We certainly love a good road trip around here! Scenery, snacks, and singing in the car all make for a great time. The only thing we don't like about a road trip these days is the price of gas. An ideal trip allows for a full weekend away that won't drain the tank - or your wallet. This weekend's family trip includes just 31 miles of driving over three days to some terrific North Carolina swimming holes. They even have waterfalls accessible by car, which we think makes them some of the best swimming holes in North Carolina. Come along with us as we detail three days and two nights spent tracking down and exploring some extraordinarily fun spots in the wilds of the Tar Heel State. And, to help prepare you for the journey check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide!

While this may be one of the shortest road trips we've ever planned, it's certainly also going to be one of the most fun!

Let's get going! Here's a Google Map to guide your (short) travels to all three waterfall swimming holes, as well as our lodging recommendations.

1. Hooker Falls, Hendersonville

Day one begins at Hooker Falls, one of the most beautiful places in North Carolina. First, you'll start the day on a trailhead that's accessible from a parking area in the DuPont State Recreational Forest, just south of Brevard.

Pack the gear, the sunscreen, and even a picnic for a day of fun in the sun. You'll love some time in the plunge pool and the lagoon of a 12-foot waterfall on the Little River.

The hike from the parking area is under a mile and typically rated as easy for those with full mobility.Because this is a busy spot, expect to share the adventure with others who have the same idea. Fortunately, the natural pool at Hooker Falls is quite large so there's room for everyone. Find a spot in the cool water when it's warm out, and you'll be glad you did.Move along at your own pace. But if you're able to devote a whole day to each of the three falls, you certainly won't tire of them.

2. Sliding Rock

Next up, and located just a few miles up the road, is North Carolina's famous Sliding Rock. Sliding Rock is a privately-managed, 60-foot waterfall slide that drops into an eight-foot-deep plunge pool. Don't worry, Mom. There are lifeguards on-site seven days a week during the busy season. For more information about hours, seasons, and lifeguard times, visit the Sliding Rock website.

To use the slide, visitors must be able to swim. Children ages seven and under will need to go down the slide with an adult. If you want to hit a spot the locals love, don't pass up the chance to slip down the falls at Sliding Rock in North Carolina.Because this is a privately managed attraction, you'll need to pay an entrance fee for each person using the slide - but one fee gets you unlimited use of the slide while you're visiting. For those who just wish to watch everyone else in the family squeal as they hit the slide, there are two viewing areas in the shade. If visiting in the warm seasons, be sure to arrive very early. It gets super busy here between noon and 4 p.m. - and you'll want to make sure you get a parking spot.

3. Skinny Dip Falls, Canton

Next up is another spectacular waterfall swimming hole found at the end of an short (but sometimes steep) half-mile trail. This one isn't far from Sliding Rock, so you'll only have a bit of driving time between the two.This trail is rated as easy, but do note the elevation change of 100 feet in each direction. Much of this elevation is on a set of stairs right as you arrive at the falls.

Skinny Dip Falls is another very popular spot when the weather is warm.

The cascading falls offer a bit of an enchanting oasis. Filled with beautiful, crystal-clear wading pools, this very cold water flows from the Yellowstone Prong of the Big East Fork of the Pigeon River.Be sure to take your time here soaking up all the fun. In fact, we love the idea of spending all day at each of these waterfall swimming holes. Bring a lunch, plenty to drink, and a trash bag so you can pack out everything you brought in when you arrive. When it's time to settle in for the evening, the area is swimming (pun intended!) with campground options. There are two we love in particular.

4. Lodging

Davidson River Campground is nearby and super affordable, especially for a single campsite.Spend both nights here, or switch it up for the second night and migrate a few miles up the road to one of the cool treehouses at Pilot Cove.

Pilot Cove is in the process of building a 10-acre campground for adventure seekers, but in the meantime, it offers wonderful cabins for rent. Sizes range from small, rustic efficiencies up to luxurious two-bedroom accommodations.And the best part about both Davidson River Campground and Pilot Cove? They're right off the highway on the road trip mapped out above!

That's all there is to it - take this short, 31-mile road trip to three of the best waterfalls in North Carolina this summer, and watch some wonderful new memories unfold before your eyes. Do you know of any more waterfalls accessible by car? Or, perhaps some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina? Share your favorite spots with us in the comments.

If you're feeling up for more of the same kind of fun, plan another weekend at another waterfall swimming at Hunt Fish Falls, which is also one of our favorite North Carolina swimming holes.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/bucket-list-swimming-hole-in-nc/

Another cool spot in North Carolina is Clingman Dome. Take a peek at this incredibly scenic overlook in this video: