NORTH CAROLINA SWIMMING
HOLES |
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ON STATE MAP BELOW: BLUE = swimming hole, GREEN = road trip dip (click here for info) , RED = hot spring. Hold cursor over map tags for info(click here if you don't see this info), then click to go to detailed listing. The map location is very approximate. Use our directions with a highway map.
See a SLIDESHOW of swimming hole photos in this state.
DOWNLOAD LATITUDE, LONGITUDE FILES FOR SWIMMING HOLES IN THIS STATE (not yet available for all states). Read this explanation first.| If you have mapping software like Street Atlas or Streets & Trips download a .txt coordinate file (right click and save) | If you have Google Earth download a .kml coordinate file (left click and open). | | |
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Some great swimming hole LINKS for this State:
HIKES TO SEVERAL NC WATERFALLS, MOST WITH SWIMMING
Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SYLVA, CULLOWEE, CASHIERS | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.2444, lon=-83.0153(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | Bear Creek Lake, Wolf Creek Lake |
TYPE | Falls, Creek, Lake |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming holes in lakes and falls along RT 281 southeast of Sylva and Cullowee. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
AREAS | Nantahala N. F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Developed camping unknown. Primitive camping is allowed in the National Forest. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional at most places, very remote |
DIRECTIONS | From Asheville, go west on I-40 about 25 miles to the Waynesville area then take RT 23/74 southwest about 25 miles to Sylva. From Sylva, take RT 107 southeast about 12 miles to Tuckasegee then turn east (left) on RT 281 and then: | BEAR CREEK LAKE [BEAC]: Go about 6 miles on RT 281 until you come to a sign on the right saying Bear Lake N.C. Boat Launch. Follow road down and park at parking area and walk down road to right, this will take you down to a sandy beach. Secluded - can be regarded as clothing optional in places. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.24361, lon=-83.06419(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 6/23/2003. PARADISE FALLS [PARA]: Continue on RT 281 about 12 miles to Wolf Creek Baptist Church on the right. Just past there is a small parking area on the side of the road. Get out and look over the edge. There's a path leading down to Paradise Falls, which has usually a low flow but falls into a beautiful gorge below. There's three tiers and 3 swimming holes - the top two can be regarded as swimsuit optional and the third at the bottom is basically nude bathers - is is a rough trail to the bottom. The water flow is controlled by a dam just upstream. If there has been little rain, the falls may be non-existent but there will still be swimming places here. TWO CAUTIONS: 1) DO NOT DIVE HERE 2) CHECK AT THE DAM UPSTREAM TO BE SURE THAT THEY ARE NOT ABOUT TO RELEASE WATER (continue on the road .5 mile more, it crosses the dam). LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.22547,lon=-83.00536(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 6/23/2003. WOLF CREEK LAKE [WOLF]: Just about 100 yards past the parking area for Paradise Falls, on RT 281, is Wolf Creek Lake. Take Wolf Lake Cemetery road on the left until you see red painted trees on the left. Get out and look over the edge. There's a path leading down to a beach section, can be regarded as clothing optional. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.22733, lon=-82.99833(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 6/23/2003.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 6/23/2003 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | KNOXVILLE, ASHEVILLE, WATERVILLE |
STATE | NC |
WATER | Big Creek, Mouse Creek |
TYPE | Falls, Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming holes near the NE border of the Great Smoky Mtns N. P. in the Big Creek Recreation Area on the TN-NC border. NOTE: The National Park Service will not allow you to take your dog on this trail. For more on this, see Pets in National Parks . See DIRECTIONS below for details. |
AREAS | Great Smoky Mtn. N. P. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Picnic Tables, toilets |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Big Creek Campground is at the site. It is a short distance walk-in to the sites, tents only. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional at most places, very remote |
DIRECTIONS | From Asheville, go west on I-40 to exit 451, the Waterville exit. Turn south across the Pidgeon River and follow the paved road past Carolina Power and Light into Great Smoky Mtn. N.P.. Go straight through the intersection onto gravel a road, pass the ranger station on right, go to hiking/picnic area and park in parking area. Then:
