North Carolina is home to some of the most exquisite swimming holes. From turquoise lakeside pools, hidden in majestic forests, to serene rivers tucked away between mountain peaks – opt for one of these top 10 swimming spots and take a dip into nature’s backyard!
Best Swimming Holes in North Carolina
Hanging Rock State Park
- Address: 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (5599)
- Phone: +1 336-593-8480
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
5 Replies to 12 North Carolina Swimming Holes You HAVE To Check Out This Summer!
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Top 12 Most Popular Swimming Holes in North Carolina
Elk River Falls
- Address: Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (880)
- Phone: +1 828-733-9573
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
Elk river falls is a easy beautiful waterfall to get to. It was only maybe 0.2 miles to get to the top of the falls and a little less than that to get to the bottom. There a small bit of elevation gain at the beginning with a staircase but flattens out after that. If you go to the bottom there’s maybe an additional 50 ft elevation gain. Very beautiful waterfall with almost no work and the whole family can enjoy it. We took our 7 week old in a car seat and it was very manageable. The drive out was easy as well with a limited gravel portion at the end. We went on a Sunday afternoon and parking was limited.By alex monsrud (6 months ago)A very short and moderately easy walk to a wonderful waterfall with splash pool. Our two small dogs as well as my wife and I enjoyed the quick excursion. Please notice the warning sign about jumping from the falls, it might be your last if you attempt it. There are plenty of parking spots as well as large boulders to sit and eat lunch.By Corey Fliss (3 months ago)Another easy to get to waterfall near Banner Elk. This is our first explored waterfall in this area. A short walk from parking area, has a steep and little rock down but the view below is so beautiful. Took lots of videos and post it on my reels and tiktok.By Lanie Yarbro (2 months ago)One of the best waterfalls and creek we’ve seen. It was perfect for our 6 month old Boykin Spaniel puppy. She played at the beach for hours.
The path to the beach is a little rough but very worth while. We saw young folk come right down the side of the big rock to the beach and they made it look easy.
By Carl Traenkner (4 months ago)I have ALWAYS loved waterfalls. I plan to go see many in the coming years, but this was my first. My best friend took me here for part of my birthday gift and I loved it. ❤️ The hike is short, but please be careful on your way down to the waterfall it is kinda steep and could be slippery.By Kat O (4 weeks ago)Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead
- Address: Blue Ridge Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (703)
- Phone: +1 828-348-3400
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PMTuesday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PMWednesday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PMThursday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PMFriday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PMSaturday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PMSunday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Reviews:
A fun hike to the falls…took us about 45 minutes. Glad we had walking sticks for help over some slick rocks. Mid week, not crowded. Hike at your own pace. Lovely picturesque way to spend a couple of hours.By Allison Moore (4 months ago)Skinny dip falls is a easy to moderate hike with not much distance or elevation gain. It is a beautiful stop that feels so secluded in the wilderness if it wasn’t for so many people being out there. It is a nice swimming hole but it is very cold so be prepared for that. There is also a nice jumping rock towards the top to jump in.By alex monsrud (6 months ago)We went to Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead last week. The hike isn’t terrible. Our fur babies enjoyed it as well. Pack a backpack with water, snacks, water shoes and towels.By Anna Sowell (4 months ago)Easy trail, good parking, beautiful views. I guess that there used to be better swimming areas on the trail but the recent flooding change the entire landscape. Also keep in mind that it’s going to be colder due to the high altitude.By Michael Perenich (3 months ago)This used to be my favorite place to go before Mother Nature did her thing. The bridge is no longer there. There is a set of stairs to get down to the water. If you used to go to Skinny Dip Falls to jump off the rock and swim, you will be sadden that the jumping rock is no longer there. The swimming hole is still there, but it feels smaller than what it used to be. Still a beautiful place to visit.By Luke R (3 months ago)
Bust Your Butt Falls
- Address: Cullasaja River, Highlands, NC 28741, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (494)
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
On a rainy day, as the clouds hug the valley floor, the mist rolls over this picturesque waterfall creating a wonderful amalgamation of the clouds meeting the water. As you roll down your windows, the roar of the river rapid fills you with anticipation. The views are breathtaking… Hop down the rocks, feel the coolness of the water, but be careful not to bust your butt. It is one of the most serene scenes I have seen in a while. 🙂By Jonti Talukdar (3 weeks ago)Great find while driving down a mountain road. Just seen it and pulled over to enjoy the view. I did not climb down to the rocks but there was several people down below the parking area on the big rocks. Beautiful sight, especially in the fall. 🍁By Miss C. (a year ago)Popular place right off the road. If you want to get closer to the falls other than seeing it from the road be aware you have to climb over so large boulders. No easy path down.By Mark Amidon (6 months ago)Beautiful.. absolutely stunning. This river made us stop and take pictures 📸. This is a perfect experience for the entire family. I recommend going during the winter, the cold air made the getaway soo much more enjoyable.By James Thomas (a year ago)Cute hidden gem with cliff diving area and sliding rock .
