Spend Three Days At Three Waterfall Swimming Holes On This Weekend Road Trip In North Carolina
Robin Jarvis
Author
We certainly love a good road trip around here! Scenery, snacks, and singing in the car all make for a great time. The only thing we don’t like about a road trip these days is the price of gas. An ideal trip allows for a full weekend away that won’t drain the tank – or your wallet. This weekend’s family trip includes just 31 miles of driving over three days to some terrific North Carolina swimming holes. They even have waterfalls accessible by car, which we think makes them some of the best swimming holes in North Carolina. Come along with us as we detail three days and two nights spent tracking down and exploring some extraordinarily fun spots in the wilds of the Tar Heel State. And, to help prepare you for the journey check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide!
1. Hooker Falls, Hendersonville
Because this is a busy spot, expect to share the adventure with others who have the same idea. Fortunately, the natural pool at Hooker Falls is quite large so there's room for everyone. Find a spot in the cool water when it's warm out, and you'll be glad you did.
Move along at your own pace. But if you're able to devote a whole day to each of the three falls, you certainly won't tire of them.
2. Sliding Rock
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Because this is a privately managed attraction, you'll need to pay an entrance fee for each person using the slide - but one fee gets you unlimited use of the slide while you're visiting. For those who just wish to watch everyone else in the family squeal as they hit the slide, there are two viewing areas in the shade. If visiting in the warm seasons, be sure to arrive very early. It gets super busy here between noon and 4 p.m. - and you'll want to make sure you get a parking spot.
3. Skinny Dip Falls, Canton
This trail is rated as easy, but do note the elevation change of 100 feet in each direction. Much of this elevation is on a set of stairs right as you arrive at the falls.
Be sure to take your time here soaking up all the fun. In fact, we love the idea of spending all day at each of these waterfall swimming holes. Bring a lunch, plenty to drink, and a trash bag so you can pack out everything you brought in when you arrive. When it's time to settle in for the evening, the area is swimming (pun intended!) with campground options. There are two we love in particular.
4. Lodging
Spend both nights here, or switch it up for the second night and migrate a few miles up the road to one of the cool treehouses at Pilot Cove.
And the best part about both Davidson River Campground and Pilot Cove? They're right off the highway on the road trip mapped out above!
That’s all there is to it – take this short, 31-mile road trip to three of the best waterfalls in North Carolina this summer, and watch some wonderful new memories unfold before your eyes. Do you know of any more waterfalls accessible by car? Or, perhaps some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina? Share your favorite spots with us in the comments.
If you’re feeling up for more of the same kind of fun, plan another weekend at another waterfall swimming at Hunt Fish Falls, which is also one of our favorite North Carolina swimming holes.
This Tiered Waterfall And Swimming Hole In North Carolina Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List
Another cool spot in North Carolina is Clingman Dome. Take a peek at this incredibly scenic overlook in this video:
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More to Explore
Road Trips In North Carolina
What are the best road trips through North Carolina?
The best road trips through North Carolina lead to some truly fun activities, scenery, and history. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Lighthouse Road Trip on the North Carolina coast
- The Rural Countryside Hidden Gems throughout the state
- The Haunting Ghost Town road trip
- The Gorgeous Fall Foliage road trip
This list of road trips should take you through each season, but if you have some time left over don't forget to explore some of the most picturesque small towns in North Carolina.
What are the best day trips in North Carolina?
The best day trips in North Carolina offer a great way to see the state without needing to take significant time away from your day-to-day life. And, each season offers something truly unique.
- In the winter, consider day trips to places like Shoji Spa and Lodge in Asheville or Beech Mountain, known as the snowiest town in the state.
- When the snow clears it's time to prepare for some warmer weather daylong road trips in North Carolina. The 138-mile Outer Banks Scenic Byway is truly magnificent. This is also a great time of year to explore all the swimming holes in North Carolina.
- For a great fall day trip try Winston-Salem Quarry Park or something even simpler like apple picking. Consider all the many fall day trip options when the leaves begin to change.
You can also consider one of the many fun train day trips in North Carolina.