North Carolina’s Most Refreshing Hike Will Lead You Straight To A Beautiful Swimming Hole
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.
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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.
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 mile post 417 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There's an overlook 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.
Although the trail is rated as easy, we advise you 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.
As you approach the falls, you'll drop down a set of narrow and steep stairs and then cross a super narrow bridge with a handrail only on one side.
The bridge actually crosses over the cascading waterfall, so keep a close eye on little ones and excitable dogs so they don't fall off the bridge. Then, have fun exploring the falls!
Skinny Dip Falls is among our favorite waterfall destination hikes in North Carolina.
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. Learn more at this link on alltrails.com.
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!
For more must-visit natural swimming holes in North Carolina, keep reading here!
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: [email protected]
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