| BIG CREEK [BIGK]: There is a swimming hole right in the Big Creek Recreation Area picnic area just below a small metal bridge. A great play place, very easy to reach. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.75011, lon=-83.11031(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Very confident. Verified 4/01 UNNAMED HOLE [UNNA]: The Big Creek trail begins a short distance up the road from the parking area on the left. The trail is signed for Walnut Bottoms as the destination. Hike on this rustic road. At about 1.0 miles (25 minutes walking) there is a path off to the left marked by a rocky path that leads down to a good swiming hole below a small falls. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.73681, lon=-83.12892(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Very confident. Verified 4/01. MIDNIGHT HOLE [MIDN]: Continue on this trail and at about 1.5 miles from the beginning (40 minutes walking) there are tumbled down stone steps on an apparent path on the left that go to Midnight Hole. Here a small falls drops into a spectacular swimming hole. A super jacuzzi-like swimming hole at bottom of double falls. PHOTO . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.737, lon= -83.129 (source: Topozone-p ) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP MOUSE CREEK FALLS [MOUS]: Continue up this trail to 2.0 miles from the beginning and you will hear these falls (not see them usually) and a short path leads you to the falls, which are in Mouse Creek where it goes into Big Creek. Swim at bottom of falls. Not verified. LINK TO PHOTO BY WATERFALL WALKS. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.73417, lon= -83.13389 (source: Topozone ) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. POOL ON BIG CREEK [POOL]: Continue up this trail to 2.5 miles from the beginning to a board crossing a big pool the Big Creek. Cross the board and go left down a path to a big rock where you can swim.LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.73773, lon=-83.14298(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Not verified.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Mostly - in 4/01 |
DATE UPDATED | 4/19/2001 | |
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A Family-Friendly 
Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, JOHNSON CITY (TN), HOT SPRINGS |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.9011, lon= -82.7703(source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP STATE | NC |
WATER | Big Laurel Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | An easy, family-type, hike to several swimming holes of various degrees of challenge in Big Laurel Creek on its way to join the French Broad River. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
AREAS | Pisgah N. F. |
SANCTION | unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, rope swing |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | East of here at Carolina Hemlock (also a great family swimming hole) |
BATHING SUITS | May be optional at more remote places |
DIRECTIONS | From Asheville, go north on US 19 (freeway) to Weaverville then take RT 25 north about 20 miles. As you approach the intersection of RT 25 and RT 208, you will see on the right a gravel road signed for a recycling facility and then also on the right a 25 MPH curve speed sign. On the left hand side of the road, right across from this curve sign, is an unsigned non-descript gravel road that looks like a driveway - turn left into this road and park where it says "foot traffic only". (It also says that this is a private road, but it is not, although there is some private land along side of it in the beginning before you get into the National Forest land - so keep off the private land.) | Walk down this road and keep left at the intersection. You will then be walking downstream along Big Laurel Creek on an old, abandoned road, that gets narrower as you go down the gentle grade. There are swimming places in this pretty creek at about 1 mile, 1.5 miles and 2.5 miles (and maybe others) from where you parked. CAUTIONOne or more of these swimming places are unsafe at higher water levels - study each one carefully for currents before swimming.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | Partially, 8/07 |
DATE UPDATED | 8/23/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | CASHIERS, FRANKLIN |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.0273, lon= -83.4920(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP STATE | NC |
WATER | Unknown |
TYPE | Falls. |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming hole in pool at bottom of
falls. |
AREAS | Nantahala N.F., Nantahala Wilderness Area |
SANCTION | Unknown |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Franklin (about 20 mi west of Cashiers on RT 64) go west on RT 64
about 12 miles then turn south (left) on old highway 64 (may be SR 1448 or Old Murphy Rd.). Go about 2 miles then go right on FR67 then about 7 miles more to parking area signed for Big Laurel Falls. Take the trail about .5 mile
to the falls-go right at each fork in the trail. |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 1/13/2000 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | BOONE, BLOWING ROCK, SUGAR GROVE |
