Our picks for the Best Swimming Hole in each state!

Sometimes what you need, is to do a massive "cannonball" into a pool of cool, clear water. Or throw yourself headfirst into a crashing wave. Or maybe, just float around in a lake, letting the cares of the world wash away. A public swimming pool is nice, but there's something about a natural body of water that has it beat: you get pretty scenery and don't smell like chlorine at the end of the afternoon.

No matter what state you're in, there are awesome places to get your swim on. They range from man-made reservoirs, swimming holes carved by Mother Nature, majestic beaches or massive lakes in places you might not expect. So grab your swimsuit and towel, and prepare to get drenched!

1. ALABAMA Little River Canyon National Preserve, Fort Payne

This swimming hole rates among the best in the world. Martha's Falls within the canyon is a popular spot, but there's a bit of a hike in from the parking area. Luckily, cool, refreshing waters await you.

2. ALASKA Goose Lake, Anchorage

This popular lake is located within a park. Locals appreciate how clean it is, and the fact that lifeguards are at the ready.

3. ARIZONA Slide Rock, Sedona

Take your turn on the 80-foot sliding rock or leap off a boulder into a deeper pool. This swimming hole has a variety of water features who want to cool off from the hot desert sun.

4. ARKANSAS Lake Ouachita, Mountain Pine

This 40-mile long lake attracts swimmers for its exceptionally clear waters. Scuba divers appreciate it, too. It's considered one of the cleanest lakes in America, and is surrounded by pretty spectacular forests.

5. CALIFORNIA Coronado Beach, San Diego

The Travel Channel regularly includes this on their list of "top 10 beaches." It's a favorite among surfers, but the warm water and beautiful sand attracts those who just want to paddle around.

6. COLORADO Grand Lake

Situated in the town of the same name, it's the state's largest natural lake. The surrounding views of the Rockies, including the extinct volcano, Mt. Baldy, make it a one of a kind swimming adventure (even if the water is pretty cold).

7. CONNECTICUT Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison

Enjoy the waters of Long Island Sound on this lovely beach. The shoreline is beautiful, and during the off-season, nature lovers can spot a seal or two. The boardwalk is also a favorite of locals.

8. DELAWARE Delaware Seashore State Park, Dewey Beach

For such a small state, it has 25 miles of popular beaches. This is perhaps its finest, offering both the ocean and quieter bays nearby. Lifeguards patrol its 6 miles of beachfront, and families appreciate the quieter atmosphere versus other Delaware beach towns.

9. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis, MD

Folks living in our nation's capital head east to this park, on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. You can swim on a lifeguarded beach, as you take in views of the beautiful Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

10. FLORIDA Siesta Beach, Sarasota

OK, so there are a ton of great beaches to choose from in the Sunshine State, but this one regularly takes top honors. The water is warm all year round, the lifeguards are always on duty and the sand is super-fine.

11. GEORGIA Dicks Creek Falls, Chattahoochee National Forest

The cool, clear water of the waterfalls fills one of the more popular swimming holes in this northern part of the state. There are rocks to lounge on and calmer pools to simply float in when you want to forget the southern heat.

12. HAWAII Lanikai Beach, Oahu

Another state with amazing beaches, but among them, Lanikai Beach has been named one of the top in the world (by National Geographic, no less). The waters are beautifully calm - but note that there are no lifeguards.

13. IDAHO Redfish Lake, Stanley

It's one of the most-photographed spots in the state. The water and beach is pristine, and the Elephant's Perch (a 10,000 foot mountain on one end of the lake) makes an interesting backdrop.

14. ILLINOIS Oak Street Beach, Chicago

The skyline of the windy city is set off to perfection on this lovely beach bordering Lake Michigan. The water is clear (and cold), but the sand is perfect for building sand castles, a volleyball game or just relaxing on.

15. INDIANA Fairfax State Recreation Area, near Bloomington

Lake Monroe is a reservoir and comprises the largest manmade lake in the state. Fairfax Beach is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, and the surrounding scenery just adds to a nice day out.

16. IOWA Big Hollow Recreation Area, Sperry

Located in Des Moines County, Big Hollow is a popular spot for outdoor recreation including camping, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Take a dip in the 178-acre lake to cool off on a hot summer day. The lake also boasts a boat ramp and several designated fishing areas.

17. KANSAS Lake Scott State Park, Scott City

The 100-acre spring-fed lake is tucked away in a canyon and surrounded by some pretty magnificent nature, including craggy bluffs. National Geographic calls it one of the "must-see" parks in the country.

18. KENTUCKY Barren River Lake State Park, Lucas

Located in south-central Kentucky, this popular lake offers sandy shores and a glorious 10,000 acres of water to splash in. Rolling hills surround it, making it one of the most relaxing destinations in the Bluegrass State.

19. LOUISIANA Holly Beach, Cameron

It's quiet, with none of the Mardi Gras craziness you might associate with Louisiana. Lots of seashells to collect when you're not splashing in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico - but don't expect a boardwalk, rides or other "beach-y" things. Just a peaceful outing.

