It's that time of year when we're rounding up the best swimming holes in North Carolina and it's no surprise we have SO many to choose from. Whether you're seeking a dip beside a waterfall, a relaxing lazy river, or even diving right into a sapphire quarry these ten North Carolina swimming holes offer the best of the best for taking your summer to the next level.
1. The Quarry at Carrigan Farms
If you've ever wanted to (legally) swim in a quarry, Carrigan Farms allows you to do just that. Open swim times during the summer mean taking a cool dip in this totally unique environment is possible for everyone.
In the Nantahala National Forest, Silver Run Falls is accessed by a quick hike. This impressive 25-foot waterfall offers a small beach for wading and a great pool for swimming with nothing but the finest mountain water.
You'll find Midnight Hole tucked deep in the Smokies, yet this secluded and pristine swimming hole doesn't come easily. To reach it, you'll have to follow Big Creek Trail for 1.5 miles, eventually landing at Midnight Hole. With fresh, mountain-fed water, it's the perfect cool place for a dip after a long day of hiking and is one of the best swimming holes in North Carolina.
While many fresh swimming holes require a mountain trip or a hike to reach, Eno River is centrally located in Durham. The 40-mile river has long been known for its clean, pristine water. At the state park, you'll find swimming, hiking, and even a rope swing.
Stop off the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Looking Glass Rock overlook to hike down to Skinny Dip Falls. While the hike is around one mile total, once you reach your destination, you'll forget about the work it took to get here. Creeks meander through the mountain utopia, there's an access bridge, a smaller swimming hole, and a larger one right beside the waterfall. The jump-off rocks make for a perfect summertime thrill and one of the best swimming holes in North Carolina. Oh, and don't worry, you can keep your clothes on. Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment to see the trail and the water:
If you have small children, Lower Cascade Falls is perfect for splishing and splashing without getting too deep. The shallow pool beneath the waterfall makes for a great spot to cool off after a day of hiking. The best part is that the central location of Hanging Rock makes it accessible for those in the Piedmont and Triangle!
Situated at 3,500 feet above sea level with 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge, Lake Glenville is easily one of the prettiest lakes in the Blue Ridge. Here you'll also find three waterfalls, great fishing, and clear water no matter how far you swim out.
This popular tubing spot also offers so much more than your average lazy river. Think stunning waterfalls, mountain views, fun jumping off rocks, and, of course, you can just hop in a tube and float on down to the next swimming spot (or take a break and take it all in!)
For a swimming hole with plenty of swimming, Hooker Falls is your destination. You can peacefully float in a tube and enjoy the sound of the waterfall, or live a little and try the rope swing. While the swimming hole can get busy during weekends, a great time to go is during the week.
During the early 1900s, this slice of Caribbean paradise operated as an upscale resort. As the years changed, many stopped venturing to White Lake, and today, it has become a hidden gem. Made from a crater, this natural lake is home to clear water, white sand, and oaks dripped in Spanish moss. It's a very unique swimming hole.
You've gotta love those North Carolina swimming holes! I think it's my favorite way to swim in the summer (besides the ocean). Have you visited any that made the list? Are there any you would add? What would be on your list of the best swimming holes in North Carolina?
If you're looking for other ways to make the most of summer days in North Carolina ... these ten day trips are out of this world.
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