Exploring the wilderness in North Carolina is quite simply good for the soul. There's something so carefree about hiking, whether under a canopy of trees or out in the wide open, that's both relaxing and motivational. And anytime you can combine a fun little trail with a waterfall - and a swimming hole - well, it's like having dessert smothered in whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Most people who visit Stone Mountain State Park overlook the hidden waterfall known as Widow's Creek Falls, in lieu of hiking the longer, more popular trails in the park.
Park your vehicle on Stone Mountain Road (there's a map below showing where to park) and walk a mere two-tenths of a mile over to the falls and the various swimming holes found in the long tail after the plunge pool.
Just about anyone can conquer this short trail. It has an elevation gain of only 16 feet. Just think: in under quite literally five minutes, you can walk from your parked car and be standing at the base of Widow's Creek Falls.
Or better still... stick your toes in the refreshing water!
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Listen intently as the soothing sounds of Widow's Creek spilling over the top of the falls calms your soul as it drops into the shallow plunge pool below.
If you're feeling especially adventurous, The Widow's Creek Trail continues on for another mile for a round trip total hike of 2.5 miles! You can learn more about the short, 0.2-mile trail to Widow's Creek Falls from our friends at AllTrails.com.
This isn't the only way to enjoy Stone Mountain State Park. You can camp, go rock climbing, picnicking, fishing and more. And if you want to see the best of what the park has to offer, the Stone Mountain Loop Trail leads you to still another waterfall, over a granite dome, and past an old homestead! Learn more about the amazing Stone Mountain State Park on the North Carolina State Parks' website, here. Admission is free. Park hours change with the season, see them at this link.
North Carolina in August offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and coastal escapes. Experience scenic beauty in the Blue Ridge Mountains; explore the Outer Banks' pristine beaches; attend cultural festivals, and savor the state's delicious cuisine under warm summer skies.
Avoid North Carolina during this month due to high humidity, hot temperatures, and occasional thunderstorms. Outdoor activities can be uncomfortable, and popular tourist destinations may be crowded. Consider visiting during milder months for a more pleasant experience.
In August, North Carolina experiences hot and humid weather. Average temperatures range from 70°F (21°C) in the mornings to 88°F (31°C) in the afternoons. Expect occasional thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons, while mornings and evenings offer more comfortable conditions.
As we enter another spectacular month for the Not Your Average Bucket List podcast, we're covering all the best things to do in August 2024. For anyone who hasn't yet heard of our podcast, Not Your Average Bucket List is an audio adventure by OnlyInYourState dedicated to unearthing hidden gems across the United States. For this monthly series, our two hosts will help you find the best things to do in North Carolina for August 2024!
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So, are you ready to dive into a month of exciting things in North Carolina? First, if you want to listen to the episode, make sure to check it out on Spotify or Apple Podcasts:
Or, if you prefer a more visual experience, watch our hosts Sara and Marisa break everything down on YouTube!
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Top North Carolina Attractions & Events in August
Looking for the best North Carolina attractions and events in August? We've rounded up the 10 best things to do in August 2024, from restaurants to outdoor fun.
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Whether it's exploring hidden gems, delving into history and culture, or uncovering off-the-beaten-path adventures, our writers are the experts within their state. Each list is curated and checked by our state writers to include local attractions, must-visit spots, and insider tips, making us the go-to authority for fellow adventurers seeking authentic experiences each month.So without further ado, in no particular order...
Hiking to Secret Falls in August in North Carolina offers a thrilling adventure through lush forests and rocky terrain. The moderate trail, approximately four miles round trip, leads to a mesmerizing hidden waterfall surrounded by nature's tranquility. The journey rewards hikers with a serene and picturesque oasis worth the effort.
Greenspot Farms in Swansboro, North Carolina, is a coastal gem offering unspoiled beauty. Accessible only by ferry, the park's pristine beaches, maritime forests, and tidal marshes provide a peaceful escape. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, camping, and exploring the secluded Bear Island, making it a nature lover's paradise.
Greenspot Farms in Washington, North Carolina, is a nature lover's haven. Nestled along the Pamlico River, it showcases diverse ecosystems, including swamps, wetlands, and hardwood forests. The park offers hiking trails, boating opportunities, and picnicking spots, providing a serene retreat where visitors can connect with the area's natural beauty.
4. Outer Banks Pirate Festival (Kitty Hawk): Aug. 7-8, 2024
Ahoy, mateys! Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure at Kitty Hawk Kites' Outer Banks Pirate Festival. We think it's one of the best things to do in August. Join Blackbeard's Crew for a history lesson on Outer Banks pirates and let your little ones try Scallywag School to become part of the crew. Don't miss the excitement at Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head. Discover more on the Outer Banks Pirate Festival Facebook page.
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5. Historic Valdese Waldesian Festival (Valdese): Aug. 9-10, 2024
The Historic Valdese Waldesian Festival in Valdese, North Carolina, is a captivating cultural celebration. Honoring the town's Italian and Swiss heritage, the festival features live music, dance performances, arts and crafts, delicious food, and historical reenactments. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich traditions and heritage of the Waldensian settlers. Find out more on the Historic Valdese Waldesian Festival web page.