20. MAINE Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth

Just outside of Portland is this family-favorite beach. The waters are gentle, and it's a good length for strolling or kite-flying.

21. MARYLAND Ocean City

This beach town on the Eastern Shore has been a destination for decades. With 10 miles of sandy beach, there's always a place to plant your umbrella. The 2.5 mile boardwalk is a fun way to end the day.

22. MASSACHUSETTS Race Point Beach, Provincetown

It's part of the beautiful Cape Cod National Seashore, and offers lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean. Of the many beaches in the state, families like the fact that the waves aren't too intense and the seaweed is at a minimum.

23. MICHIGAN Pere Marquette Beach, Muskegon

There are a ton of beaches bordering the Great Lakes, but this is one of only three that are "certified clean" as it relates to public health. This beach runs along almost 3 miles of Lake Michigan; besides the clear waters, the sand is like white sugar.

24. MINNESOTA Buffalo River State Park, Glyndon

In a state known for its "10,000 lakes," there's no lack of swimming options. However, this one attracts folks from nearby Fargo, ND, Canada and beyond. Part of the appeal is the sheer beauty, that blends both forest and prairie around the lake; another reason is that it's one of the few state park swim beaches with lifeguards.

25. MISSISSIPPI Ship Island Beach, Gulfport

The state doesn't lack for beaches, but this one regularly draws the top slot. The water is warm and clear, the sands white and dolphin-spotting is a fun extra.

26. MISSOURI Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Middle Brook

It's called that for the large rock enclosures that "shut in" several different pools. There are a variety of natural formations, including a water slide - and you can choose which pool to sample from the observation deck.

27. MONTANA Whitefish Lake City Beach, Kallispell

The beautifully-clear waters are only rivaled by the mountains surrounding them. The fact that you're swimming at 3,012 feet is also kinda breathtaking.

28. NEBRASKA Lake McConaughy, Ogallala

Nebraska doesn't seem much like "lake" country, so you might be surprised at "Lake Mac"s size: twenty miles long and four miles wide (it's actually a reservoir). The beaches surrounding it are so white, you might mistake them for the Carribbean.

29. NEVADA Sand Harbor Beach, North Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe has plenty of places to swim, but this beach is the go-to for several reasons. Kids can walk out pretty far into the cool water, and there are also boulders for jumping into deeper parts. Older kids can also explore some neat coves.

30. NEW HAMPSHIRE Diana's Baths, Bartlett

It's more a series of waterfalls, but they lead to some lovely swimming spots. Because it's New Hampshire, you'll only want to swim in the summer months or risk becoming a human slushie.

31. NEW JERSEY Long Beach Island

This 18-mile barrier island has any kind of beach you'd want, from those on the ocean to those on a quieter bay. The south end offers more post-beach family activities like amusement rides; the quieter north end has an historic lighthouse to visit after washing off the sand.

32. NEW MEXICO Elephant Butte Lake State Park, Elephant Butte

It's the largest lake in the state, and the most popular. During the summer, expect to share the deliciously cool waters with plenty of parched residents.

33. NEW YORK Jones Beach, Long Island

About 33 miles outside of New York City lies this popular beach running 6.5 miles along the ocean. There are also bays of quieter water and a two-mile boardwalk.

34. NORTH CAROLINA Sliding Rock, Asheville

It's Mother's Nature's version of a water slide. Located in the Pisgah National Forest, you slip and slide down a smooth 60-foot rock into the cool waters below. Lifeguards are always on hand, and its good for both kids and adults.

35. NORTH DAKOTA Dredge Cuts Swim Beach, Fort Peck

This popular beach is an offshoot of the reservoir that's fed by the Missouri River. At this beach, families appreciate the fact that kids can walk well out into the lake before it gets too deep.

36. OHIO Punderson State Park, Newbury

The natural lake attracts families for its seclusion and the fact that it never gets too crowded on the 600-foot beach. The wooded area surrounding the lake makes for a nice picnic area.

37. OKLAHOMA Turner Falls, Davis

At 77 feet, the falls drop into a gorgeous natural swimming pool. And like all good swimming places, there are concession stands around the park. Just remember to "wait a half hour before going back in the water."

38. OREGON Oneonta Gorge, outside of Portland

It's a little challenging reaching this secluded waterfall and swimming hole (you're hiking through a narrow canyon) - but the trek is well-worth it. The oasis is one of the most picturesque parts of the state

39. PENNSYLVANIA Bald Eagle State Park, Howard

Even though the state is landlocked, the Joseph Foster Sayers Reservoir in the park makes for a great beach day. The 1,730-acre manmade lake is surrounded by gorgeous forests and fields.

40. RHODE ISLAND Narragansett Town Beach, Narragansett

The Ocean State doesn't lack for beaches, and this is a favorite. In the morning, surfers ride the 4-to-8 foot swells; the rest of the day is for families who enjoy the sand, sun and great little nearby restaurants.

41. SOUTH CAROLINA Folly Beach, Folly Beach

Considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in South Carolina, Folly Beach draws tourists from all across the nation every year. Jump in the water to wade through some of the best waves on the east coast. Grab your surf board, kayak or paddle board for some other fun water recreation.