STATE | NC |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming holes in creeks and falls in the Watoga River area west and south of Boone. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
AREAS | Pisgah N. F.., Julian Price Park |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, jumping |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | At Julian Price Memorial Park, just south of "Hebron Rock" swimming hole (see below). |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Boone: | TRASH CAN FALLS [TRAS]: Popular swimming and jumping places at a falls into a small, rocky gorge with a water slide as well. YOUTUBE VIDEO . To get here from Boone, take RT 421/321 northwest. Where RT 421 goes off to the north, keep left on RT 321. Go through Sugar Grove and, just after you cross the Watoga River on a concrete bridge, park at a small dirt pull out on the north (right) side of the road. Go across RT 321 and take the small trail to the jumping sopt at the falls. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=36.25224, lon=-81.83418(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 4/1/2008. SNAKE PIT [SNAK]: Big, sunny swimming hole with flat rocks and jumps - very near Trash Can Falls. Just go a bit more northwest on RT 321 to where there is a long guardrail. Park and take the trail that goes down steeply behind the east end of the guardrail to the swimming hole. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=36.2533, lon=-81.8362(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 4/1/2008. HEBRON ROCK [HEBR]: Big boulders, small falls and little swimming holes in a gorge. From Boone, take RT 221 south then turn west (right) on RT 105 (set odometer). In about 5.6 miles from RT 221 turn south (left) onto Old Shull's Mill Rd. Keep on this road as it turns left. Pass a church on the left then turn right on Old Turnpike Rd. Go about 3 miles to where Old Turnpike Rd. makes a very tight turn to the right. Park here and hike about 10 minutes down a trail on the right side of the road into Julian Price Park and the swimming hole.LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=36.156831, lon=-81.734290(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 4/1/2008.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 4/1/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | WINSTON-SALEM, STATESVILLE, COOLEEMEE
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LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.80639, lon= -80.55947(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | South Fork Yadkin River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming hole in a pool in a park at bottom of dam, pretty dependable water flow released by dam. Very large rocks, some flat to sunbathe on, some to slide down. This is an old dam, formerly used by a textile mill, now used by the power company to generate electricity. The flow level is sometimes low, when the power company diverts more water into their turbines. The approach to this place is pretty obscure and via a muddy road at times, but it is now a park so maybe easier to find. SNAKE ALERT. |
AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | None at site |
BATHING SUITS | Customary; lots of people around |
DIRECTIONS | From Winston-Salem, take I-40 southwest to RT 601 southeast to RT 801 southwest to the town of Cooleemee. (This is now an established park and I think there is an easier entrance than described here - ask locally) At Cooleemee, continue south on RT 801, cross the bridge over the South Yadkin River, then take the first right on Needmore Rd.. Take the next right (at the church) onto Erwin Temple Church Rd.. This is a gravel road and passes several mobile homes. Go right on Soules Ln. and park near the power distribution facility. Walk down to the river. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 5/02 |
DATE UPDATED | 10/9/2005 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, BREVARD, CASHIERS, HIGHLANDS, FRANKLIN
| STATE | NC |
WATER | Varies, see below |
TYPE | Varies, see below |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming holes at waterfalls in the general Cashiers area. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
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AREAS | Unknown |
SANCTION | Unknown |
FEE | unknown |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Sliding |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Nearest known camping is near Brevard in Pisgah N.F.,
several camping areas there, Davidson River is nicest. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Brevard, go about 28 mi southwest on RT 64 to Cashiers. Then: |
