Cool Off This Summer With A Visit To These 7 North Carolina Waterfalls

Hike a short, 0.2-mile trail to reach the plunge pool of Silver Run Falls. The 25-foot waterfall also has a small beach perfect for getting some sun or picnicking on a beautiful day. With such a huge pool at the base of the falls, there's plenty of room for everyone! Learn more about it here.

The half-mile hike into Skinny Dip Falls is rated as easy and takes only about 20 minutes. Once you reach this multi-level waterfall, though, you're sure to want to stay all day. Each tier is about 10-15 feet in height and has its own plunge pool for splashing and playing. Learn more about this oddly named waterfall right over here.

Located literally right on the side of US 276 outside of Brevard, the 60-foot Looking Glass Falls is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This heavily-visited site is a must in the summer, when people from all over are found swimming and cooling off in the cool mountain waters found in the plunge pool. Learn how and where you can drive right up to this awesome swimming hole by reading this previous article.

Please use extra caution when swimming at Elk River Falls. North Carolina's most deadly waterfall has a reputation for taking lives when visitors don't abide by the posted rules. Never jump from the top of the falls, and avoid even walking along the smooth rock at the top. If you swim in the large plunge pool, stay very far away from where the water falls into the pool. The force of that water is so great that it has pushed people under water that have never been seen (or found) again. That being said, there is a huge area in which to swim that isn't near the plunge area. Prepare to have some (safe) fun! Learn more about Elk River Falls here. Learn of it's deadly reputation, here.

Take a short, 0.5-mile hike underneath the forest canopy to emerge at a rock and soil beach next to a 15-foot waterfall that spans the width of the entire river in the middle of the forest. Hooker Falls is best known for its billowing waterfall that's easy to play underneath, as well as a gigantic natural swimming pool at the base of the falls. You'll love it here! Learn all about it right over here.