Begin your hike over the trails around the lake, and cool off in the lake in afternoon. The mountains and sky often mirror themselves into Several swimming holes near the NE border of the Great Smoky Mtns N. P. in the Big Creek Recreation Area on the TN-NC border. Waterrock Knob We've rounded up 10 watering holes within a 90-minute drive so you can make plans for this weekend, or anytime. You will shoot sixty feet down a perfectly smooth rock face, fueled by more than 11,000 gallons of cascading water, into a pool . Take a walk through Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to a mini oasis that will help you leave your worries behind. Local: 865-430-4330 When its time to refuel, the farm-to-table restaurant serves delicious fresh favorites. Just eight miles outside of Brevard, Sliding Rock is Mother Nature's answer to the slip n' slide. Open swim times during the summer mean taking a cool dip in this totally unique environment is possible for everyone. Is there anything else you want to add? This picturesque spot is more than just a swimming hole. Skinny Dip Falls is also close to the famous Sliding Rock and you can head to the waterfalls of Graveyard Field from here. Changing rooms and restrooms are available, and the popular activity is watched over by lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from 10 am to 5 pm. Level Contributor 5,503 posts 2 reviews 1 helpful vote 1. On-site restrooms, picnic tables, and an accessible fishing pier are all provided. A great place to swim and picnic, Cheoah Point Beach is on Santeelah Lake in the Nantahala National Forest near Robbinsville. The 20 Best NC Swimming Holes for Summer (2023) - Blue Ridge Mountains You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. From a secret 'Midnight Hole' high up in the Smokies, pristine beaches with turquoise water and white sand, and even a crystal clear lake, the following list will provide you the inspiration you need to get out there and start splashing. Pack a picnic for a wonderful and relaxing experience. Even a short drop can be life threatening. Here's a few ways we're working on our mission right now: Providing information, Building and maintaining local trails, Helping and teaching kids to fix their bikes, Cleaning up local parksto provide safe and clean places to enjoy nature. The pumpkin patch and haunted trail are open in October and we are currently taking reservations for weddings, company picnics and Christmas parties. If youre looking to wine a little, theWine Bar and Cellarin Sylva provides a wide range of wines to choose from or grab a crafty cocktail from one of ourcocktail bars. Click for the full menu. White Lake, NC 28337, USA 2. If you do see her there, please say hello. BlackRock Mountain Located in Cherokee, theGreat Smoky Mountains National Parkis a great way to escape the heat. The pool access is across from the trailhead to one of our favorite hikes to Cove Creek Falls. Often, there are few or no visitors especially on summer weekdays. The kids were surprisingly eager to jump off the high point and it made me feel better that they were not only wearing life vests but also several lifeguards lined the perimeters. The quarry itself was accidentally discovered during the mining of granite during the late 1960s for Interstate 77. Theyre three magnificent pot holes like youd expect to find in Vermont or New Hampshire. Every swimmer is required to sign a waiver and all guests are required to wear a life vest. While this area is filled with rapids that are ideal for rafting and kayaking, there are several deep swimming holes. Lake Lure Beach and Water Park is another fun for kids! Cold Mountain 37 Free Swimming Holes near Hot Springs, North Carolina Thissandy beachis located betweenCullowheeandCashiersand offers a fun space and designatedswimming areafor enjoying Jackson Countys largest lake. SWIMMING HOLES IN NORTH CAROLINA. All our locations offer great outdoor space and are both child and pet-friendly. In some of the highest elevations along theBlue Ridge Parkway, you can find blueberries along the hillsides and some of the best long-range mountain views in the country alongside these pleasant temperatures. Whaleback Swimming Hole About 5.5 miles from the super popular Sliding Rock is a hidden, peaceful swimming hole deep in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. Deep Creek is located on the western side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Elk River Falls Hidden Falls Hunt-Fish Falls Lake Glenville Lake James State Park Lake Lure Beach and Waterpark Lower Cascade Falls Midnight Hole The Quarry at Carrigan Farms Schoolhouse Falls Skinny Dip Falls Sliding Rock Sunburst Swimming Area Swimming Pool at Morrow Mountain State Park Upper Creek