Swimming holes in North Carolina

36 natural swimming destinations in North Carolina.

How many swimming holes are in North Carolina?

North Carolina has 36 swimming holes in our directory , including 8 river, 4 creek, 12 waterfall, 1 lake, 1 spring .

Falls. NC

Big Laurel Falls

Plan your hike to Big Laurel Falls near Franklin, NC. Get directions, trail details, and safety tips for this swimming spot in the Nantahala National Forest.

River NC

Bullhole

A guide to the unofficial Bullhole swimming hole on the South Yadkin River near Cooleemee, NC. Find directions, access notes, and safety tips.

Varies - see below NC

Boone Region Swimming Holes

Discover popular swimming holes near Boone, NC. Find directions to Winklers Creek, Trash Can Falls, Snake Pit, and other natural spots for swimming and jumping.

Waterfall NC

Elk River Falls

Plan your visit to Elk River Falls near Elk Park, NC. Find directions, safety tips for swimming, and details on this unofficial waterfall with picnic facilities.

River NC

Elk Shoals

Plan a visit to Elk Shoals, a scenic river swimming and tubing spot near Boone, NC on the South Fork New River. Get directions, access notes, and safety tips.

Lake Beaches NC

Falls Lake S. R. A.

Plan a visit to Falls Lake State Recreation Area beaches. Find info on swimming, facilities, fees, and directions for a safe day by the water near Raleigh and Durham.

Creek/Falls. NC

Fires Creek Region Swimming Spots

Explore swimming spots in the Fires Creek region of North Carolina, including Leatherwood Falls. Find directions, access notes, and safety tips for a refreshing dip.

River Beach NC

Goose Creek S. P.

Swim at the river beach in Goose Creek State Park, NC. Find directions, facilities like picnic tables, and safety tips for the Pamlico River.

River Water Park NC

Green Springs Water Park

Visit Green Springs Water Park near New Bern for swimming, zip lines, and rope swings on the Neuse River. Find directions, safety tips, and access details.

Falls NC

Hickory Nut Falls

Plan your hike to Hickory Nut Falls in NC. Find directions, trail info, and safety tips for this waterfall in Chimney Rock State Park.

Natural hot spring water in fiberglass hot tubs NC

Hot Springs Resort

Visit Hot Springs Resort in NC for natural hot spring water in private fiberglass tubs. Plan your trip with directions, fees, and safety tips.

River NC

Linville Gorge Area

Explore the Linville Gorge Area in NC for hiking and river access. Find directions, trailheads, and important safety notes for this rugged wilderness.

River NC

Little Uwaharrie River

A guide to swimming at the unofficial Little Uwharrie River swimming hole in North Carolina. Find directions, safety tips, and access notes.

Varies - see below NC

Lake James Region Swimming Spots

Find directions and safety tips for the unofficial swimming hole at McGalliard Falls Park near Valdese, NC. Plan your visit to this waterfall pool.

River Beach NC

Neuse River

Plan a day trip to the Neuse River Recreation Area in NC. Enjoy a sandy river beach for swimming, with picnic facilities and no day-use fee.

Creek NC

New Hope Creek

Find the unofficial swimming hole on New Hope Creek near Durham, NC. Get directions, parking info, and essential safety tips for a safe visit.

River NC

North Mills River

Guide to the North Mills River swimming hole near Asheville, NC. Find directions, parking info, safety tips, and details on tubing and water play.

Varies (see below) NC

Nantahala Gorge Swimming Spots

Find swimming access at Almond Finger Lake near Bryson City. Learn directions, safety tips for the deep water, and what to expect at this unofficial spot.

Creek NC

Rocky Bluff

Visit Rocky Bluff near Hot Springs, NC for swimming and sliding in Spring Creek. Find directions, parking info, and safety tips for this natural water feature.

Falls NC

South Mountains S. P.

Plan a visit to the Jacob Fork Waterfall in NC's South Mountains State Park. Details on the 1-mile hike, swimming access, park facilities, and safety tips.

River NC

Sunburst

Find directions and tips for the unofficial Sunburst swimming hole near Asheville, NC. A natural spot on the Pigeon River for a cool dip.

Waterfall NC

Sapphire Valley Swimming Holes

Guide to swimming holes at Rainbow, Turtleback & Hollow Falls in NC's Sapphire Valley. Find directions, safety tips, and access info for these unofficial spots.

Lake NC

White Lake

Plan your visit to White Lake, NC. Guide to swimming, boating, facilities, parking fees, and directions from Lumberton, Fayetteville & Elizabethtown.

NC

Wildcat Falls

Plan your visit to Wildcat Falls in North Carolina. Find hiking details, safety tips, and directions for this natural waterfall.