Here in North Carolina, there’s no shortage of water recreation. Between our beautiful beaches, splendid lakes, and rushing rivers, you’ll never run out of options for fun on the water! If you’re looking for a fun way to shake things up, North Carolina is home to many amazing, gorgeous swimming holes. This list, however, includes some under-the-radar swimming holes in North Carolina you might not know about. Mother Nature really does throw the best pool parties!

1. Skinny Dip Falls
Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Flickr / Josh Tremper
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. Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment to see the hike and the water:


2. Hooker Falls
Hooker Falls, North Carolina 28768, USA
Flickr / Dave Slusher
Hooker Falls is a popular destination for a little swim with a gorgeous view. Go on the weekdays to avoid crowds!
3. Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock, North Carolina 28768, USA
dorsalmo/ Tripadvisor
As North Carolina's natural waterslide, Sliding Rock should be at the top of your bucket list! While a popular destination, the adrenaline is worth the wait. Located in Brevard, you can take a fun dip in-between hiking.
4. Lake Norman Public Beach
Lake Norman, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Lee LeFever
With a grand opening this weekend, Lake Norman Public Beach is the perfect destination to lay your towel or bring a chair.
5. White Lake
White Lake, NC 28337, USA
Flickr / Lesley Looper
White Lake is a gorgeous, crystal-clear lake perfect for dipping your toes in (and still seeing the bottom). The lake is filled with coastal charm -- minus the shark scares. It's a unique destination!
6. Upper Creek Falls
Upper Creek Falls, 6118 Wind Song Ln, Newland, NC 28657, USA
Flickr / Jeff Moore
This gorgeous swimming hole in the Pisgah National Forest comes equipped with its very own rope swing! You'll love the multiple waterfalls and relaxed pools perfect for cooling off after a day in the mountains.

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7. Elk River Falls
Elk River Falls, Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622, USA
Flickr / Alistair Nicol
This breathtaking, 50-foot-tall waterfall is conveniently located near Beech Mountain and Banner Elk. With a small beach, you can work your way into the water, or just swim right in the falls!
8. Nantahala River Jump Off Rock
Nantahala River, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / joiseyshowaa
While the Nantahala River is perhaps better suited for whitewater rafting, the jump off rock at the Nantahala Outdoor Center allows you to dive right into the rapids. Cannonball!
9. Eno River
Eno River, North Carolina, USA
Jim Liestman/ Flickr
While many of these are located in the mountains, Eno River is located west of Durham. The state park offers swimming, hiking, and an epic footbridge that's not for the faint of heart.
10. Badin Lake
Badin Lake, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / MrGaryLarson
Another centrally-located swimming hole is Badin Lake. Located in the beautiful Uwharrie Mountains, you can get plenty of freshwater fun without the long drive to the mountains. This lake is also highly regarded for its incredible sunrises.
11. Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock, North Carolina 28604, USA
Flickr / bobistraveling
Hanging Rock is the perfect place for a little adventure and a quick dip. Hike down to Lower Cascade Falls and cool off in the mountain water. If you're craving more, there's also a gorgeous lake.
12. Lake Lure
Lake Lure, NC, USA
Flickr / L. Andrew Bell
While many people know of Lake Lure (thanks, Dirty Dancing), it's a spot you MUST experience for yourself. You can't beat a day swimming or boating while surrounded by 360 mountain views at this natural water park in North Carolina.

Alright, I’m ready to take a dip in some cool, fresh water! What about you? Did you know about these swimming pools in North Carolina? What’s your favorite place to go for water recreation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Swimming Holes in North Carolina

Sarah | March 14, 2021

What's summer like in North Carolina?

Summers in North Carolina can be humid and hot, but there are plenty of places to cool off and incredible places to see.

Summer in North Carolina is absolutely splendid; there are beaches and mountain escapes to be found all over the state! While it gets quite hot here, there are many places to cool off. The swimming holes are still crisp and cool, but just the right temperature for a dip after a long hike. Abundant wildflowers and rhododendron blooms line the trails, greenery is overflowing almost everywhere; the summer season is picture-perfect here in North Carolina.

What are some awesome places to go in North Carolina?

Here are some awesome places to go in North Carolina:

 

You can't beat the beaches in North Carolina; we particularly love Cape Lookout National Seashore, Corolla Beach (there are even wild horses there!), North Topsail Beach, and Holden Beach. All sorts of adventures abound here, too; for instance, you can visit a (reportedly) tried-and-true Fountain of Youth right here in our own North Carolina backyard. Many people swear by its healing properties and now you can, too! And Castle Monte Rouge near Durham is beyond cool; it's located in the North Carolina woods and is a hauntingly beautiful ruin to behold. 

Are there any waterfalls in North Carolina?

One of the best waterfalls in North Carolina is Hickory Nut Falls.

North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls! No matter the season, there are few things as rewarding as admiring North Carolina’s waterfalls. From epic falls to meandering cascades,  North Carolina is a waterfall wonderland. Hickory Nut Falls is one of our favorites; as one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, Hickory Nut was a filming location for the Last Of The Mohicans. It is reached from an easy hike up a trail, and it's even more impressive after a good rain. And for an epic waterfall hike, there's a treetop adventure in the woods near Fayetteville that's a must for all adventurers. ZipQuest in Fayetteville is home to a hidden oasis of zip lines, canopy trails, tree walks, waterfalls, and daring feats.

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