
Wilson Creek Swimming Holes In North Carolina
Swimming hole in Asheville, North Carolina · Waterfall
Wilson Creek Swimming Holes In North Carolina is a waterfalls swimming hole. It is near Asheville, North Carolina. Access is free. Best season: Summer for warm water and swimming.
Typical season: Summer for warm water and swimming
About Wilson Creek Swimming Holes In North Carolina
Wilson Creek Swimming Holes In North Carolina sits in North Carolina. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities. Designated a National Wild and Scenic River, Wilson Creek and its tributaries carve through ancient Appalachian terrain, spilling over granite ledges, pooling in cool hollows, and forming a string of natural playgrounds that draw swimmers, tubers, and waterfall chasers all summer long. This is not a manicured park with roped-off swim zones. It is raw, beautiful, and entirely on your own terms. The Wilson Creek watershed feels genuinely wild. Hemlocks and hardwoods press close to the water's edge, their canopy filtering summer sunlight into shifting patterns on the creek bed. The geology here is spectacular: smooth boulders worn round by centuries of current, natural water slides polished to a sheen, and deep rock kettles that look almost engineered for a cool afternoon plunge. Each tributary brings its own character. Hunt Fish Falls delivers a dramatic double-waterfall experience that practically demands a photograph. Gragg Prong winds through quieter, more secluded corridors perfect for those seeking solitude. Upper Creek surprises visitors with a sandy beach. Rare in these mountains. Alongside natural water slides that kids and adults alike claim repeatedly. Steele Creek's unusual rock kettles offer something you won't easily find anywhere else in the region. No lifeguards patrol Wilson Creek Swimming Holes In North Carolina. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Waterfalls
- Water body
- Wilson Creek and tributaries
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Asheville
- State
- North Carolina
- Coordinates
- 35.99880, -81.76948
- Best season
- Summer for warm water and swimming; Spring for blooming wildflowers and rushing waterfalls; Autumn for cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate to strenuous hikes required for access; Harper Creek Falls includes steep descents with rope assistance.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Cliff jumping
- Reported
- Camping
- Camping in Mortimer Rec. Area. Several other areas nearby are: Julian Price area in the Blue Ridge Parkway N.P., Boone Fork area in the Pisgah N.F. Near the town of Lenoir, and several campgrounds in the W. Scott Reservoir Corps of Engineers area.
- Land manager
- U.S. Forest Service
- Activities
- Swimming, Tubing, Jumping
- Facilities
- Limited amenities at trailheads; parking available; camping options nearby include Mortimer Recreation Area and Pisgah National Forest sites.
- Listing last updated
- July 11, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitSummer for warm water and swimming; Spring for blooming wildflowers and rushing waterfalls; Autumn for cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage.
- AccessModerate to strenuous hikes required for access; Harper Creek Falls includes steep descents with rope assistance.
- FacilitiesLimited amenities at trailheads; parking available; camping options nearby include Mortimer Recreation Area and Pisgah National Forest sites.
- Camping nearbyCamping in Mortimer Rec. Area. Several other areas nearby are: Julian Price area in the Blue Ridge Parkway N.P., Boone Fork area in the Pisgah N.F. Near the town of Lenoir, and several campgrounds in the W. Scott Reservoir Corps of Engineers area.
Highlights & features
- Hunt Fish Falls with dual waterfalls
- Gragg Prong’s secluded swimming spots
- Harper Creek’s thrilling slides and jumps
- Upper Creek’s sandy beach and water slides
- Steele Creek’s unique rock kettles
- National Wild and Scenic River designation
- Natural water slides
- Diverse swimming experiences from tranquil pools to adrenaline-pumping jumps
How to get there
Wilson Creek Swimming Holes In North Carolina lies in North Carolina near Asheville, Boone, and Linville. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Wilson Creek General Orientation Wilson Creek . Route 181 runs south from the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville Falls (milepost 315) to Morganton. To access Route 181 from the Parkway, head briefly south on Route 221, then turn left onto Route 183, followed by a right onto Route 181. The Linville Gorge area is generally west of Route 181, while the Wilson Creek area lies to the east. Hunt Fish Falls Driving Directions:
From the Blue Ridge Parkway, between mileposts 311 and 312, turn south onto Old Jonas Ridge Road (a dirt road marked with signage).
