Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

7 Best Swimming Holes in North Carolina

Summer in North Carolina goes hand in hand with soaring temperatures and devastating humidity. Luckily the riveting scenery of the state is teeming with rivers, streams, and mountain springs that equate to refreshing swimming holes where you can find refuge from the blistering heat.

Things to Remember When Visiting Swimming Holes:

  • Heed posted warning signs indicating danger and stay on established trails.
  • Never climb on or around waterfalls and never play in the water above a waterfall.
  • Never jump off waterfalls or dive into plunge pools at the base of waterfalls. Rocks and logs can be hidden beneath the surface of the water.
  • Often waterfall pools have swirling water or currents that can drag and keep you underwater.
    *Safety Considerations Courtesy of National Forests in North Carolina
Skinny Dip Falls, Pisgah National Forest, Canton Skinny Dip Falls
Credit: Skinny Dip Falls by jenndeane71 via Flickr

Skinny Dip Falls, Pisgah National Forest, Canton

Conveniently located off the Blue Ridge Parkway is a deep pool at the end of a short cascade that allows for dipping and even jumping from boulders for a bigger splash. Named for adventurous locals, Skinny Dip Falls is still a public place, and pants are required, despite its cheeky name.

Elk River Falls, Pisgah National Forest, Elk Park Elk River Falls
Credit: Elk River Falls by AdamCaudill via Flickr

Elk River Falls, Pisgah National Forest, Elk Park

Elk River Falls is an impressive 50-foot waterfall that drops into the mouth of a swimming hole bordered with flat rocks for tanning and a strip of beach. This easily accessible gem brags plenty of space so bring the whole family and stay all day.

Hooker Falls, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Cedar Mountain Hooker Falls
Credit: Hooker Falls by wikimedia.org

Hooker Falls, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Cedar Mountain

A giant pool tucked away in DuPont Forest, visitors come for the swimming at Hooker Falls rather than the small waterfall. The lush green surroundings and lack of current make it a formidable summer heat contender.

Lake Lure, Town of Lake Lure Lake Lure
Credit: Lake Lure by bigstock.com

Lake Lure, Town of Lake Lure

If you enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, Lake Lure is a fun spot to swim. Part of the Hickory Nut Gorge, the lake is lined with a large beach and speckled with popular attractions including the Lake Lure Golf Club, and the Flowering Bridge, which was closed to traffic in 2011 and is now home to lush gardens.

White Lake, Town of White Lake White Lake
Credit: White Lake by wikimedia.org

White Lake, Town of White Lake

Once an overrun resort town, White Lake is now a peaceful retreat for swimmers. The feature is shallow the entire way across, layered in soft, pearly sand and covered with sparkling clear water, very much unlike its murky comrades. Its crystal clear waters along with its lack of tides and currents, makes it the perfect swimming hole for families with kids.

Sliding Rock, Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Forest Sliding Rock, North Carolina
Credit: Sliding Rock, North Carolina by wikimedia.org

Sliding Rock, Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Forest

Near Brevard, Sliding Rock is a small waterfall on Looking Glass Creek. Visitors flock to slide down the 60-foot slope into the cool plunge pool below.

Turtleback Falls, Pisgah National Forest Turtleback Falls, NC
Credit: Turtleback Falls, NC by bobistraveling via Flickr

Turtleback Falls, Pisgah National Forest

Turtleback Falls is another quintessential North Carolina swimming hole deep in Pisgah National Forest. It’s about a 3-mile hike from Gorges State Park to the falls. Strong swimmers will take an adrenaline-fueled ride down the slippery rocks down a 20-foot drop into the cool waters below.

Travel Deals

Hilton Rose Hall All-Inclusive Resort | Jamaica

$167+ pp/pn

7-Nt Celebrity Alaska Cruise: Balcony & Ship Credit

$599+

Ireland | 8-Day Custom Golf Trip - Play the Best Courses

QUOTE

Air & 7-Day Guided Tour of Italy: Rome to Florence

$1919+

Discover Ireland | 7-Day Guided Tour w/ Airfare

$1699+

Save $400 | 10-Day Ireland by Train w/ Activities & Tours

$1399+

7-Day Irish Pub Tour in Luxe Vehicle w/ Private Driver

$1829+

Alaska Cruise Adventures up to 15% Off w/ LeapAK15

$3750+

Up to $400 Off | Air & 15-Day Peru, Argentina & Brazil Tour

$3199+

10-Day Ireland Self-Drive Tour w/ B&Bs + Castle Stay

QUOTE

Air & 14-Day Norwegian Fjords Tour | Up to $400 Off

$3799+

Serenity All-Incl. St. Lucia Resort | Save Up To 65%

$1120+

7-Day Italy Guided Tour: Rome, Spoleto & Florence

$1919+

Sandals Negril | $25 Credit if Booked Online

$215+ pp/pn

Beaches Negril - All-Inclusive w/ Water park

$331+ pp/pn