Swimming holes in North Carolina are a hallmark of the summer season. From a secret ‘Midnight Hole’ high up in the Smokies, pristine beaches with turquoise water and white sand, and even a crystal clear lake, the following list will provide you the inspiration you need to get out there and start splashing. With these utterly picturesque swimming holes in North Carolina, you can look forward to endless adventure this season.

1. A fun adrenaline rush at Sliding Rock
flickr/Lauren Hirsh
If you haven't had the experience of flying down Sliding Rock and into the refreshing mountain water, add it to your summer bucket list! The best time to go is on a weekday morning when crowds are low. No matter your age, this Blue Ridge Mountain destination belongs at the top of your outdoor itinerary.
2. Don't be fooled by the name; it's definitely encouraged to keep your clothes on at Skinny Dip Falls.
TripAdvisor / Explorcation
This unique waterfall involves a short but worth-your-effort three-mile hike. Once you reach the waterfall, you're treated to a cool mountain stream for splashing, unique footbridge for taking in the views, several different entry points to the swimming hole, and even a safe jump-off rock. Surrounded completely by forest and woodsy scenery, Skinny Dip Falls is considered a hidden gem of an outdoor adventure in North Carolina.
3. Secluded beach paradise at Carova Beach
Flickr / abbyladybug
Wild horses, turquoise water, white sand, and limited accessibility: Carova Beach is a well-kept, well-maintained secret. This 11-mile stretch of sand and shore is located in the Currituck section of the OBX but only accessible with four-wheel drive. Once you're there, you'll have access to one of the most unique beaches in North Carolina. Learn more about this fascinating hidden gem beach in North Carolina.
4. The majestic mountain-fed swimming hole known as Midnight Hole
TripAdvisor/ Nick I
You'll find the secluded Midnight Hole tucked deep inside the Smokies. Follow Big Creek Trail for 1.5 miles, and eventually, you'll land at Midnight Hole. This mountain-fed swimming hole is the perfect secluded summer spot for a dip after a long day of hiking. Find out more about what makes this swimming hole in North Carolina such an amazing find.
5. The sapphire quarry at Carrigan Farms
CarriganFarms.com
Ever wanted to swim in a quarry? Carrigan Farms gives you the opportunity to do just that. With open swim times offered on the weekends, you can have this unique experience without even traveling all the way deep inside the mountains. Learn more about this breathtaking swimming hole.

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6. Coastal vibes and clear water at White Lake
Flickr / Lesley Looper
White Lake, a natural crater that plunges as far as 15 feet deep, was a luxury getaway in the 1920s. Today, this hidden gem in North Carolina is more accessible to the public. With draped Spanish moss, clear water, and white sand, you'd think you had arrived at the Bahamas. Learn more about how you can experience this top-rated North Carolina family getaway.
7. Swim in the high-altitude, sapphire waters of Lake Glenville
Mark W. / TripAdvisor
Lake Glenville has to be one of the most gorgeous lakes in North Carolina. Situated at 3,500 ft sea level with 360-degree Blue Ridge views, the lake also offers three waterfalls, great fishing, and clear water for as far as the eye can see. Curious to learn more about this pristine mountain reservoir? Read all about how you can spend the perfect day at Lake Glenville.
8. Take a dip amongst gorgeous Coquina Rocks
Flickr / ncrob1
These unique rocks are found at Kure Beach near Fort Fisher. But, there's also a Coquina Beach tucked in the Outer Banks. Both are beautiful and offer a unique aesthetic that ups the ante to your usual swim. Learn about what makes this coastal destination in North Carolina so magical.
9. Or go swimming on your own private island
flickr / Chris Ballance
Bear Island at Hammocks Beach State Park is as close to a private beach as many of us will ever get. This completely natural, protected, and wild stretch of sand takes you a million miles away from the world while only requiring a 15-minute ferry ride to get there. Learn all about how you can spend time on this breathtaking slice of coastal paradise.
10. Hanging Rock State Park in the Piedmont
Flickr / gregoj
Hanging Rock State Park offers plenty of scenic views and waterfalls, and at the top of the list is Lower Cascade Falls. Just a 0.4-mile hike takes you to this beautiful swimming hole tucked into the state park. Learn more about this particular trek as well as other short and sweet North Carolina hikes.

Which of these dazzling swimming holes in North Carolina will you visit first? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out these incredible North Carolina waterfall swimming holes to complete your bucket list.

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Swimming Holes In North Carolina

Beth C. | July 14, 2020

What are the most beautiful beaches in North Carolina?

The North Carolina coast is chock-full of breathtaking beaches just waiting to be explored. While it's difficult to pinpoint the most beautiful in the state, visitors and residents alike agree that some of the best can be found in the Outer Banks. Some of the most beloved beaches in the Outer Banks of North Carolina include Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Coquina Beach, Rodanthe Beach, Southern Shores, Duck, and Corolla. If you love the beach but prefer to stay away from crowds, you'll love learning about our road trip to some of North Carolina's hidden beaches.

What are the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina?

While North Carolina might be famous for its beaches, the lakes you'll find scattered throughout the state are equally as beautiful. Western North Carolina is especially renowned for its selection of mountain lakes that are perfect for swimming, hiking around, boating, and fishing. Some of the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina are Lake Norman, Lake James, Fontana Lake, Jordan Lake, Lake Glenville, High Rock Lake, Nantahala Lake, Lake Wylie, Falls Lake, Lake Santeetlah, and Hiwassee Lake. Love learning about these lovely places around the Tar Heel State? Check out these 10 magical lakes in North Carolina.

What are the best outdoor adventures in North Carolina?

Outdoor adventures in North Carolina aren't hard to come by, no matter if you live along the coast or in the mountains. Most would agree that some of the best outdoor adventures in North Carolina involve hiking. In fact, there are hundreds if not thousands of breathtaking hiking trails in the Tar Heel State that could impress just about anyone. Some of the top trails include Moore Cove Falls Trail, Grandfather Mountain, Looking Glass Rock Trail, Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail, Catawba Falls Trail, Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls Trail, Crabtree Falls Trail Loop, and Triple Falls Trail. Of course, hiking is just the beginning. Other fantastic outdoor adventures include swimming, biking, skiing, mountain climbing, kayaking, and much more.

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Explore North Carolina

Featured Addresses
Sliding Rock, North Carolina 28768, USA
Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Carova Beach, NC, USA
Big Creek Trail, Cataloochee, NC, USA
Carrigan Farm Rd, Taylorsville, NC 28681, USA
White Lake, NC 28337, USA
Lake Glenville, North Carolina, USA
Coquina Beach, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA
Bear Island, Swansboro, NC 28539, USA
Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA