We certainly love a good road trip around here! Scenery, snacks and singing in the car all make for a great time. The only thing we don’t like about a road trip these days is the price of gas. An ideal trip allows for a full weekend away that won’t drain the tank – or your wallet. This weekend family trip includes just 31 miles of driving over three days to some terrific North Carolina swimming holes. They even have waterfalls, which we think makes them some of the best swimming holes in North Carolina. Come along with us as we detail three days and two nights spent tracking down and exploring some extraordinarily fun spots in the wilds of the Tar Heel State. And, to help prepare you for the journey check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide!

While this may be one of the shortest road trips we've ever planned, it's certainly also going to be one of the most fun!
Google Maps [enhanced with text]
Let's get going! Here's a Google Map to guide your (short) travels to all three waterfall swimming holes, as well as our lodging recommendations.
1. Hooker Falls, Hendersonville
Google/Matthew Clark
Day one begins at Hooker Falls, one of the most beautiful places in North Carolina. First, you'll start the day on a trailhead that's accessible from a parking area in the DuPont State Recreational Forest, just south of Brevard.
Google/Alisa Jeffries
Pack the gear, the sunscreen, and even a picnic for a day of fun in the sun. You'll love some time in the plunge pool and the lagoon of a 12-foot waterfall on the Little River.
Hooker Falls Access Area, Dupont state forest, Parking lot, Hendersonville, NC 28739, USA
Google/Dayana Thomas
The hike from the parking area is under a mile and typically is rated as easy for those with full mobility.

Because this is a busy spot, expect to share the adventure with others who have the same idea. Fortunately, the natural pool at Hooker Falls is quite large so there's room for everyone. Find a spot in the cool water when it's warm out, and you'll be glad you did.

Move along at your own pace. But if you're able to devote a whole day to each of the three falls, you certainly won't tire of them.
2. Sliding Rock
Tennessee50plus/TripAdvisor
Next up, and located just a few miles up the road, is North Carolina's famous Sliding Rock. Sliding Rock is a privately-managed, 60-foot waterfall slide that drops into an eight-foot-deep plunge pool. Don't worry, Mom. There are lifeguards on-site seven days a week during the busy season. For more information about hours, seasons, and lifeguard times, visit the Sliding Rock website.

Related Stories

This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You North Carolina Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You North Carolina Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

 North Carolina's Scenic Waterfall Loop Will Take You To 11 Different Waterfalls

North Carolina's Scenic Waterfall Loop Will Take You To 11 Different Waterfalls

Paid Content Bryson City, North Carolina
Take A 98-Mile Drive On The North Carolina Waterfall Scenic Byway And Pass Scores Of Waterfalls

Take A 98-Mile Drive On The North Carolina Waterfall Scenic Byway And Pass Scores Of Waterfalls
Sliding Rock, Highway 276, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, USA
AHP2016/TripAdvisor
To use the slide, visitors must be able to swim. Children ages seven and under will need to go down the slide with an adult. If you want to hit a spot the locals love, don't pass up the chance to slip down the falls at Sliding Rock in North Carolina.

Because this is a privately managed attraction, you'll need to pay an entrance fee for each person using the slide - but one fee gets you unlimited use of the slide while you're visiting. For those who just wish to watch everyone else in the family squeal as they hit the slide, there are two viewing areas in the shade. If visiting in the warm seasons, be sure to arrive very early. It gets super busy here between noon and 4 p.m. - and you'll want to make sure you get a parking spot.
3. Skinny Dip Falls, Canton
Google/Tremayne Sirmons
Next up is another spectacular waterfall swimming hole found at the end of an short (but sometimes steep) half-mile trail. This one isn't far from Sliding Rock, so you'll only have a bit of driving time between the two.

This trail is rated as easy, but do note the elevation change of 100 feet in each direction. Much of this elevation is on a set of stairs right as you arrive at the falls.
TripAdvisor/Marc R
Skinny Dip Falls is another very popular spot when the weather is warm.
Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Google/Jon Baatz
The cascading falls offer a bit of an enchanting oasis. Filled with beautiful, crystal-clear wading pools, this very cold water flows from the Yellowstone Prong of the Big East Fork of the Pigeon River.

Be sure to take your time here soaking up all the fun. In fact, we love the idea of spending all day at each of these waterfall swimming holes. Bring a lunch, plenty to drink, and a trash bag so you can pack out everything you brought in when you arrived. When it's time to settle in for the evening, the area is swimming (pun intended!) with campground options. There are two we love in particular.
4. Lodging
Davidson River Campground Drive, Davidson Riv Campground Dr, North Carolina 28768, USA
Facebook/Davidson River Campground
Davidson River Campground is nearby and super affordable, especially for a single campsite.

Spend both nights here, or switch it up for the second night and migrate a few miles up the road to one of the cool treehouses at Pilot Cove.
Pilot Cove, North Carolina 28768, USA
Google/Pilot Cove
Pilot Cove is in the process of building a 10-acre campground for adventure seekers, but in the meantime, it offers wonderful cabins for rent. Sizes range from small, rustic efficiencies up to luxurious two-bedroom accommodations.

And the best part about both Davidson River Campground and Pilot Cove? They're right off the highway on the road trip mapped out above!

That’s all there is to it – take this short, 31-mile road trip to three waterfall swimming holes in North Carolina this summer, and watch some wonderful new memories unfold before your eyes.

If you’re feeling up for more of the same kind of fun, plan another weekend at another waterfall swimming at Hunt Fish Falls, which is also one of our favorite North Carolina swimming holes.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Road Trips in North Carolina

Michelle S. | December 06, 2022

What are the best road trips through North Carolina?

The best road trips through North Carolina lead to some truly fun activities, scenery and history. Here are some of our favorites:

 

This list of road trips should take you through each season, but if you have some time left over don't forget to explore this road trip through the most picturesque small towns.

What are the best day trips in North Carolina?

The best day trips in North Carolina offer a great way to see the state without needing to take significant time away from your day-to-day life. And, each season offers something truly unique. In the winter, consider day trips to places like Shoji Spa and Lodge in Asheville or Beech Mountain, known as the snowiest town in the state. When the snow clears it's time to prepare for some warmer weather daylong road trips in North Carolina. The 138-mile Outer Banks Scenic Byway is truly magnificent. This is also a great time of year to explore all the swimming holes in North Carolina. For a great fall day trip try Winston-Salem Quarry Park or something even simpler like apple picking. Consider all the many fall day trip options when the leaves begin to change.

You can also consider one of the many fun train day trips in North Carolina.

 

Related Articles