Set your odometer and follow Jonas Ridge Road (FR 464, SR 1533) east and uphill for 1.5 miles to a fork in the road. At the fork, bear left onto Elbert Clark Road (still FR 464, signed). Continue straight past a white wooden church at 1.7 miles. At 3.8 miles, navigate a tight curve. At 4.3 miles, keep straight past picnic tables. At 7.5 miles, continue past other trailheads until you reach a well-marked parking area on the left at about 8 miles. Trail Directions: From the parking area, take Trail #263, which descends steeply for about 0.7 miles to meet Trail #262. Turn right onto Trail #262 and follow Lost Cove Creek downstream to Hunt Fish Falls. The falls consist of two cascades, each about 10 feet high, with a large, deep pool at the base. This is an excellent spot for swimming. Coordinates: Latitude: 36.014928 Longitude: -81.801937 Google Maps Link Gragg Prong Falls Trail Directions: Continue on Trail #262 from Hunt Fish Falls (do not turn onto Trail #261). Follow Trail #262 upstream along Gragg Prong Creek. Several waterfalls are located along this trail. The first waterfall is off to the left and hidden from view. Carefully follow the granite edge to reach the bottom. The next waterfall lies about 0.2 miles further upstream. Coordinates: Latitude: 36.0170 Longitude: -81.7917 Google Maps Link Harpers Creek Falls Driving Directions: From the parking area for Hunt Fish Falls, drive east on FR 464 to Edgemont.
From Edgemont, take Route 90 to Mortimer.
In Mortimer, turn south (right) at an old store with a post marked "1328." This road runs south along Wilson Creek and is variously called Brown Mountain Beach Road, Route 1328, Ralph Winchester Road, or Wilson Creek Road. Continue a few miles down this road. About 0.25 miles past the remains of an old cotton mill, you will find a parking area on the right. Trail Directions: From the parking area, look for the sign for Harper Creek Trail (#260). Follow the trail uphill, keeping to the right at the first fork. Avoid side trails leading to campsites. At the next fork, take the left fork onto a flat trail that leads to the swimming area. The trail is mild to moderate and about 3 miles round trip. There are two . Coordinates: Latitude: 35.983 Longitude: -81.780 Google Maps Link Upper Creek Falls Driving Directions: From the Blue Ridge Parkway, take Route 181 south (see General Orientation for how to access Route 181 from the Parkway). At about 7.5 miles, turn east (left) onto FR 982, a small dirt road marked with signage for "Upper Creek Falls."
Drive about 100 yards to the parking lot for the trailhead. Trail Directions
From the parking area, take the trail along the ridg Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
Plan your visit
Wilson Creek Swimming Holes In North Carolina works well as a day trip from Asheville or Boone. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Linville Gorge Area (about 9 mi away) or browse more North Carolina waterfall spots in our directory. For the full list in North Carolina, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is via unpaved Forest Service roads (e.g., FR 464) which may be rough; high-clearance vehicles are recommended. These are unofficial, unmaintained sites with no lifeguards or regular services. Parking is limited. Always check current forest conditions and weather before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Wilson Creek Swimming Holes in North Carolina?
Yes. Wilson Creek Swimming Holes in North Carolina near Asheville, Boone, and Linville in NC has waterfall / cascade pools on Wilson Creek and tributaries used for swimming. Rocks are slippery and there are no lifeguards at informal access.
Is Wilson Creek Swimming Holes in North Carolina free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “No”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Wilson Creek Swimming Holes in North Carolina?
Wilson Creek Swimming Holes in North Carolina is in NC within day-trip range of Asheville, Boone, and Linville. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
Historically a logging hub, Wilson Creek’s rugged beauty has transformed into an iconic recreational area with ties to North Carolina’s conservation efforts.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife and natural habitats; pack out all trash and avoid damaging vegetation.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Reference sources
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