11 Awesome Swimming Holes Near Asheville, NC
Asheville and the surrounding area are home to a wealth of natural wonders, with many places to cool off on a hot summer day. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or relief from the heat, these spectacular local swimming spots offer the perfect places to have some fun in the sun.
From pristine mountain streams to secluded waterfalls, here are the 12 best swimming holes near Asheville to check out this summer. So grab your swimsuit, pack a picnic, and start your next adventure!
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The 11 Best Swimming Holes Near Asheville
1. Skinny Dip Falls
Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 417, Skinny Dip Falls is a beloved swimming hole near Asheville renowned for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty. A short hike through the lush forest leads to a series of cascading waterfalls and deep pools, perfect for splashing and sunbathing on a hot summer day. You can also river-trek up the mountain for more private oases!
2. Sliding Rock
Just a short drive from Asheville in Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock is a natural waterslide carved into smooth rock by millennia of flowing water. Visitors can slide down the 60-foot cascade into a chilly plunge pool below, providing an exhilarating and refreshing experience!
Lifeguards are on duty with restroom facilities every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Outside of these dates, lifeguards are not present, and restroom facilities are unavailable.
3. Looking Glass Falls
As one of the most iconic waterfalls in North Carolina, Looking Glass Falls offers stunning views with a refreshing swimming hole at its base. Situated along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, this picturesque spot is easily accessible and perfect for a quick dip on a hot day.
4. Douglas Falls
Douglas Falls is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. A short hike leads to this secluded waterfall and its inviting water oasis. One of the best swimming holes near Asheville, Douglas Falls offers a tranquil getaway away from the crowds.
5. Graveyard Fields
Graveyard Fields is a popular hiking destination along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The area features two stunning waterfalls and several pristine swimming holes, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing dip after a scenic hike near Asheville. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
6. Dill Falls
For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Dill Falls offers a secluded and serene swimming hole near Asheville in Nantahala National Forest. Accessible via a moderate hike, this hidden gem rewards visitors with cascading waterfalls and cool mountain waters.
7. Midnight Hole
Located in the Big Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Midnight Hole is a picturesque swimming spot renowned for its emerald-green waters and scenic beauty. Surrounded by old-growth forest, this idyllic setting offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
8. Courthouse Falls
Situated in the remote wilderness of Pisgah National Forest, Courthouse Falls offers a peaceful swimming hole surrounded by lush forest and cascading waterfalls. Accessible via a short hike, this amazing swim spot near Asheville is well worth the journey for those seeking some water fun!
9. Warren Wilson College
Just outside of Asheville in Swannanoa is a beautiful 100+-year-old farm college on more than a thousand acres of land. Warren Wilson College possesses some incredible swimming holes that are accessible to the public. With multiple private beach spots along the Warren Wilson River Trail, bring your friends and family with a picnic and stake out the pad that’s right for you.
10. DuPont Hooker Falls
Situated within DuPont State Recreational Forest, Hooker Falls offers one of the most picturesque swimming holes near Asheville, with easy accessibility and breathtaking natural beauty. A short, family-friendly hike leads to the base of the waterfall, where visitors can cool off in the refreshing waterfall or plunge in the large pool below.
Surrounded by lush forest and towering hemlocks, Hooker Falls provides an unforgettable oasis of swimming and picnicking amidst the scenic wonders of WNC. It’s also a great place to bring your floatie devices to spend a lazy day soaking up the sun. With its crystal-clear waters and idyllic setting, Hooker Falls is a must-visit destination for summer swimming.
11. Elk River Falls
Tucked away in the scenic mountains near Banner Elk, Elk River Falls is another one of the coolest swimming holes near Asheville you won’t want to miss. A short hike leads to the base of the waterfall, where visitors are greeted by a thunderous cascade of water plunging into the deep pool below.
Elk River Falls provide swimmers with a refreshing dip while basking in the beauty of the natural surroundings. With towering cliffs and lush vegetation, swimming at Elk River Falls offers a memorable day of relaxation in the heart of the Carolinas!
There you have it! A local’s guide to the best swimming holes near Asheville. What are your favorite places to cool off in Asheville? Let us know in the comments below.
Samantha Carter
hough born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, Samantha has come to call Asheville home. First introduced to Asheville as a child (back when Bele Chere was a thing), Samantha has been coming here on and off since 2004, when her grandparents first retired in Black Mountain, NC. As an adult, Samantha graduated from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC. An official Asheville local since 2013, Samantha has lived as far east as Black Mountain, as far north as Woodfin, as far west as Candler, and now resides just south of Asheville in Hendersonville, NC. Samantha loves Asheville for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and people that match its mountains. Owner of Organic Copy and Content, Samantha writes and does marketing for a variety of brands, ranging from nonprofits and local businesses to larger industry-disrupting corporations. Passionate about mental wellness, Samantha is also self-publishing her own memoir in 2024 on the topic of overcoming childhood trauma and navigating mental health challenges and grief as an adult parent. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys hiking with her husband, dog, and son. She also regularly horseback rides, and will talk your ear off about art, music, alternative wellness, and books. A foodie at heart, Samantha may be spotted in many of Asheville's delicious eateries (when not eating a fantastic home-cooked meal from her husband and former Starstuff bandmate).