taking my kids this summer. We’ll get there at the crack of dawn and see all of you there!

Pets? Please don’t bring your pets. Not even on a leash. It’s really not big enough for dogs to be jumping in, then shaking all over the place. Additionally, your dog can’t swim if it’s on a leash and this place can get very crowded during summer months.

Pro Tip: Go early and go during the week if you can. I can see why it gets crowded at times. If you get there early and it gets crowded, you can dip out and head to the Rock Zoo. I’m not even kidding. Check out our blog on the Rock Zoo in Jackson County! It’s such a quirky little stop you don’t want to miss!

If you happen to see the land owner, Mr Simmons, please tell him thank you!

Blue Hole-Swimming Hole in Larkinsville