Falls Wildcat Falls One of the best perks is not having to wait in line, especially when sliding on a weekday. The first of the side trails go to the area above the cascades with great picnic and sunning rocks. We've recorded your comments. Sunburst Swimming Hole - Visit NC Smokies Sliding Rock in Western North Carolina is said to be one of the most famous naturally occurring thrill water rides. Short and wide, Hunt-Fish Falls in Pisgah National Forest sits above one of the top natural swimming pools in western North Carolina. Cosmic Carryout And it's a beautiful waterfall setting to enjoy any time of the year without getting wet with multiple cascades and pools. Laced with waterfalls and stream crossings, this hike . Fall There are plenty of shopping corners and restaurants in the village of Chimney Rock nearby. Fees charged. If you'd rather, we'd be happy to send you an occassional useful email instead. Nearby attractions include a 45-foot waterfall known as Mouse Branch Falls. Bathing suits: May be optional at Old Forge Campground and Recreation Area is a small campsite perfect for campers looking for a primitive experience. Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool), National Forest Road 2672-655, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413, USA. Visit NC Smokies also says, getting to Midnight Hole is rather easy, however, they did offer this important trail note: "At 1.5 miles begin looking for a small white circle painted on a tree to the right of the trail. For more information about the swim test process please click here. Bathing suits: Optional at most places, very remote. Cool off in natureswater parkand wind down with a cold beverage or ice cream your mountain memories await. But 10 "swimming holes" in particular stand out to us as the best in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Only Sliding Rock and the beaches at Lake Lure and Lake James have lifeguards. This natural slide is located about eight miles from Brevard. The map contains Stay22 Affiliate links and Kidding Around earns when you book through these links. Adventure seekers can also take advantage of some nearby rapids. Find refuge from the swelteringhot daysand crowds with a trip to the mountain towns ofCashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva, (about an hour west ofAsheville). Nothing is more refreshing while on a summertime North Carolina mountains vacation than a splash in a cool swimming hole in one of the many streams, rivers and lakes in the region. This oval-shaped pool is a popular stop for swimming and resting on the rocks. Fax: 865-430-4334, Top 5 Winter Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains, 6 Must-See Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives in the Fall, 9 Best Places to See an Amazing Smoky Mountains Sunset and Sunrise, 3 Scenic Chairlifts in Gatlinburg That You Need to Experience, Top 5 Reasons Why Families Love Spending a Summer Vacation at Our Downtown Gatlinburg Hotel, 4 Fun Facts You Didnt Know About Cumberland Jacks in Gatlinburg. Prefer beach swimming to waterfall lagoons? Mills River offers excellent trout fishing, as well as tubing and swimming, which are Nice family swimming place right by N. F. campgrounds in the South Toe River (cold) in the Pisgah N. F You can only swim in the quarry during Open Swim times and dates or previously arranged on a field trip, party, or another event. Whaleback Swimming Hole - RomanticAsheville.com A refreshing cascade flows into the 40-foot long pool, surrounded by boulders. Swimming in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains At the top is a seven foot, almost perfectly round tub. Advertise your story to our millions of readers! There are various swimming holes throughout the Smokies that offer both fun and beauty, so you will be hard pressed to find an area that doesn't have a spot to cool down. The azure water, sandy beach, mind-boggling views of the mountains are enough to take you on a tour of a natural heaven. The Quarry at Carrigan Farms is not only a beautiful sight to behold, but also a full day of water activities including several rock jump-off points, rope swings, swimming areas, and a sand beach volleyball area. 10 Swimming Holes in North Carolina - TripHobo Our towns stay much cooler in the summer and are scenically nestled in theBlue Ridge Mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park destinations. 