Before leaving for the Smokies, I did some research on possible swimming areas in the area. See..I love swimming. And I love swimming in clear, mountain creeks. And what I found was a vague reference to a swimmin' hole near Townsend called the "Y". Apparently, the locals used it and it sounded like just the place for me, but I could find little information on it...like WHERE IT WAS!

Well, as we were driving towards Cades Cove that first day, we passed a road that went into Townsend. At that same intersection, there was a "Y" in Little River beside us and I saw lots of people swimming and tubing down some rapids. I couldn't be that lucky. I said to myself..."Dana, that has to be the 'Y'"

And I was right.

It is rather deep in the middle of the main swimming area, which is good for the adults and bigger kids, but further downstream it is made up of rapids and smaller shallow pools. So, it is good for the whole family to spend a day swimming and sunbathing on the wide stretch of grass on the far side of the main pool.

We stopped there on our way back to the campground and let the kids swim a bit. I would have, but I didn't have my suit with me, so I took pictures for a while and talked to some locals who advised me that the water was lower than normal that day, so I have no clue what swimming conditions would be when the water is higher. It looked nice to me and I wish I could have enjoyed it more.

To get to the "Y" from the Gatlinburg area, go west from the Sugarlands Visitor Center in the Smoky Mountains National Park towards Cades Cove. About half way there (not sure how many miles), you will come to the intersection of Little River Rd. and Hwy 73 to Townsend (you can also get there from the Townsend entrance to the Smokies). You can't miss it. At that intersection is the "Y". There is a semi-large parking area, but no bathrooms that I could see. If you want to rent some tubes, there are a few rental places in Townsend with decent prices for a day's rental.

For more information on swimming holes, go to Swimmingholes.info and find some great swimmin' holes to enjoy.