North Carolina is home to some of the most picture-perfect swimming holes in the country. Between lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean ... there are a lot of beautiful bodies of water from which to choose. But sometimes not seeing the bottom can be a bit nerve-wracking. Luckily, North Carolina is home to some amazing, crystal-clear swimming holes that will make the end of your summer beyond epic. Without further ado, we present to you the clearest water in North Carolina for the perfect swimming holes. So pack your swimsuit and towel and prepare to be amazed by these unique places to swim in North Carolina.

1. Lake James

Located at the base of North Carolina's Grand Canyon,

Linville Gorge, the water at Lake James is pristine, crystal clear, and also on par with what you'd find in bottled water at the grocery store. The fresh, clean mountain water is only the cherry on top. You get to marvel in incredible, 360-degree views of some of the best scenery in western NC. When it comes to pristine swimming holes in North Carolina, Lake James tops the list.

2. Skinny Dip Falls

Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skinny Dip Falls is well worth the half-mile hike down. With places to jump or places to splash, this freshwater swimming hole is a 'cool' mountain experience. A favorite spot is the swimming hole right next to the waterfall and below the jump-off rock. You can see everything below you, and the water is quite deep making it safe for a fun jump. Check out the hike getting to the falls with this Adventuring in the Moment video:

3. White Lake

Between crystal clear water, white sand, and tropical cypress trees, it's no surprise White Lake used to be a luxury resort during the 1920s. While the vibe is a bit more relaxed now, it still retains that Caribbean charm of being miles and miles away from everything. White Lake was actually formed by a crater, and goes to 15 feet deep, but the best part, you can *always* see the bottom.

4. Emerald Isle

There's a reason this area is known as the Crystal Coast! Emerald Isle is a slice of beach paradise with some of the most remarkably clear water on the North Carolina coastline. It's truly one of the most memorable places to swim in North Carolina.

5. Hanging Rock State Park, Lower Cascade Falls

While you won't do too much dipping and diving in this shallow pool, it's the perfect place to take the kiddos for splashing around, or even a quick cool off after a lengthy hike. Located just outside the Piedmont, Hanging Rock is perfect for a quick day trip!

6. Shackleford Banks

Sure, Shackleford Banks has no running water or electricity... and can only be accessed by boat or ferry - but it is the *true* gem of the Crystal Coast. You'll never witness clearer water in North Carolina than you will here. Read all about this beautiful place in North Carolina, Shackleford Banks certainly feels like a little slice of Heaven.

7. Wrightsville Beach

With crystal-clear water, waves perfect for surfing, and a town brimming with beach vibes (and Wilmington just a short drive away), Wrightsville Beach is one of the more 'happening' choices on this list, but you can't beat the gorgeous water!

8. Silver Run Falls

Last, but certainly not least, our list of pristine swimming holes in North Carolina concludes with Silver Run Falls. In the Nantahala National Forest, Silver Run Falls is accessed by a quick hike. This 25-foot-tall waterfall is beautifully impressive, offers a small beach for wading, and a pool by the fall with nothing but the finest, most pristine mountain water.

Is that not the clearest water in North Carolina? These eight places offer so many unforgettable experiences, from a cool dip with mountain views to a bit of a hike, or even simply moving from your beach chair to the ocean -- North Carolina has some beautifully diverse swimming holes.

What are your favorite crystal clear swimming holes in the Tar Heel State? Do you agree that we've listed some of the pristine swimming holes in North Carolina? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

If you're craving more swimming holes - check out these 12!