There are tons of places to enjoy swimming in NC - after all, we've got lots of water to explore. A favorite summer activity of many Tar Heels is enjoying the Hanging Rock State Park swimming hole. This incredible state park is quite popular, but it's no easy feat to reach the park's eponymous feature. The satisfaction of completing the journey is just as amazing as the views from its high vantage point. But photographing the park's most popular spot is not the only thing to do at this North Carolina state park. This place really does have it all, including one of the best waterfall swimming holes in North Carolina.

Sure, checking out Hanging Rock Lake and trekking up the 3.5 miles to Hanging Rock is a must-do for any seasoned hiker and explorer.

The elevation gain on the journey up to the rock's peak is 892 feet and if you do the hike, remember, what goes up must come down. Walking sticks and plenty of water are much-needed accessories to help make this one-of-a-kind trek. And plan to stay a while. The views are astounding!

Plan your visit far enough in advance to reserve a spot in the park's campground, which includes 73 campsites.

Located in spaces carved right into the flora of the forest, the sites are available year-round and usually stay booked. If camping is too rustic for you, check out one of the many cabins that are available at this state park.

There aren't too many state parks in North Carolina where you can check out a cave.

The massive cave, known as Tory's Den, is associated with much lore revolving around the American Revolution. Some versions tell of a young boy who was hanged at the cave. You'll find it at the end of a short 0.2-mile trail at Hanging Rock State Park.

For hikers, Hanging Rock State Park is an absolute paradise.

The Moore's Knob hike leads to a lookout tower.

From high atop this perch, you'll have 360-degree views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see for miles.

Another trail leads straight to Hanging Rock State Park's swimming hole.

A 0.7-mile hike drops you at the foot of the Lower Cascades at Hanging Rock where a waterfall swimming hole in NC filled with cool mountain water awaits. Bring a swimsuit and a towel and enjoy cooling off on a warm day.

Prefer beach swimming to waterfall lagoons?

Luckily, Hanging Rock State Park swimming also includes an easily accessible beach where you can sink your toes in the sand and enjoy some much-needed R&R at Hanging Rock Lake.

Hanging Rock State Park is immensely popular and certainly deserves all the praise it receives.

Hanging Rock is open year-round, and the hours vary by season. Swimming in the lake is available only during the summer months, and the diving board is only open when an attendant is on duty. Canoe and kayak rentals are on weekends only during the fall and winter; however, during the summer months, rentals are available daily. Camping and cabin fees vary by season. Learn more about the park, amenities, and Hanging Rock State Park swimming at the Hanging Rock State Park website. Have you ever visited this park? Tell us about your favorite adventures in the comments! If you plan on taking advantage of the hiking first make sure you have the AllTrails Plus app, it is an incredible tool we bring with us on every hike.

Looking for more ways to cool off? Check out these other waterfall swimming holes in NC.