Taking a dip in a pool is one of life’s simplest treasures. And in North Carolina, we take things to the next level with our natural swimming pools. Swimming holes are basically Mother Nature’s waterpark, offering a welcome change of pace from your typical water recreation. We’ve rounded up the 10 best natural swimming pools in North Carolina, so you can plan an epic experience reveling in The Tar Heel State’s aquatic splendor.

1. Midnight Hole
Trip Advisor / Nick I
Midnight Hole is an emerald lagoon that you need to see to believe. It features some of the most pristine water in the state, and is perfect for a refreshing dip! And by "refreshing" we mean really refreshing; Midnight Hole's waters are nearly as cold as ice, so be sure to come prepared with lots of towels and dry clothes!
2. The Quarry at Carrigan Farms
Carrigan Farms/Facebook
Known for its sapphire waters, the Quarry at Carrigan Farms is an old quarry used in the 1960s, and has some truly unique geological features. Today the quarry is owned by Carrigan Farm, and is a favorite place for special events and good, old-fashioned North Carolina beach days.
3. Lower Cascade Falls
Scott Ritchie/Flickr
While Lower Cascade Falls at Hanging Rock State Park doesn't go deep enough to qualify as your standard swimming hole, it makes a perfect splashing or wading pool for small swimmers. Even for adults, it's perfect for cooling off after exploring Hanging Rock State Park.
4. Sliding Rock
US Forest Service - Southern Region/Wikipedia
Soaring down Sliding Rock is a must for any North Carolinian or traveler passing through, it's almost like a mountain rite of passage. The natural waterslide pumps out over 90 gallons of water per minute, plummeting you down the natural rock and into a (very) chilly 8-foot pool. It's a whole experience packed into one -- and you'll want to go down again and again.
5. North Carolina's Lazy Rivers
Facebook / Deep Creek Tube and Campground
From Deep Creek to the Dan River, tubing on a natural lazy river is a beloved summer activity in North Carolina and a great way to combine fun and relaxation. Luckily, North Carolina is home to some epic lazy rivers, each offering their own unique experience.

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6. Silver Run Falls
Flickr / Matt Barnett
Accessed by a quick hike, you'll find Silver Run Falls in the Nantahala National Forest. The impressive 25-foot fall offers a beach for wading or sunbathing and a natural pool by the waterfall for a unique mountain experience.
7. Skinny Dip Falls
Flickr / Weng-Ting-Yang
Accessed from the Looking Glass Rock Overlook off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skinny Dip Falls is an amazing waterfall and swimming hole tucked away into its own forest utopia. A quick, two-mile hike takes you down to the waterfall that features two separate swimming pools, jump off rocks, and a creek for wading or for younger swimmers. (And contrary to its name, swimmers are all fully clothed here!)
8. Eno River State Park
Flickr / Sergey Galyonkin
Eno River is known for its pristine, clean water and Eno River State Park attracts a number of kayakers, canoeists, hikers and swimmers. The 40-mile wide river is centrally located for all Triangle residents and at the park you'll find a swimming hole and hiking trails. For extra adventure, crossing the footbridge here is a must!
9. Hooker Falls
Flickr / Jim Liestman
Hooker Falls is perhaps one of the best-known swimming holes in the mountains, making it a popular destination and sometimes on the weekends a mini swim-party in itself. If you're wanting to experience the falls and swimming hole for the first time, it's best to go on a weekday as to avoid crowds. Located in DuPont State Forest, nearby hiking and waterfalls make this is a great end or beginning for a long day.
10. White Lake
Flickr / Lesley Looper
While we wanted to steer clear of lakes and larger bodies of water (keeping the list strictly to swimming holes), we'd be remiss not to include White Lake in this list. Formed by either a meteor or spring-fed (it's still up for debate), White Lake possesses crystal clear water and white sand, letting it really live up to the name of 'natural swimming pool.' With magical little touches like draped Spanish moss, White Lake is a fairy tale place that offers a totally unique swimming hole experience in North Carolina

Did you know about these picture-perfect pools in North Carolina? What’s your favorite swimming hole in The Tar Heel State? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Natural Swimming Pools in North Carolina

Sarah | March 31, 2021

What are the best beaches in North Carolina?

Nothing can compare to the beaches of North Carolina. Rugged and weather-worn, charming and accessible -- North Carolina's beaches are absolutely the best in the country (not that we're biased). Many of these beaches are a bit off the beaten path, but well-worth the trip. For example, one of the best beaches in North Carolina, Outer Banks, is known for its wide expanse of open beachfront along the stunning Cape Hatteras National Seashore. While admittedly a bit out of the way, Outer Banks truly is a vacation that will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated.

Does North Carolina have any lazy rivers?

There's nothing quite like floating the day away on a lazy river, and happy, North Carolina has many. One of our favorite lazy rivers in North Carolina is Deep Creek, a beautiful waterway near Bryson City that winds through the Great Smoky Mountains. Just like a "choose your own adventure" book, Deep Creek consists of two different courses, each of which offer a totally unique experience. For tubers looking for a somewhat wild and bouncy experience, the upper section is the way to go. If you're looking for relaxation and also a fun activity for small children, the lower section provides a smooth and easy ride down the river. This second option is total lazy river goals.

What kind of water recreation can you do in North Carolina?

Speaking of The Outer Banks, if you’re looking for something that a water activity that everyone in the family can enjoy, definitely check out Coastal Kayak Touring Company. Offering several family-friendly excursions, you can explore Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary, the Full Moon Tour at Pine Island, or you could choose to paddle your way to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Other water recreation opportunities in North Carolina include tubing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and lakeside camping. The opportunities for outdoor adventure in The Tar Heel State really are endless!

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Featured Addresses
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms, 1213 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115, USA
Big Creek Trail, Cataloochee, NC, USA
Carrigan Farm Rd, Millers, NC 28681, USA
Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA
Sliding Rock, North Carolina 28768, USA
Silver Run Falls Trailhead, 35°04'00.9"N 83°04'01.1"W, Cashiers, NC 28717, USA
Blue Ridge Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Eno River State Park, 6101 Cole Mill Rd, Durham, NC 27705, USA
Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718, USA
White Lake, NC 28337, USA