SILVER RUN FALLS [SILV]: A 40 foot falls pours into a pool of cold water, local swimming place- sandy beach and pretty pool. To get here: Continue on RT 107 south, (past the turnoff for Cashiers Sliding Rock) just under 4 miles from RT 64, park at a graveled pull-off on the left with guardrails and a utility pole. There is a trail marker just behind the guardrail. Take this short trail to the falls. Very confident. Verified 10/02. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.06611, lon= -83.06562 (source: measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. ELLICOTT ROCK [ELLI]: Swim in creek on way to historic survey marker (Ellicott Rock) that was supposed to mark the junction of SC, NC amd GA but was in a bit in error and is now in NC. To get here: Continue on RT 107 south for a total of 6.9 miles from RT 64 and turn right (west) onto Bull Pen Rd.(RT 1100) into the Ellicott Rock Wilderness area. Approximately at the bridge where this road crosses Fowler Creek, park at the trailhead for Trail # 431 (Bad Creek Trail). One can swim in the creek (Fowler Creek, I think) somewhere along in here, either at the bridge or along the trail to Ellicott Rock. The hike is about 3.5 miles each way. To get to the trail and the rock: The trail begins going upgrade on an old logging road then over a ridge and becomes a footpath going down steeply to a gorge and river (Chatooga River I think). (It is a tough climb back up this trail!) (DO NOT FALL IN THE RIVER ON THIS STEEP DOWNGRADE, APPARENTLY MANY HAVE.) Pretty confident. Partially verified 10/02 (found Bull Pen Rd, did not go further.) .(There is a geocache here; see THE GEOCACHING WEB SITE .) Here are the coordinates of the geocache, which is near the rock: LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.002277, lon= -83.109055(source: Geocaching web site) (accuracy: general area for swimming hole) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. UPPER CULLASAJA FALLS[UPPC]: Swimming hole in pool at bottom of Upper Cullasaja Falls in the Cullasaja River, also known as "Quarry Falls". LINK TO PHOTO . There are several other falls in the immediate area - in the Nantahala N.F.. TO get here: From Cashiers, go west on RT 64. At about 6.6 miles past Highlands see a large paved pull out on the south (left) side of road. Walk to the falls. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 1/14/2004. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.11675, lon=-83.27067(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. SCHOOLHOUSE FALLS [SCHO]: This from a vistor:" The huge swimming hole here is great, with a sandy beach and soft sand on the floor of the pool. However, the water is just plain kickass COLD! Some of the coldest water outside the Smokies that I've gone swimming in. Pretty deep, too--probably eight to nine feet deep. Neat thing about that waterfall is that you can walk behind it. The water was so cold, however, that I could only swim in it for about twenty minutes--and this was in the middle of summer. I don't know why it was so cold." PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . To get here from Cashiers, drive east 2 miles on RT 64 to Cedar Creek Road on the left. Drive up Cedar Creek Road 2 miles to its intersection with Breedlove Road. Continue on Breedlove approximately 4 miles to its end and the parking area for Panthertown. LINK TO HIKING INFO . From GORP site: "Hike down from the parking area and continue on a gravel road to an intersection of three roads (approximately one mile from the parking area). For Granny Burrell Falls on Panthertown Creek, go right .2 miles and cross an old wood bridge. The trail for the falls is on the right. For Schoolhouse Falls, take the center trail .9 miles to a small shelter on the Tuckasegee River. Cross the old wood bridge on the right and continue along Greenland Creek. The access trails to Schoolhouse Falls are on either side of a second wood bridge. If the first trail is taken, watch for a narrow trail on the right which goes up Little Green. The trail on top of Little Green is on the rock outcropping. Please avoid walking on the mosses and lichens; they are fragile and take years to grow back. The trail turns into the woods and goes steeply down to another road. Turn right and hike through a pine forest in the valley floor. The spur trail to Granny Burrell Falls will be on the left. The climb out of the valley is steep." LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.16310, lon=-83.00667(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 1/4/2007.
CONFIDENCE | See above |
VERIFIED | Some; see above |
DATE UPDATED | 1/5/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, HENDERSONVILLE, CHIMNEY ROCK |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.4344, lon= -82.2508(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | Rocky Broad River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | A local fan says, "The town of Chimney Rock has great swimming holes. The Rocky Broad River flows through the town and offers many beautiful swimming holes, some deep enough to jump into from the surrounding boulders. Lake Lure beach was renovated this year and also offers good swimming, for a fee. At the entrance to Chimney Rock Park, on the main drag, is a public restroom where one can change clothes, but it's also easy to find a hidden spot between the road and the river for this. This being the buckle of the Bible Belt, I'd suggest wearing a swim suit or cutoffs."
