12 Waterfall Swimming Holes in North Carolina That Are Ideal for a Summer Day

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 dip in every one. While many are unsuitable or unsafe for swimming, others are perfect for taking a dip, like these 12 waterfall swimming holes in NC. Which one will you visit first this summer?

1. Lower Cascade Falls

Located at Hanging Rock State Park, 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, a quick hike accesses this 25-foot waterfall with a swimming hole. It is beautifully impressive, offers a small beach for wading, and has a pool by the falls with nothing but the finest mountain water. You can bring the kids and dog along on this summer day trip! Read about the short hike to Silver Run Falls.

3. Skinny Dip Falls

With a one-mile hike conveniently off the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can't beat everything Skinny Dip offers. 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 mighty rushing waters are amazing to stand in front of, and to cool off too. Check out this video by Adventuring in the Moment:

5. Deep Creek

Deep Creek is a popular tubing destination in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take a pit stop at Tom Branch Falls to take it all in. Read more on this NC tubing spot and plan your summer day trip.

6. Elk River Falls

Editor's Note: Elk River Falls is temporarily closed. Visit the U.S. Forest Service website for updates on reopening.

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 much 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

Cashiers Sliding Rock is another great secret in the land of waterfalls with a swimming hole. Spend the day hiking, then get a rush of adrenaline sliding down the rock, or keep it simple and just wade in the pool. Whatever you choose to do, you'll have the best time! 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 round-trip hike is well worth it. Get all the details on the hike to Schoolhouse Falls.

There is nothing quite like swimming in a little waterfall in the summer. Have you taken a dip in any of these waterfalls? Any others you want to add to the list? Tell us by sending us a note through our nominations page.

If you love North Carolina swimming holes but prefer saltwater sometimes, check out these ten amazing beaches in North Carolina. Have a wonderful summer!