Wilson Creek Swimming Holes In North Carolina

Wilson Creek Swimming Holes Directions General Orientation Wilson Creek Swimming Holes are located in the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina, east of Route 181. 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:

1. 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 approximately 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 and sunbathing on nearby rocks. 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 is located approximately 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.

2. 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 holes. The trail is mild to moderate and approximately 3 miles round trip. There are two swimming holes and two waterfalls at the destination. 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 approximately 7.5 miles, turn east (left) onto FR 982, a small dirt road marked with signage for "Upper Creek Falls."

3. Drive about 100 yards to the parking lot for the trailhead. Trail Directions

   From the parking area, take the trail along the ridg

Access and facilities vary by site across the Wilson Creek area, so do your homework before heading out. Hiking ranges from moderate to strenuous, and some spots — particularly Harper Creek Falls — involve genuinely challenging terrain. Wear sturdy shoes you don't mind getting wet, bring more water than you think you need, and tell someone your plans. There is no fee to access these swimming holes. Camping is available at the Mortimer Recreation Area, putting you within easy reach of multiple spots. Additional camping options include the Julian Price area along the Blue Ridge Parkway and several campgrounds within the W. Scott Reservoir Corps of Engineers area. The nearest towns for food, fuel, and supplies include Morganton, Marion, Linville, and Boone — all within reasonable driving distance. Summer brings the warmest water and the busiest crowds; spring rewards early-season visitors with rushing waterfalls and blooming wildflowers; autumn transforms the surrounding forest into a canvas of red, orange, and gold.

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.