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AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None, except at Lake Lure |
FACILITIES |
Toilets |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Not at site. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Asheville take I-40 to I-26 going toward Hendersonville. Get off at RT 64 east, toward Bat Cave. Follow 64 East about 6 miles (through Bat Cave) to a stop sign in Chimney Rock. It is also called Hickory Nut Gorge area. You can see the big chimney shaped rock on the right. Turn right and all the facilities and the swimming places are in town in the Rocky Broad River. There is a campground just beside the river. | Lake Lure is about 2 miles on the left. Chimney Rock Park has a lot of hiking trails too. It costs about $12 to get into the park but if you are going to stay all day it is worth it. Lake Lure has a nice sandy beach since they redid it with dressing rooms and even paddleboats and a riverboat ride. (See also "GREEN RIVER AREA" swimming hole nearby)
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 10/10/2005 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, BRYSON CITY |
STATE | NC |
WATER | Deep Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Beautiful mountain creek with cool (cold?) crystal clear mountain
water perfect for tubing and swimming. | DEEP CREEK[DEEC]: At the end of the group campground, there is a deep place in Deep Creek under the bridge for swimming. Also, if you walk up the creek from here, there is swimming at the foot of Tom's Branch Falls on the left just after you cross the second bridge over the creek. Also there appears to be swimming further up where Indian Creek comes into Deep Creek. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.46911, lon= -83.42944(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Tubing begins at the junction of Indian Creek and Deep Creek. The upper section is steep, with a number of drops which are challenging and exciting for tubers (though probably not safe for very small children). A great family recreational outing. Companies rent tubes (around $4-5) on the road in. Rent one with a seat - it's worth the extra $1 or so! INDIAN CREEK FALLS[INDI]: INDIAN CREEK FALLS: From the merge of Deep Creek and Indian Creek, walk up Indian Creek to Indian Creek Falls where there is a large inviting pool at the bottom. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.4722, lon=-83.4258(source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
AREAS | Great Smoky Mountains Nat'l Park |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
Toilet,
Picnic_tables |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming,
Tubing |
PHONE | unknown |
CAMPING | At the site is Deep Creek campsite in Great Smoky Mtn. N. P., operated
by park service. Also, numerous commercial campgrounds in the immediate
vicinity. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, take RT 441 southeast then RT 19 southwest to Bryson City. Follow signs in Bryson City to Deep Creek. |
CONFIDENCE | Very Confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 1/3/2001 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, JOHNSON CITY (TN), BOONE, ELK PARK,
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LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=36.19897, lon= -81.96928(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | Elk River |
TYPE | Waterfall |
DESCRIPTION | Thunderous 75' falls, rhododendron grove, swim in huge,
deep pool at bottom. (Also be known as Big Falls) Water somehat murky at times. Easy entrance to pool over rocks.
Don't attempt to jump off falls, several have died jumping here. |
AREAS | Pisgah N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
Picnic Tables |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Several camping places nearby; Julian Price area in the
Blue Ridge Parkway N.P., Boone Fork area in the Pisgah N.F. near
the town of Lenior, several campgrounds in the W. Scott Reservior
Corps of Engineers area. Also some camping in Cherokee N.F., north on Rt
19E. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From the Blue Ridge Parkway at Linville Falls, milepost (approx) 315, take RT 221 to the north. At the junction with RT 194, go left (northwest) through Newland to RT 19E then a short distance northwest on 19E to town of Elk Park (just before the TN border). From Elk Park, turn right off 19E then immediately left onto Old Mill Rd., the main street in town. Go about .4 mi on Old Mill Rd. then right on Elk River Road for 4.1 mi (last 1.8 mi is gravel) to the N.F. picnic area at the end of this road. Short path (marked) leads to falls.
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | yes |
DATE UPDATED | 6/30/1999 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, BOONE, JEFFERSON, GLENDALE SPRINGS |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=36.36647, lon= -81.43188(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | South Fork New River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming place in the South FOrk New River near Elk Shoals United Methodist Camp. They say you can swim here without attending camp. | I received this e mail from the camp management in 2001, "There is no fee for the use of the beach area, we just ask that you help us keep it CLEAN for the next group. The beach is located on a gravel road, as soon as you reach the paved road, you are technically in the "private part of the campground". The "locals" use the beach area and do not camp in the campground. We are considering parking permits to help fund the "portajohn"and security lights, but that is not in place yet." LINK TO ELK SHOALS CAMP WEB PAGE
AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | At site for camp attendees. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Boone, take RT 421/221 heading east (towards North Wilkesboro).
Turn left onto RT 221 (near Deep Gap) and go 12.3 miles then turn right onto RT 163 (near West Jefferson)and go 2.7 miles then turn left onto Boggs Road (SR 1159), and go 1.5 miles to the Camp Elk Shoals (Christian camp) sign near the low-water bridge. The swimming place is near here in the South Fork New River. |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 2/15/2002 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | DURHAM, CHAPEL HILL, HILLSBOROUGH |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=36.0536, lon= -78.9510(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | Eno River and others |
TYPE | River/Quarry |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming places north and west of Durham in the vicinity of the Eno River. For details, see "DIRECTIONS" below. |
AREAS | Varies - see below |
SANCTION | Unknown |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unkonwn |
DIRECTIONS | Directions are from I-85 in Durham: | SENNET HOLE [SENN]: From I-85 Exit 176, go north on Duke St. (RT 501) about 4 miles to West Point On the Eno Park. LINK TO PARK MAP . Turn left to enter park. The trail (Buffalo Trail) starts on the back side of the loop road near the second picnic shelter. You can pull off and park on the side of the road near the trail head. Trail is maybe not marked by name. Park and walk to the end of the Buffalo trail to Sennet Hole. It's about .5 to .75 mile hike to the end of the trail. (There is also a picnic area and family wading spot just upstream at the Grist Mill and Blacksmith shop.) Here is a report as of summer, 2005:"Incredible place to swim. It is secluded, plenty deep, and large. There have been deaths there, though. Snakes and rocks too" PHOTO . CAUTION! There was a drowning here in April 2005, circumstances unknown, DO NOT SWIM HERE IF CONDITIONS APPEAR UNSAFE FOR YOUR SKILL LEVEL! LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=36.07161, lon=-78.90875(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 10/10/2005.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 6/9/2006 | |
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TOWNS | CASHIERS, HAYESVILLE, MURPHY, FIRES CREEK
|
STATE | NC |
WATER | Fires Creek |
TYPE | Creek/Falls. |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming places near the town of Fires Creek in the far southwestern corner of NC. For details, see "DIRECTIONS" below.