6. Sourwood Festival (Black Mountain): Aug. 10-11, 2024
Since its 1977 debut, it has been a beloved tradition. With around 150 vendors this year, it promises a vibrant and exciting celebration. Vendors are mostly focused on arts and crafts, such as jewelry, woodworking, glasswork, mosaics, fiber art, and more. Enjoy some delicious treats from the food court where visitors can buy eats in a centralized location. Check out the Sourwood Festival website for more details.
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7. NC State Bluegrass Festival (Marion): Aug. 15-17, 2024
In its 49th year, this celebration of awesome music takes place at Camping World in Marion. Bring a lawn chair, a camper, and dance to the tunes. This photo was snapped on Aug. 19, 2017, while the U.S. Navy Band Country Current bluegrass ensemble entertained a large crowd at this thrilling musical event. Discover more on the North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival Facebook page.
What could be more fun than three extraordinary nights of art, live music, camping, and love in the great outdoors during summer in North Carolina? The BIG What? - that's what! Enjoy the sounds of numerous bands at Shakori Hills Community Arts Center in Pittsboro. For further details, visit The BIG What? Facebook page.
9. Winterville Watermelon Festival (Winterville): Aug. 22-25, 2024
For some summer fun in North Carolina, the Watermelon Festival in Winterville offers activities for all ages. Dance to the beats of local and widely-known musicians, watch the exciting Watermelon Parade, participate in the watermelon-eating contest, eat some delicious food, and ride some of your favorite carnival rides. Read all about it on the Winterville Watermelon Festival website.
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10. Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival (Cary): Aug. 24-25, 2024
The Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in Cary, North Carolina, is a beloved event celebrating creativity and community. With over 300 talented artisans, it offers a diverse range of handmade crafts, art displays, live performances, and delicious food. This lively festival brings people together to appreciate art and enjoy a fun-filled day. Learn more on the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival Facebook page.
Best North Carolina Waterfalls to Visit in August
Looking Glass Falls
Soco Falls
Linville Falls
Sliding Rock
Crabtree Falls
North Carolina in August is full of surprises. As always, stay tuned next month when we cover the best things to do in North Carolina in September.
Skinny Dip Falls sounds more scandalous than it really is. We found this hidden gem along the Blue Ridge Parkway during one of our adventure days and were pleasantly surprised at what a fun little hike this was and a good addition to any trip along the most scenic road in North Carolina.
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As the Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through North Carolina, there are a number of can't-miss sights. From overlooks that afford views down into deep gorges to passage through majestic tunnels cut through the earth, waterfalls galore, and even a look at the tallest mountain peak east of the Mississippi, it's no wonder this National Park Service unit is one of the top two visited national parks in America. That being said, it can be difficult to prioritize what you can fit into one parkway excursion. If there is one waterfall along the parkway that you should pull over for a dip in the natural swimming hole, it's Skinny Dip Falls.
The name may imply this is a clothing-optional swimming hole — but nothing could be farther from the truth.
The waterfall cascades down the side of a mountain in a skinny flow of water (thus the name) that drops into pool, after pool, after pool of crystal clear emerald water. Flanking each side of the water flow are smooth boulders and moss-covered rocks.
Editor's Note: After some flooding in the area the waterfall looks quite a bit different than it used to. If you haven't been in recent years you should still go and check it out. Now you will find a series of cascading falls.
Taking a dip in Skinny Dip Falls is almost a must, as long as the weather is warm.
Even in the summer, the water maintains what can only be described as a sobering cold temperature but that doesn't stop most people from being tempted to test it out.
The waterfall's many lagoons make it easy to find a spot to call your own...
Unless it's the height of summer! Then you can expect to share your little slice of paradise with many others who make the short hike along the parkway.
Getting to Skinny Dip Falls is a short, 0.9-mile journey with an overall elevation change of 187 feet.
You'll park at milepost 417 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There's an overlook for Looking Glass Rock at this mile post and the trail to Skinny Dip Falls is located across the street. Be SURE to look both ways before crossing the road, as the Blue Ridge Parkway gets very busy with traffic. A helpful trick that we use while traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway is to plan our trip ahead of time. If you write down your hikes based on the milepost marker you have a helpful way of finding some of these hard-to-find places. We have passed this lookout many times without knowing that there was a trail across the street so putting in a little research can help you when you are driving and do not have cell service in the mountains.
Although the trail is rated as easy, we advise you to bring walking sticks for the climbing as well as the rock and root jumping you'll do on this trail.
Most people hike one way in about 30 minutes. It can probably be accomplished must faster but there are many things to see and admire on the way to the falls. Be sure to bring plenty of water.
The day we hiked this trail was a rather cold morning, so needless to say there was no swimming for us.
This map will show you the proximity of the unmarked trail to the Looking Glass Rock Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The trailhead is located across the street from the Looking Glass Rock Overlook at milepost 417. There is no marker for the trail, however it follows the Mountains To Sea Trail. Enter the trail, pass the big tree (you'll know it when you see it), and then continue straight. At the top of the first natural set of stairs, veer left. To learn more you can download the map from our friends over at AllTrails of the Skinny Dip Falls trail. Want to see what this trail looks like? Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to see the trail and the waterfall.
Have you been to Skinny Dip Falls? Share your experience about this natural swimming hole in North Carolina with others in our comments — and we'd LOVE to see your photos posted in the thread!
