There are tons of places to enjoy swimming in NC – after all, we’ve got lots of land to explore. One favorite summer activity of many Tar Heels is enjoying the Hanging Rock State Park swimming hole. Hanging Rock State Park is quite popular, but it’s no easy feat to reach the park’s eponymous feature. The satisfaction of completing the journey is just as amazing as the views from its high vantage point. But don’t confuse the park’s most popular spot for photos as being the only thing to do at this North Carolina state park. This place really does have it, including one of the best waterfall swimming holes in North Carolina.

Sure, checking out Hanging Rock Lake and trekking up the 3.5 miles to Hanging Rock is a must-do for any seasoned hiker and explorer.
Brett van Beynum/Google
The elevation gain on the journey up to the rock's peak is 892 feet and if you do the hike, remember, what goes up must come down. Walking sticks and plenty of water are much-needed accessories to help make this one-of-a-kind trek. And plan to stay a while. The views are astounding!
Plan your visit far enough in advance to reserve a spot in the park's campground, which includes 73 campsites.
twoplustwins/TripAdvisor
Located in spaces carved right into the flora of the forest, the sites are available year-round and usually stay booked. If camping is too rustic for you, check out one of the many cabins that are available at Hanging Rock State Park.
There aren't too many state parks in North Carolina where you can check out a cave.
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The massive cave, known as Tory's Den, is associated with much lore revolving around the American Revolution. Some versions tell of a young boy who was hanged at the cave. You'll find it at the end of a short 0.2-mile trail at Hanging Rock State Park.
For hikers, Hanging Rock State Park is an absolute paradise.
Queen J/TripAdvisor
The many trails in the park lead to a variety of incredible destinations, like waterfalls, caves, hidden coves, abandoned structures in the forest, and more.
The Moore's Knob hike leads to a lookout tower.
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From high atop this perch, you'll have 360-degree views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
Another trail leads straight to Hanging Rock State Park swimming hole.
JRat14100/Google
A 0.7-mile hike drops you at the foot of the Lower Cascades at Hanging Rock where a waterfall swimming hole in NC filled with cool mountain water awaits. Bring a swimsuit and a towel and enjoy cooling off on a warm day.
Prefer beach swimming to waterfall lagoons?
MarsRD/TripAdvisor
Luckily, Hanging Rock State Park swimming also includes an easily accessible beach where you can sink your toes in the sand and enjoy some much-needed R&R at Hanging Rock Lake.
Hanging Rock State Park is immensely popular and certainly deserves all the praise it receives.
Sven Michael J/TripAdvisor
But not everyone takes advantage of every wonderful thing the park has to offer. Are you ready to explore the entire park this year?

Hanging Rock State Park is open year-round and the hours vary by season. Swimming in the lake is available only during the summer months and the diving board is only open when an attendant is on duty. Canoe and kayak rentals are on weekends only during the fall and winter; however, during the summer months, rentals are available daily. Camping and cabin fees vary by season. Learn more about the park, amenities, and Hanging Rock State Park swimming at the Hanging Rock State Park website. Have you ever visited this park? Tell us about your favorite adventures in the comments!

Looking for more ways to cool off? Check out these other waterfall swimming holes in NC.

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Hanging Rock Lake

Rachel Raimondi | June 22, 2022

What's the most beautiful hike in North Carolina?

With 18.6 million acres of forest within the state, there is a lot of hiking in North Carolina to explore. Located in Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, you’ll find the Stone Mountain Loop. This 4.5-mile hike will take you to Stone Mountain as well as by a waterfall and an old family homestead. Hanging Rock State Park is more than just a waterfall swimming hole in NC. There are several trails here, including the 4.3-mile Moore’s Wall Loop that will bring you to a spectacular view of the surroundings. You can even head to the Lower Cascades at Hanging Rock from here.

Are there any good swimming holes in North Carolina?

Aside from Hanging Rock swimming hole, there are several other swimming holes in NC. In Pisgah National Forest in Canton, you’ll find Skinny Dip Falls. Despite its cutesy name, it’s best to wear a bathing suit if you head to this swimming hole off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Over in Bryson City, there’s Deep Creek. Here, you can rent a tube and take the short Deep Creek Trail to float on the water, which ends with a nice swimming hole.

Where can I find the bluest water in North Carolina?

North Carolina has a lot of water within its borders, including ocean shoreline, but if you are looking for the very bluest, you’ll need to head to the Crystal Coast section of the state, namely Shackleford Banks. Here, you’ll find not only the bluest water in North Carolina but also more than 100 wild horses that roam the island. And it’s also extremely remote, with virtually no facilities. Just beach and blue water.

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Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA