Posted in North Carolina On The Water, Summer May 21, 2023 by

These 8 Swimming Holes Have The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In North Carolina

North Carolina is home to some of the most picture-perfect swimming holes in the country. Between lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean … there are a lot of beautiful bodies of water from which to choose. But sometimes not seeing the bottom can be a bit nerve-wracking. Luckily, North Carolina is home to some amazing, crystal-clear swimming holes that will make the end of your summer beyond epic. Without further ado, we present to you the clearest water in North Carolina for the perfect swimming holes. So pack your swimsuit and towel and prepare to be amazed by these unique places to swim in North Carolina.

1. Lake James
Flickr / Todd Money
Located at the base of North Carolina's Grand Canyon, Linville Gorge, the water at Lake James is pristine, crystal clear, and also on par with what you'd find in bottled water at the grocery store. The fresh, clean mountain water is only the cherry on top. You get to marvel in incredible, 360-degree views of some of the best scenery in western NC. When it comes to pristine swimming holes in North Carolina, Lake James tops the list.
Lake James, North Carolina 28761, USA
2. Skinny Dip Falls
Flickr / Josh Temper
Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, 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. A favorite spot is the swimming hole right next to the waterfall and below the jump-off rock. You can see everything below you, and the water is quite deep making it safe for a fun jump. Check out the hike getting to the falls with this Adventuring in the Moment video:


Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA
3. White Lake
Flickr / Lesley Looper
Between crystal clear water, white sand, and tropical cypress trees, it's no surprise White Lake used to be a luxury resort during the 1920s. While the vibe is a bit more relaxed now, it still retains that Caribbean charm of being miles and miles away from everything. White Lake was actually formed by a crater, and goes to 15 feet deep, but the best part, you can *always* see the bottom.
White Lake, NC 28337, USA
4. Emerald Isle
Flickr / Adam Sacco
Wild Growth Digital/ Flickr
There's a reason this area is known as the Crystal Coast! Emerald Isle is a slice of beach paradise with some of the most remarkably clear water on the North Carolina coastline. It's truly one of the most memorable places to swim in North Carolina.
Emerald Isle, NC 28594, USA
5. Hanging Rock State Park, Lower Cascade Falls
Flickr / bobistraveling
While you won't do too much dipping and diving in this shallow pool, it's the perfect place to take the kiddos for splashing around, or even a quick cool off after a lengthy hike. Located just outside the Piedmont, Hanging Rock is perfect for a quick day trip!
Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA
6. Shackleford Banks
Alex Wheatley/ Flickr
Susan Smith/ Flickr
Sure, Shackleford Banks has no running water or electricity... and can only be accessed by boat or ferry - but it is the *true* gem of the Crystal Coast. You'll never witness clearer water in North Carolina than you will here. Read all about this beautiful place in North Carolina, Shackleford Banks certainly feels like a little slice of Heaven.
Shackleford Banks, North Carolina, USA
7. Wrightsville Beach
Flickr / John Dyer
With crystal-clear water, waves perfect for surfing, and a town brimming with beach vibes (and Wilmington just a short drive away), Wrightsville Beach is one of the more 'happening' choices on this list, but you can't beat the gorgeous water!
Wrightsville Beach, NC, USA
8. Silver Run Falls
Flickr / Matt Barnett
Flickr / Jim Liestman
Last, but certainly not least, our list of pristine swimming holes in North Carolina concludes with Silver Run Falls. In the Nantahala National Forest, Silver Run Falls is accessed by a quick hike. This 25-foot-tall waterfall is beautifully impressive, offers a small beach for wading, and a pool by the fall with nothing but the finest, most pristine mountain water.
Silver Run Falls Trailhead, 35°04'00.9"N 83°04'01.1"W, Cashiers, NC 28717, USA

Is that not the clearest water in North Carolina? These eight places offer so many unforgettable experiences, from a cool dip with mountain views to a bit of a hike, or even simply moving from your beach chair to the ocean — North Carolina has some beautifully diverse swimming holes.

What are your favorite crystal clear swimming holes in the Tar Heel State? Do you agree that we’ve listed some of the pristine swimming holes in North Carolina? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

If you’re craving more swimming holes – check out these 12!

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The OIYS Visitor Center

pristine swimming holes in North Carolina

March 31, 2021
Beth C.

What are the best places to swim in North Carolina?

The best places to swim in North Carolina are:

 

We've outlined some of the most pristine swimming holes in North Carolina; however, it's by no means an exhaustive list. The Tar Heel State features countless places to go swimming and it's only a matter of knowing where to look. Some other great places to swim in North Carolina include Hooker Falls, Sliding Rock, Lake Norman Public Beach, Upper Creek Falls, Elk River Falls, Nantahala River Jump-Off Rock, Eno River, Badin Lake, Hanging Rock, and Lake Lure. Have you visited any of these incredible places to swim in North Carolina?

What are the most pristine lakes in North Carolina?

The best lakes in North Carolina are:

 

It's hard to imagine North Carolina without its population of beautiful lakes. Whether you're someone who enjoys taking a dip in a natural swimming hole, going fishing, boating, or canoeing, there's bound to be the perfect lake for you here in North Carolina. Some of the most beautiful and pristine lakes in North Carolina include Lake Lure, Lake Mattamuskeet, Lake Norman, Jordan Lake, Lake Tillery, Nantahala Lake, Lake Phelps, Lake Gaston, and White Lake. Have you ever visited any of these beautiful North Carolina lakes before?

Does North Carolina have any hidden waterfalls?

The best-hidden waterfalls in North Carolina are:

 

North Carolina could unofficially be called the land of hidden waterfalls. There are quite literally hundreds upon hundreds of waterfalls in the Tar Heel State, and many of them are tucked away and off-the-beaten path. Some of the most beautiful hidden waterfalls to uncover in North Carolina include High Shoals Falls, Dry Falls, Whitewater Falls, Mingo Falls, Moore Cave Falls, Turtleback Falls, Soco Falls, and Rainbow Falls. If you love exploring North Carolina's waterfalls, you should read about some of the most iconic waterfalls in the state. At the top of the list is Looking Glass Falls, which is an easy-to-access waterfall located near Brevard within the Pisgah National Forest. In fact, you can practically drive right up to Looking Glass Falls!