|
AREAS | Nantahala N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Picnic Tables (at Leatherwood Falls) |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Hayesville (about 70 mi west of Cashiers on RT 64) go west on
RT 64 about 5 miles then turn north (right) on RT 1302 (Fires Creek Rd.) and go about 3.5 miles to the town of Fires Creek. Then: | LEATHERWOOD FALLS [LEAT]: Swimming hole in creek at bottom of falls. The 25-foot falls is visible from the picnic area or along a barrier-free, paved trail alongside the creek. The ice-cold water of Fires Creek provides an invigorating swim for hearty souls, particularly under the bridge where it is 6 or 7 feet deep. To get here: From RT 1302 at Fires Creek, turn left (north) on RT 1344. It will turn into FR 340, continue to the Leatherwood Falls parking area. Swimming hole is in creek near bottom of falls. DO NOT CLIMB UP THE FALLS OR JUMP FROM BRIDGE. Very confident. Not verified. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.09639, lon= -83.85944 (source: Topozone ) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP FIRES CREEK [FIRC]: There are also said to be swimming places in Fires Creek just south of the town of Fires Creek. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.07559, lon= -83.86396(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Uncertain. Not verified.
CONFIDENCE | Varies, see above |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 2/13/2002 | |
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TOWNS | ROCKY MOUNT, GREENVILLE, WASHINGTON
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.46189, lon=-76.91036(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | Pamlico River |
TYPE | River Beach |
DESCRIPTION | Sandy beach on tidal river. Very slightly brackish water. |
AREAS | Goose Creek S.P. |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
Toilets, Picnic Tables |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | (919)923-2191 |
CAMPING | At site. Has picnic tables and composting toilets, but otherwise primitive. Nice place to camp - can walk to scenic spot on Goose Creek but not to swimming beach on Pamlico River. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Rocky Mount, east on RT 64 to Williamston, then RT 17 south to Washington, then east on RT 264 for 8 miles to Goose Creek State Park.
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 1/05 |
DATE UPDATED | 1/10/2005 | |
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, HENDERSONVILLE
SC | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.27206, lon=-82.30917(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | Green River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming holes in the Green River south of Asheville - lots of kayaking and tubing here also. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
AREAS | Pisgah N.F., NC Wildlife Boating/Fishing Area |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Tubing, Kayaking, etc |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Not at sites; nearby there is camping near the end of the Green River.
|
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Asheville, go south on I-26, then. | PULLIAM CREEK [PULL]: Swimming holes on the Green River Game Lands - a joint project between the Environmental and Conservation Organization (ECO) and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. To get here, continue on I-26 south to Exit 53, Hendersonville, at Upward Road. Go east on Upward Rd. about 1.5 miles and turn right on Big Hungry Rd.. Go 2.2 miles on Big Hungry (follow signs carefully to stay on Big Hungry Rd) and you will come to a dam. There is a swimming place here at the bottom of the dam PHOTO . If you continue on Big Hungry another 2.0 miles from the dam, you will see on the right a pull-out for the trailhead for Pulliam Creek Trail (signed). Park and walk across log foot bridge and down this continuously descending trail along Pulliam Creek. Somewhere between 1.25 miles and 2.0 miles from the trailhead (uncertain) there is a spur trail that descends very steeply to "The Narrows" on the Green River. CAUTIONThis spur trail is steep and can be slippery - be very careful. The narrows may be dangerous also. When you get to the bottom of the spur trail, work your way upstream along the Green river about 0.1 miles to a very large, deep swimming hole. (no photo). LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.2786, lon= -82.3419(source: Topozone-p) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Uncertain. Partially verified. Updated 8/28/2007. FISHTOP [FISH]: Continue on I-26 south to Exit 59, Saluda. Go north on Holbert Cove Rd (away from Saluda) a short distance then turn left onto Green River Cove Rd (SR 1151). Follow this steep, curvy (paved) road about 2.3 miles to the bottom and park at the large parking area on the left for the boat launch. There is a sign here that says no camping, no picnicing and no swimming, but there are often people here tubing, kayaking, picnicing and generally enjoying the water. The first area, right at the boat launch PHOTO , is huge and deep but may be noisy and crowded with folks. If you walk up stream on the obvious trail for about 10 minutes, you will come to Fishtop Falls, another attractive area PHOTO , PHOTO that may be quieter and more private. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.26639, lon= -82.32778 (source: measured) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/07. Updated 8/28/2007.
