The One Park In North Carolina With Waterfall Swimming Holes, Caves, Camping, And Trails Truly Has It All
Robin Jarvis
Author
There are tons of places to enjoy swimming in NC – after all, we’ve got lots of land to explore. One favorite summer activity of many Tar Heels is enjoying the Hanging Rock State Park swimming hole. This incredible state park is quite popular, but it’s no easy feat to reach the park’s eponymous feature. The satisfaction of completing the journey is just as amazing as the views from its high vantage point. But don’t confuse the park’s most popular spot for photos as being the only thing to do at this North Carolina state park. This place really does have it, including one of the best waterfall swimming holes in North Carolina.
Related Stories
If You've Ever Wanted To Climb A Lighthouse, Your Chance Is Here In North Carolina
Few People Know There's A Beautiful State Park Hiding In This Tiny North Carolina Town
The Most Beautiful Canyon In America Is Right Here In North Carolina... And It Isn't Linville Gorge
Hanging Rock is open year-round and the hours vary by season. Swimming in the lake is available only during the summer months and the diving board is only open when an attendant is on duty. Canoe and kayak rentals are on weekends only during the fall and winter; however, during the summer months, rentals are available daily. Camping and cabin fees vary by season. Learn more about the park, amenities, and Hanging Rock State Park swimming at the Hanging Rock State Park website. Have you ever visited this park? Tell us about your favorite adventures in the comments! If you plan on taking advantage of the hiking first make sure you have the AllTrails app, it is an incredible tool we bring with us on every hike.
Looking for more ways to cool off? Check out these other waterfall swimming holes in NC.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Hanging Rock Lake
What's the most beautiful hike in North Carolina?
Here are some of the most beautiful hikes in North Carolina:
With 18.6 million acres of forest within the state, there is a lot of hiking in North Carolina to explore. Located in Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, you’ll find the Stone Mountain Loop. This 4.5-mile hike will take you to Stone Mountain as well as a waterfall and an old family homestead. Hanging Rock State Park is more than just a waterfall swimming hole in NC. There are several trails here, including the 4.3-mile Moore’s Wall Loop that will bring you to a spectacular view of the surroundings. You can even head to the Lower Cascades at Hanging Rock from here.
Are there any good swimming holes in North Carolina?
Here are some of the best swimming holes in North Carolina:
Aside from the Hanging Rock swimming hole, there are several other swimming holes in NC. In Pisgah National Forest in Canton, you’ll find Skinny Dip Falls. Despite its cutesy name, it’s best to wear a bathing suit if you head to this swimming hole off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Over in Bryson City, there’s Deep Creek. Here, you can rent a tube and take the short Deep Creek Trail to float on the water, which ends with a nice swimming hole.
Where can I find the bluest water in North Carolina?
For the bluest water in North Carolina check out this spot.
North Carolina has a lot of water within its borders, including the ocean shoreline, but if you are looking for the very bluest, you’ll need to head to the Crystal Coast section of the state, namely Shackleford Banks. Here, you’ll find not only the bluest water in North Carolina but also more than 100 wild horses that roam the island. And it’s also extremely remote, with virtually no facilities. Just beach and blue water.