If the river is moderate or down in the heat of summer, you will find clear and calm water in the pool below Leatherwood Ford. There is a sandy beach area. Kids can splash near the shore. Swimmers can enjoy the entire pool. Lounge against smooth rocks in the shallow rapids as the cool water flows past.
Drive down into the gorge, cross the bridge, and take a left into the parking area. The parking area is confusing with various one-way lanes. Follow the signs to Angel Falls trail parking to the north. Just as you start down the Angel Falls Trail, you will see stairs down to the river. Follow the stairs down to a sandy beach area.
The video below is an example of relatively safe swimming conditions. You can see some kayakers passing by! On this particular day, I swam down to the large rock in the distance, where the pool gradually shallows to small bolder field that creates a small dam for the water to spill down.
Use your judgment, based on your experience swimming in rivers and creeks, to assess the conditions.