CONFIDENCE | Varies-see above |
VERIFIED | Varies-see above |
DATE UPDATED | 8/38/2007 | |
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, BREVARD, HENDERSONVILLE, PENROSE | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.20206, lon=-82.62401(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP STATE | NC |
WATER | Little River |
TYPE | Falls |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming hole in pool at bottom of falls. It's a smaller waterfall, but many visitors enjoy the huge swimming hole at the base of it.
|
AREAS | DuPont State Forest |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | None at site |
BATHING SUITS | Customary; lots of people around | DIRECTIONS | From Hendersonville, take RT 64 west about 14 miles then turn south (left) on Crab Creek Rd. in Penrose. Follow Crab Creek Rd. about 5 miles then turn south (right) on DuPont Rd.. Ascend and descend; after 3.1 miles, find the Hooker Falls parking lot on the right just before the Little River bridge. (There are three falls that you can hike to near here: High Falls, Triple Falls and Hooker Falls. The only one that I know for sure has a swimming hole is Hooker Falls.) Walk around the gate in the parking lot and along the dirt road, bearing left at the fork and continuing parallel to the river. In a few minutes you will approach the top of Hooker Falls. Continue straight on the path to good viewing location at the pool below. (No details on how to get down to the pool/swimming hole.) |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 1/14/2004 | |
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TOWNS | MORGANTON, MARION, NEBO |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.7397, lon= -81.8874(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | Lake James (6500 acres) |
TYPE | Lake |
DESCRIPTION | About 0.5 mi shoreline swimming area, water up to 25
ft. deep, summertime water temp 68 degrees/air temp mid 80's, short hiking trails, small camping
area, boating in Lake (lake has 150 mi shoreline). |
AREAS | Lake James S.P. |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
Toilet,
Changing room,
Picnic tables, |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming,
Boating |
PHONE | (704)652-5047 |
CAMPING | Camping area across the lake from swimming area. (no
hook-ups) phone# (704)652-5047 |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Morganton - travel west on I-40 to Exit 90(to
Nebo). Follow signs to Lake James. (appx. 7 miles from Exit) |
CONFIDENCE | Highly confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 6/30/1999 | |
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, BOONE, MORGANTON, MARION
|
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.9138, lon= -81.8594 (source: Topozone ) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | Linville River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Popular falls (Linville Falls) with numerous swimming places in
gorge below. Swimming is not permitted at Linville Falls itself. |
AREAS | Blue Ridge Parkway |
SANCTION | Swimming not permitted right at Linville
Falls. |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
Toilets,
Picnic tables |
ACTIVITIES |
None |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | At Linville Falls, Blue Ridge Parkway N. P. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | General orientation: RT 181 runs generally south from the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) near Linville Falls, at about milepost 315, to Morganton. RT 181 doesn't actually have an intersection with the BRP, you have to go briefly south RT 221 then left on RT 183 then right on RT 181. The Linville Gorge Area is generally to the west of RT 181; the Wilson Creek Area is generally to the east of RT 181. There are, however, often better ways to get into these areas than just off RT 181. The directions here offer the best apparent way, and sometimes an alternate. | y at Linville Falls, milepost (approx) 315, take RT 221 to the south, then turn left (north)on RT 183. Then proceed as below: Access to Eastern Section of Gorge: From RT 183, turn right (south) on RT 181 and go 3 miles to FR 210 (Gingercake Road). Turn right onto FR 210. At the first fork, turn left and continue through the Gingercake Acres housing development. 1) The first parking area is for the Devils Hole Trail - approximately 2 miles fom Gingercake Acres. 