If you're looking for North Carolina swimming holes with waterfalls, check out Transylvania County, home to over 200 alone. With so many waterfalls to swim in, it can be tempting to take a dip in each and every one. While many are not suitable or safe for swimming, many others are just perfect for taking a dip ... like these 12 waterfall swimming holes in NC.
1. Lower Cascade Falls
Located at Hanging Rock, this North Carolina swimming hole is perfect for wading or cooling off after a strenuous hike on one of Hanging Rock's many trails. Check out the NC parks website to learn more about visiting Lower Cascade Falls.
2. Silver Run Falls
Located in the Nantahala National Forest, this waterfall with a swimming hole is accessed by a quick hike. This 25-ft. waterfall is beautifully impressive, offers a small beach for wading, and there is a pool by the falls with nothing but the finest mountain water. Read about the short hike to Silver Run Falls.
3. Skinny Dip Falls
With a one-mile hike located conveniently off the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can't beat everything Skinny Dip has to offer. A jump-off rock, a deep pool for splashing in, and a gorgeous waterfall. It's that quintessential North Carolina swimming hole experience. Get all the details about this NC swimming hole. Also, make sure you check out this video from when Adventuring in the Moment was there:
4. Looking Glass Falls
Two miles down U.S. 276, past Sliding Rock, is Looking Glass Falls. This impressive waterfall swimming hole in NC makes for breathtaking scenery. The pool is perfect for dipping your toes in after a long mountain hike. While not the deepest, young children will be able to splash and play next to an immaculate waterfall...what a fun experience! Learn more about getting to Looking Glass Falls. The mist and the wind created by the powerful rushing waters are amazing to stand in front of to cool off too. Check out this video by Adventuring in the Moment:
5. Deep Creek
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek is a popular destination for tubing. Take a pit stop at Tom Branch Falls to take it all in. Read more on this NC tubing spot.
6. Elk River Falls
This gorgeous and safe North Carolina swimming hole rests beneath Elk River Falls. A sandy beach leading into the water makes for a great place to prop a chair or towel and spend the day relaxing. Sometimes the water can get a bit strong, so always use caution when swimming here. Learn about Elk River Falls before you visit.
7. Hooker Falls
For a swimming hole with waterfalls to swim in, Hooker Falls is your destination. Grab a tube and float along while enjoying the calm sound of a waterfall. Or live a little and try out the rope swing. Located in DuPont State Forest, Hooker Falls is a popular destination for a cool dip on a hot day. Take a look at this write-up for all the details on Hooker Falls.
8. Sliding Rock
More of a "natural waterslide" than a waterfall with a swimming hole, this adrenaline-packed experience is perfect for making the most of everything the North Carolina mountains have to offer. Check out this detailed write-up on Sliding Rock.
9. Upper Creek Falls
This gorgeous waterfall swimming hole in NC in the Pisgah National Forest comes with its very own rope swing! You'll love the multiple cascades and relaxed pools perfect for cooling off after a day in the mountains. Head to the USDA Forest Service website for the most up-to-date information on Upper Creek Falls.
10. Turtleback Falls
Located in Gorges State Park, Turtleback Falls is another natural waterslide and waterfall to swim in, but this one is a lot less known than Sliding Rock. Take a slip, then a dip! Familiarize yourself with Gorges State Park before you head out.
11. Cashiers Sliding Rock
Another great secret in the land of waterfalls with a swimming hole is Cashiers Sliding Rock. Spend the day hiking, then get a rush of adrenaline sliding down the rock or keep it simple and just wade in the pool. Learn more about Cashiers Sliding Rock and a few other NC swimming holes.
12. Schoolhouse Falls
Located in Panthertown Valley, this impressive waterfall swimming hole in NC might seem daunting, but it has a pool safe for splashing. The 2.5-mile roundtrip hike is well worth it. Get all the details on the hike to Schoolhouse Falls.
There is nothing quite like doing a little waterfall swimming in the summer. Have you taken a dip in any of these waterfalls? Any others you want to add to the list? Tell us in the comments!
If you love North Carolina swimming holes but prefer saltwater sometimes, check out these ten amazing beaches in North Carolina.
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