Swimming holes by town
Swimming Holes in Durham, North Carolina
3 natural swimming holes
Durham punches above its weight as a swim town: 3 natural swimming holes in our directory sit in or near town. They're spread across 3 counties — Durham, Durham County, and 1 more. The mix runs 2 rivers, and 1 quarry. The standout listing is Sennett's Hole - West Point on the Eno. One note: Eno Quarry - Eno River State Park carries a caution safety flag on its listing — check it before planning a swim.
Swimming holes in Durham
- Sennett's Hole - West Point on the Eno
Durham's beloved river beach, where the Eno widens into a deep, swimmable hole at West Point on the Eno park.
- Eno Quarry - Eno River State Park
A flooded quarry in Eno River State Park with a long, storied tradition as Durham's wildest swimming hole.
- Penny's Bend Nature Preserve
An 84-acre preserve on a peninsula in the Eno River, owned by the Army Corps of Engineers and managed by the NC Botanical Garden.
Frequently asked questions
How many swimming holes are in Durham, NC?
Our directory lists 3 natural swimming holes in and around Durham, North Carolina, across Durham, Durham County, Orange County. New spots are added as they're verified.
What kinds of swimming holes are in Durham?
The 3 listings cover 2 rivers, 1 quarry. See each listing for details on access and conditions.
Which swimming hole near Durham should I try first?
Sennett's Hole - West Point on the Eno is a well-documented local listing. Durham's beloved river beach, where the Eno widens into a deep, swimmable hole at West Point on the Eno park. Full details, maps, and safety notes are on its page.
Do swimming holes near Durham charge a fee?
Some do — state parks and popular preserves often charge a day-use or parking fee. Each listing shows reported fee info where known.