0.8 mi If you are planning a summer trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, you will likely want to know of some great places to go swimming on hot days. The Park is shared withTennesseeand is a 520,000-acre oasis and is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the template world. Learn More, Put our locations on your website flickr/ Randy Wood. Riverwood Pottery The Best Swimming Spots In North Carolina: Lakes, Rivers, And More Map of 34 Free Swimming Holes near Hendersonville, North Carolina One of the Popular Waterfalls Near Boone, NC Laurel Creek falls at low water during the fall. 1 martijewel Wilmington, North. You could easily spend a half-day at the quarry between swimming, jumping, swinging, and volleyball. 10 Reasons Why 20's Is The Best Time To Travel. Swimmers should take care to avoid the turbulence of waterfall. Check the Open Swim times on the website before you go so you arent surprised. DATE : Found 15 miles from Grandfather Mountain, Elk River Falls is a large swimming hole with a 50 foot waterfall pouring into it. The pool at the bottom is seven feet deep. The picturesque Falls are revered for their crystal-clearswimming holebeneath a charming 15-foot cascade. Pinnacle Park Lake of the Woods. Thanks, The 2021 season has not been posted yet. Raise your hand if you're ready to cool off. 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. Midnight Hole View this post on Instagram Midnight Hole is a scenic and deep (6 feet to be exact) natural pool that's the perfect place to take a swim on a hot summer day. 37 Free Swimming Holes near Hot Springs, North Carolina - Free Arenas, 37 Free Swimming Holes near Hot Springs, North Carolina. They do require a pull-up test and you have to be 54 inches tall. It is accessible by a 3-mile out and back hike on the Mountains to Sea Trail. Need more time in nature? The area does have an admission fee but features a restroom and easy visitor parking. North Carolina Swimming Holes - NC Lakes & Rivers | VisitNC.com Nothing can ever beat the childlike allure of splashing around in the gorgeous swimming holes of North Carolina. The crystal-clear water and presence of white sand are the reason behind its name: White Lake. Friday-Sunday, July 28, 29 and 30, 2023 are SOLD OUT and will not accept walk in customers. Located about thirty minutes north of Charlotte, The Quarry at Carrigan Farms is an oasis. Paddling in the cool waters of the Tuckasegee River is another way to stay cool in the summer fromMemorial DayLabor Day. There are various swimming holes throughout the Bryson City area that offer both fun and beauty, so you will be hard pressed to find an area that doesn't have a spot to cool down. Upon arrival, well give you a $5 off coupon to use at the restaurant. For those who have been itching for a unique experience, these swimming holes in North Carolina offer glittering turquoise water, vibrant greenery, and fairytale-like views. 2. As with any hike in Panthertown, make sure to grab amapdue to the complex trail system. This area offers seven swimming holes and options for tubing. Visit Discover Jackson NC on Facebook (opens in a new window), Visit Discover Jackson NC on Twitter (opens in a new window), Visit Discover Jackson NC on Instagram (opens in a new window), Call Discover Jackson NC (opens in a new window), Email Discover Jackson NC (opens in a new window). You could see where the wedding pavilion area was located and beside it was a white sand beach with volleyball. This 60 foot natural rock waterslide descends into an 8 foot deep pool, creating a unique adventure. As you explore its beautiful landscape, you will hear the roaring sound of the High Falls nearby. Start Planning today! Plus, we've included info on everything you need to know, from camping + vacation rentals to boating, swimming + fishing options. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. Reserve your spot in advance by paying a non-refundable $5 per person deposit. With so many waterfalls to swim in, it can be tempting to take a dip in each and every one. Foothills Trail The swim test is open to anyone 12 years and above, and assesses endurance, treading, quality of stroke, level of comfort in the water, and other attributes. Midnight Hole Trip Advisor / Nick I Privately owned resort has camping, lodging and natural hot mineral water in fiberglass hot tubs. Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. NOTE: The National Park Service will not allow you to Several swimming holes in lakes along RT 281 southeast of Sylva and Cullowhee. The Quarry at Carrigan Farms is one of the secret swimming holes in North Carolina. State Hwy, Canton, NC 28716 About Enjoy one of the area's best swimming holes, Sunburst Swimming Area. prettiest swimming hole ever :) #northcarolina #swimminghole #eastcoas Yellow Mountain. By submitting your name and email address, you agree to our terms and conditions. by Kidding Around Team Those looking to take a swim will find several natural pools at thebase of the fallswithcold waterperfect for taking a dip. Revival - Zach Bryan.