If you’re looking for North Carolina swimming holes with waterfalls, check out Transylvania County, home to over 200 alone. With so many waterfalls to swim in, it can be tempting to take a dip in each and every one. While many are not suitable or safe for swimming, many others are just perfect for taking a dip … like these 12 waterfall swimming holes in NC.

1. Lower Cascade Falls
Lower Cascade Falls, North Carolina 27052, USA
Justin P/ Alltrails
Located at Hanging Rock, this North Carolina swimming hole is perfect for wading or cooling off after a strenuous hike on one of Hanging Rock's many trails. Check out the NC parks website to learn more about visiting Lower Cascade Falls.
2. Silver Run Falls
Silver Run Falls Trailhead, 35°04'00.9"N 83°04'01.1"W, Cashiers, NC 28717, USA
Flickr / Matt Barnett
Located in the Nantahala National Forest, this waterfall with a swimming hole is accessed by a quick hike. This 25-ft. waterfall is beautifully impressive, offers a small beach for wading, and there is a pool by the falls with nothing but the finest mountain water. Read about the short hike to Silver Run Falls.
3. Skinny Dip Falls
Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Justin P/ Alltrails
With a one-mile hike located conveniently off the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can't beat everything Skinny Dip has to offer. A jump-off rock, a deep pool for splashing in, and a gorgeous waterfall. It's that quintessential North Carolina swimming hole experience. Get all the details about this NC swimming hole. Also, make sure you check out this video from when Adventuring in the Moment was there:


4. Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls, North Carolina 28768, USA
Flickr / Jeffrey Pott
Two miles down U.S. 276, past Sliding Rock, is Looking Glass Falls. This impressive waterfall swimming hole in NC makes for breathtaking scenery. The pool is perfect for dipping your toes in after a long mountain hike. While not the deepest, young children will be able to splash and play next to an immaculate waterfall...what a fun experience! Learn more about getting to Looking Glass Falls. The mist and the wind created by the powerful rushing waters are amazing to stand in front of to cool off too. Check out this video by Adventuring in the Moment:


5. Deep Creek
Deep Creek Township, NC, USA
Flickr / Tony Fernandez
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek is a popular destination for tubing. Take a pit stop at Tom Branch Falls to take it all in. Read more on this NC tubing spot.
6. Elk River Falls
Elk River Falls, Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622, USA
Flickr / Alistair Nichol
This gorgeous and safe North Carolina swimming hole rests beneath Elk River Falls. A sandy beach leading into the water makes for a great place to prop a chair or towel and spend the day relaxing. Sometimes the water can get a bit strong, so always use caution when swimming here. Learn about Elk River Falls before you visit.

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7. Hooker Falls
Hooker Falls, North Carolina 28768, USA
Flickr / Dave Slusher
For a swimming hole with waterfalls to swim in, Hooker Falls is your destination. Grab a tube and float along while enjoying the calm sound of a waterfall. Or live a little and try out the rope swing. Located in DuPont State Forest, Hooker Falls is a popular destination for a cool dip on a hot day. Take a look at this write-up for all the details on Hooker Falls.
8. Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock, North Carolina 28768, USA
Flickr / Lauren Hirsh
More of a "natural waterslide" than a waterfall with a swimming hole, this adrenaline-packed experience is perfect for making the most of everything the North Carolina mountains have to offer. Check out this detailed write-up on Sliding Rock.
9. Upper Creek Falls
Upper Creek Falls, 6118 Wind Song Ln, Newland, NC 28657, USA
Flickr / Jeff Moore
This gorgeous waterfall swimming hole in NC in the Pisgah National Forest comes with its very own rope swing! You'll love the multiple cascades and relaxed pools perfect for cooling off after a day in the mountains. Head to the USDA Forest Service website for the most up-to-date information on Upper Creek Falls.
10. Turtleback Falls
Turtleback Falls, 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747, USA
Flickr / bobistraveling
Located in Gorges State Park, Turtleback Falls is another natural waterslide and waterfall to swim in, but this one is a lot less known than Sliding Rock. Take a slip, then a dip! Familiarize yourself with Gorges State Park before you head out.
11. Cashiers Sliding Rock
Cashiers Sliding Rock, Chattooga River, Highlands, NC 28741, USA
Flickr / Kevin Oliver
Another great secret in the land of waterfalls with a swimming hole is Cashiers Sliding Rock. Spend the day hiking, then get a rush of adrenaline sliding down the rock or keep it simple and just wade in the pool. Learn more about Cashiers Sliding Rock and a few other NC swimming holes.
12. Schoolhouse Falls
Schoolhouse Falls, North Carolina 28747, USA
Flickr / Jim Liestman
Located in Panthertown Valley, this impressive waterfall swimming hole in NC might seem daunting, but it has a pool safe for splashing. The 2.5-mile roundtrip hike is well worth it. Get all the details on the hike to Schoolhouse Falls.

There is nothing quite like doing a little waterfall swimming in the summer. Have you taken a dip in any of these waterfalls? Any others you want to add to the list? Tell us in the comments!

If you love North Carolina swimming holes but prefer saltwater sometimes, check out these ten amazing beaches in North Carolina.

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What are the best beaches in North Carolina?

North Carolina isn’t just waterfalls with swimming holes. With about 322 miles of shoreline on the Atlantic (plus over 50 lakes), there are plenty of beach spots to be had in the Tar Heel State. Bald Head Island, the state’s southernmost cape island, is unique in that there are no cars on the island and the only access is by ferry. Among the island’s 12,000 acres, you’ll find 14 miles of shoreline and several beaches. You can also golf and take in the wildlife such as birds, foxes, and even alligators. An Outer Banks location, Nags Head has 12 miles of shoreline and plenty of beaches as well as plenty of activities off the sand like mini-golf, go-karts, horseback riding, and hiking at several locations like Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

How many state parks are in North Carolina?

Although the most popular park in NC is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are 41 state parks as well. Located in Burnsville, you’ll find Mount Mitchell State Park. True to its name, this park grants you access to the 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell, the tallest in the state. You can do this by car or on foot. It’s also the first-ever state park in NC and offers hiking and has a gift shop, concession stand, and restaurant. Over in Rutherford County, there’s the 8,014-acre Chimney Rock State Park. Here, you can take the Outcroppings Trail to the top of a 315-foot rock formation that offers spectacular views of the surroundings. You also have the option of taking an elevator halfway up and then hiking the remainder.

What is the hottest month of the year in North Carolina? 

North Carolina experiences some hot weather in the summertime. The hottest month of all is July, with daytime averages at about 90 degrees. Thankfully, there are plenty of North Carolina swimming holes to beat the heat. If you’re looking for a different type of weather, know that August experiences the most rain, April experiences the least amount of rain, and May has the most sunny days.

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