Top 10 Swimming Holes in North Carolina: Nature’s Best Spots to Cool Off
- Bretton Lakes
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Top 10 Swimming Holes in North Carolina
North Carolina summers are hot, sticky, and made for swimming — but if you’d rather skip the chlorine and crowded pools, the state’s forests, rivers, and waterfalls have you covered. From icy mountain cascades to sun-warmed river bends, North Carolina is home to some of the best natural swimming holes in the Southeast. Whether you’re looking for adventure, solitude, or a family-friendly spot to splash around, this list has something for every kind of wild swimmer. Here are the top 10 swimming holes in North Carolina.
Sliding Rock – Pisgah National Forest
Location: Near Brevard, NC
Best For: Thrill-seekers, families
Cost: $5 per person (May–September)
Sliding Rock is North Carolina’s most famous swimming hole for good reason — it’s basically a natural waterslide. This 60-foot flat rock formation funnels cool mountain water into a deep plunge pool at the bottom. There are lifeguards and restrooms during summer months, making it great for families, but expect big crowds on weekends. Arrive early or go midweek for fewer people.
Hooker Falls – DuPont State Recreational Forest
Location: Near Hendersonville, NC
Best For: Families, photographers
Cost: Free
Easily accessible and impossibly scenic, Hooker Falls offers a wide, gentle waterfall with a large pool at the base that’s perfect for wading, swimming, or floating. The hike is a short half-mile walk, and there’s a picnic area nearby. Bonus: DuPont Forest is also home to Triple Falls and High Falls, so you can turn your swim into a full-day hiking adventure.
Midnight Hole – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Big Creek area near the NC/TN border
Best For: Secluded swims, scenic hikes
Cost: Free (park entrance is free)
Tucked in the Big Creek area of the Smokies, Midnight Hole is a magical spot: emerald green water, a small waterfall, and boulders perfect for jumping and sunning. It’s a 1.5-mile hike from the trailhead, but the reward is a deep, tranquil pool shaded by forest. Because it’s inside a national park, facilities are minimal — pack in and out.
Turtleback Falls – Pisgah National Forest
Location: Gorges State Park (hike from Grassy Ridge Access)
Best For: Adventurous swimmers, waterfall lovers
Cost: Free
After hiking past Rainbow Falls, you’ll reach Turtleback Falls, a domed, smooth rock formation with a short drop into a deep pool. It’s often used as a natural waterslide — but caution is critical. The current can be strong, and injuries have occurred here. Only attempt to slide when water levels are safe, and avoid during high flow. It’s one of the most iconic wild swimming spots in the state.
Deep Creek – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Near Bryson City, NC
Best For: Tubing, family fun
Cost: Free (tube rentals extra)
Want a lazy river feel without the plastic theme park vibe? Deep Creek delivers. Just outside Bryson City, this section of the Smokies is known for tubing, but there are also calm pools and small falls where you can wade and swim. The trail parallels the creek and leads to several waterfalls, making it a great combo hike/swim outing.
Schoolhouse Falls – Panthertown Valley
Location: Near Cashiers, NC
Best For: Quiet swims, day hikes
Cost: Free
Reaching Schoolhouse Falls requires a moderate hike into the stunning backcountry of Panthertown Valley, often called “Yosemite of the East.” The falls drop into a shallow, crystal-clear pool that’s ideal for soaking and swimming, especially in summer. It’s more remote than other options, so you’re likely to have it to yourself on a weekday.
Lake James State Park – Paddy’s Creek Area
Location: Nebo, NC
Best For: Lake swimming, amenities
Cost: Free entrance; small fee for paddle rentals
If you’re looking for a place with bathrooms, lifeguards, and space to spread out, Lake James State Park is perfect. The Paddy’s Creek swimming beach is open during summer and ideal for families with kids. While not a “swimming hole” in the traditional sense, the clear mountain lake and mountain views make it one of the nicest freshwater swimming experiences in the state.
Lower Cascade Falls – Hanging Rock State Park
Location: Danbury, NC (northern Piedmont)
Best For: Waterfall wading, families
Cost: Free
This is one of the best swimming holes in the Piedmont region, a short 0.4-mile hike from the parking lot. Lower Cascade Falls pours over a 30-foot cliff into a wide, shallow pool that’s great for cooling off. Kids love splashing at the edges, and the surrounding rock makes for great sitting and relaxing. It’s popular, so go early or visit on a weekday.
Elk River Falls – Near Banner Elk
Location: Elk Park, NC
Best For: Dramatic views, deep water swimming
Cost: Free
This massive, 50-foot waterfall plunges into a deep, circular pool surrounded by cliffs. While Elk River Falls is breathtaking and offers a serious swim, jumping from the rocks is not recommended—injuries and fatalities have occurred. Still, it’s an amazing place to float, relax, and take in the power of nature. Strong swimmers only.
Gragg Prong – Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Area
Location: Pisgah National Forest (near Mortimer, NC)
Best For: Wilderness lovers, off-the-beaten-path explorers
Cost: Free
If you’re craving solitude and true wilderness vibes, Gragg Prong delivers. This remote creek area has multiple cascades, boulder pools, and little swimming holes scattered throughout the Wilson Creek region. No amenities, no signs — just cold, clear water and Appalachian forest. Bring a map and explore the area with respect and caution.
Tips for Safe and Respectful Swimming Hole Adventures
Leave No Trace – Pack out all trash, even biodegradable items like fruit peels.
Check water levels – Some falls become dangerous after rain.
Wear water shoes – Rocks can be sharp or slippery.
Avoid jumping – Never jump unless you know the depth and have seen others do it safely.
Watch for snakes – They’re shy, but common in warm weather.
Mind the cold – Even in July, mountain water can be hypothermia-cold.
Make It a Weekend
Many of these swimming holes are located near excellent camping, hiking, or small mountain towns like:
Brevard (Sliding Rock, Hooker Falls)
Bryson City (Deep Creek)
Cashiers (Panthertown)
Boone & Banner Elk (Elk River Falls)
Morganton (Lake James)
Bring a cooler, pitch a tent, and turn your dip into a full-blown summer adventure.
Final Thoughts
North Carolina’s swimming holes are more than just places to cool off — they’re natural sanctuaries, the kind of places where summer slows down, and the world feels wild and wonderful again. From waterfall-fed pools to high-country rivers, the Tar Heel State offers unforgettable ways to beat the heat.
So grab your suit, pack your sense of adventure, and take the plunge — the best swimming holes in North Carolina are waiting.
Commentaires