This is right off a main road where cars go by pretty quick. You can park off street then you cross and it’s just below .Please take note this ,as any of these kind if falls are, at your own risk. Make sure the current and depth of water is safe for diving. Smaller kids may benefit from wearing a life jacket as my youngest swam back towards the fall and almost got pulled under . Over all it was a great last stop to cool off and hang for a bit.By Renee Dias (5 months ago)Silver Run Falls Trailhead
- Address: 35°04’00.9″N 83°04’01.1″W, Cashiers, NC 28717, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (488)
- Phone: +1 828-257-4200
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
You definitely have to be sure-footed for this trail. Loose rocks everywhere. Use walking sticks. This is a nice COLD water spot for great experienced swimmers 🏊♂️.
A wonderful place to talk to God. He is always listening. Parking available for maybe 6 cars. A must see from GOD!By Bethany Elai. (3 months ago)This was a VERY easy trail to the falls. It is located off the East side off Hwy 107 at a pullout that has recently been paved and fresh gravel. There is room for 5 to 8 cars depending on how little space each vehicle takes. The falls had very good flow even though this was after a dry period.By Jim Phares (a year ago)Such a beautiful place. A short hike to the falls. I love coming here no matter what season.By Julie Wall (Pixie) (7 months ago)A very small pull off and parking area but a very very very well groomed path that leads to falls. Its a traditional chute style falls. Very nice walk back in for a photo op and possibly some peace if not too crowded.By Travis Fuhrman (a year ago)Very easy and quick walk to the falls. No problem at all with little kids. Beautiful location!By Ryan Pratt (a month ago)Broad River Greenway
- Address: 126 Broad River Dr, Shelby, NC 28152, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (478)
Buddle Creek Swim Area
- Address: 2882 Holloway Church Rd #2754, Lexington, NC 27292, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (384)
Turtleback Falls
- Address: 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (324)
Eno Rock Quarry
- Address: 4950 Howe St, Durham, NC 27705, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (160)
Hooker Falls
- Address: Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (148)
Sennett’s Hole
- Address: 5101 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (148)
Upper Creek Falls
- Address: 6118 Wind Song Ln, Newland, NC 28657, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (138)
Upper Creek Falls
- Address: Pisgah National Forest, 8493-, 8593 NC-181, Newland, NC 28657, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (124)
Best swimming holes in North Carolina That’s it for our list of the best swimming holes in North Carolina! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers. And don’t forget to check out some of the other posts on our blog for more travel inspiration. Happy beachcombing!
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I wish I had more time to explore this park. The few trails that I hiked were breathtaking. From the top of the mountain showing what fall colors are all about, to the waterfall and rock structures along the way. You will never be bored. The best part is there truly are a variety of different level trails from beginner, intermediate to expert. So everyone can find a trail to suit their needs.
This place is breathtaking. But let me tell you … Com prepared. My family and I hike every weekend. We have trekking poles, hiking shoes, and we carry our 2 year old in a hiking backpack. This was NO easy hike. You have to quite literally climb actually rocks to get to the top and go up 2000 ft in elevation. It is hard and we had to take a lot of breaks. It was well worth it for the views when we got to the top. The waterfalls are cute as well (not as large as ones you’d see in Asheville but beautiful nonetheless.) There is a visitor center with bathrooms and a water refill station. Highly recommend for serious hikers and people with appropriate hiking 🥾 footwear and accessories!
It was amazing we had an awesome time. We went to 3 water falls. That was awesome and we went up the mountain up to hanging rock. We met amazing people we took the drone up to view. If you go you will have an amazing time. We spent 4-5 hours there. Be careful and stay safe.
I lived on this area for over 20 years and never took a hike. I’ve fished, swam, and took a boat out on the lake but ever took a hike. At my age, I was determined to make it to the hanging rock. My son and I hiked the trail and while it was a little strenuous and challenging at times, I was not disappointed!!!!! The view at the end is spectacular and well worth the trip. I should have done this 30 years ago. What a beautiful place in my own backyard. This is a national treasure and place to be cherished. The park team has done an amazing job on this park and it shows. Can’t wait to take on the Moore’s Wall trail.
I had a great time hiking around this area. There are so many trails to choose from. My favorite is Moores Wall. It has the best views in the park. The observation tower is great and has signs showing what you are seeing. The main attraction, Hanging Rock, is definitely worth the short hike. Well kept trails and facilities. Will plan another trip soon to explore the waterfalls and other trails I did not hike.