Summer in the North Carolina mountains brings two things: heat and crowds. If you want a place to cool off without the chlorine, head for a deep, cold swimming hole. Skinny Dip Falls was once the local favorite, but storm damage changed that. Now it’s time to find a new spot.
Where to Find Deep, Cold Swimming Holes in the NC Mountains
The good news is there are plenty of waterfalls and pools within one to two hours of Asheville that offer clear water, quiet woods, and deep places to swim. Some are easy to reach. Others take a short hike. All are worth the trip.
Sliding Rock (Pisgah National Forest)
Sliding Rock is one of the most popular swimming holes near Asheville. A 60-foot rock slide sends you straight into an eight-foot-deep pool of cold mountain water. The stream flows down from Looking Glass Creek, which stays chilly even on the hottest days.
It’s about 40 miles southwest of Asheville, just past Brevard. The drive takes under an hour. There’s a $5 fee during summer, and lifeguards are on duty when it’s busy. The area also has restrooms and changing rooms.
Come early or pick a weekday if you want space to swim. Crowds build fast, especially after noon. If you go during blueberry season, you can pair your visit with a short drive to one of the top trails for wild blueberry picking in Western NC.
Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is a true roadside waterfall. You can see it from the car, but it’s worth walking down the short set of steps to reach the base. The water drops nearly 60 feet into a deep, rocky pool that stays cold year-round.
This spot is just off Highway 276, about six miles north of Brevard and 36 miles from Asheville. The drive takes roughly an hour. There’s no fee, but parking is limited and fills quickly on summer weekends.
Swimming is allowed when water levels are safe. The current can get strong after rain, so check before you wade in. It’s a good stop for families or anyone who wants a quick dip without a hike.
Courthouse Falls
Courthouse Falls is tucked deep in the forest, where a narrow stream plunges 45 feet into a deep, round pool. The water is cold and clean, and the surrounding rock walls keep the area shady and quiet.
It’s about 50 miles from Asheville, near the Blue Ridge Parkway and NC-215. The last part of the drive is on a gravel forest road. From the parking area, it’s a short and easy walk. The round trip is just under a mile.
The falls feel remote but aren’t hard to reach. You’ll hear the rush of water before you see the drop. This is one of the best places to swim in the area if you want a peaceful setting without a long hike.
Stairway Falls (Horsepasture River, Near Gorges State Park)
Stairway Falls gets its name from a series of rocky steps that lead down to a wide, deep pool. Water flows over smooth boulders into a clear basin that’s great for swimming or cooling off your feet.
The trail starts from Gorges State Park and follows the Rainbow Falls path for about half a mile. A short side trail brings you down to the falls. It’s around 55 miles from Asheville, and the drive takes about 90 minutes.
This spot is less crowded than nearby Rainbow Falls or Turtleback Falls. The trail is steeper near the end, but the reward is a quiet pool with plenty of space to spread out on the rocks. Bring water shoes as the stones can be slick.
Silver Run Falls (Near Cashiers, NC)
Silver Run Falls is a short waterfall that drops about 25 feet into a wide, calm pool. The water is deep enough to swim, and a small sandy area at the edge makes it easy to wade in.
It’s located just off NC-107, about four miles south of Cashiers and roughly 85 miles from Asheville. The drive takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. From the road, it’s only a quarter-mile walk to the falls on a well-worn trail.
This is a good option for families or anyone looking for a quiet swim in a scenic spot. It can get busy in summer, but early mornings and weekdays are usually peaceful. The shaded forest and cool water make it one of the best swimming holes in the region.
Whaleback Swimming Hole (Davidson River, Pisgah National Forest)
Whaleback is a quiet stretch of the Davidson River with a deep, clear pool and a smooth boulder that juts out in the middle. Locals call it the “whaleback” rock, and it’s perfect for sunning or jumping into the cold mountain water.
The spot is near the Cove Creek trailhead off US-276, just north of Sliding Rock. It’s about an hour from Asheville by car. There’s no sign, but a short walk from the forest road leads straight to the water.
Unlike other nearby swimming holes, Whaleback often has no crowd. It’s a great place to cool off after a hike or spend a slow afternoon by the river. Bring a towel and something to sit on because the rocks are flat but hard.
Hooker Falls (DuPont State Forest)
Hooker Falls is a wide, gentle waterfall that flows into a broad pool with a sandy bottom. The water isn’t as deep as some other spots, but it’s clear, cool, and deep enough for a proper swim near the base of the falls.
The falls are located in DuPont State Forest, about 40 miles southwest of Asheville. The drive takes around 45 minutes. From the parking area, it’s a flat, 0.25-mile walk to the water.
This is one of the easiest swimming holes to reach, which makes it popular on weekends. The area has picnic tables, bathrooms, and space to spread out. If you’re visiting in early summer, it’s also a good spot to look for Blue Ghost fireflies in Western North Carolina.
Bonus Tips for Visiting WNC Swimming Holes
Western North Carolina’s swimming holes can be cold, fast-moving, or crowded. Sometimes all three. Here are a few tips to make your trip better:
- Go early. Most spots are busiest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Check the flow. Heavy rain can make pools dangerous. Look up stream conditions before you go.
- Pack for rocks. Bring water shoes or sandals with grip. Many pools have slick stones or sharp gravel.
- Leave no trace. Pack out your trash, stay on the trail, and avoid damaging plants near the water.
- Bring layers. Mountain weather changes fast, and the water is always cold. Even in August.
Whether you’re hiking to a remote fall or pulling over for a quick dip, treat the land with care. These places only stay special if we keep them that way.
Find Your New Favorite Swimming Hole
Skinny Dip Falls may be gone, but Western North Carolina still has plenty of deep, cold places to swim. From roadside drops to hidden forest trails, these seven spots offer the best mix of cool water, mountain views, and room to breathe.
Pick one close to Asheville, or try a new one each weekend. Just pack a towel, hit the road early, and let the river take care of the rest.