2) The second parking area is for Hawksbill (parking area on left and trail on right) - a mile from Devils Hole. 3) The third parking area is for Spence Ridge Trail and North Table Rock Trail - 1 mile from Hawksbill. Continue 1 mile to the first intersection and turn right (you will pass the Outward Bound School sign). Stay on this road, bearing to the right, through several switchbacks and you will arrive at Table Rock Picnic Area. Access to Western Section of Gorge: From RT 183, turn right (south) onto RT 1238, Kistler Memorial Highway (NC 105 or old NC 105). (NOTE: Kistler Highway is a gravel surface road and very rough in places. It is not recommended for 2-wheel drive vehicles.) Trailheads and parking lots, accessing the western section of the Gorge, lead off of Kistler Memorial Highway. One such trail beginning on this road that is said to lead to a section of the Linville River that has lots of swimming holes is Conley Cove Trail. You can hike down Conley Cove trail to the Linville River and back up. Alternately, hike downstream on the Linville Gorge Trail then back to Kistler Hwy on the Pinch In Trail (assuming you have two cars and can leave one at the top of the Pinch In Trail.) (The other end of Kistler Memorial Highway can be reached from Marion, NC. From Marion take RT 70 east to Nebo. At Nebo, take N.C. 126 across Lake James and continue 8 miles until turning left on RT 1238,(old NC 105) Kistler Memorial Highway.)
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | no |
DATE UPDATED | 1/01/2001 | |
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, BREVARD
|
STATE | NC |
WATER | Unknown |
TYPE | Waterfalls, Pools |
DESCRIPTION | There are several waterfalls with swimming places near the Looking Glass Rock overlook parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway at about milepost 417. See directions below for details. |
AREAS | Blue Ridge Parkway-Pisgah N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Nearest known camping is near Brevard in Pisgah N.F.. There are
several camping areas there - Davidson River is nicest. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary in Skinny Dip(in spite of the name) and Graveyard, Courthouse is very remote probably optional. |
DIRECTIONS | Heading south on the Blue Ridge Parkway, beginning at Looking Glass Rock overlook at milepost 417, directions are: |
FLAT LAUREL CREEK [FLAT]: Just past mile marker 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, drive down into the Black Balsam parking lot. Take the trail that starts at the extreme left of the parking lot and hike about 25 minutes. From there on down, you'll find any number of private swimming holes (this is Flat Laurel Creek, a tributary of the Pigeon River's West Fork). LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.32250, lon= -82.89186(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/3/2007. COURTHOUSE FALLS [COUR]: (NOTE: As of 6/2006, I had notice that RT 140 is closed and it is now a 3 mile longer hike to get to the falls.) A very remote and beautiful falls accessed by a nice, easy hike. Water froths and mists in large pool near falls. Not quite as good for swimming as Skinny Dip and Graveyard but spectacular. From the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost (approx) 423, turn east on RT 215. Go steeply downhill and, in about 6.5 miles, turn north (left) on FR 140 (gravel). Go up FR 140 (past an apparent sliding rock in creek at 1.7 miles at small parking place on left) for about 3 miles total (becomes winding and steep) to a bridge over Courthouse Creek with a parking area on the other side of the bridge Park here - the trailhead for Summey Cove Trail is at this parking place. Hike up this trail and in less than 10 minutes you will hear the falls on your left. Continue just a little ways past the sound and then, on the left side of the trail, is a small path going sharply downward marked by a vertical marker that says Courthouse Falls. The falls and swimming place are a short distance down this trail. Very confident. Verified 4/01. . LINK TO PHOTO BY WATERFALL WALKS. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.27139, lon= -82.89417(source: Topozone) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 4/01 |
DATE UPDATED | 6/9/2006 | |
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, MARION, CELO, BURNSVILLE |
STATE | NC |
WATER | South Toe River (Estatoe River) |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Nice family swimming places right by N. F.
campgrounds in the South Toe River (cold) in the Pisgah N. F.. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
|
AREAS | Pisgah N.F. |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes |
FACILITIES |
Toilets,
Changing Room,
Picnic Tables |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming,
Jumping,
Tubing |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping at sites |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost (approx) 345, follow RT 80 north, then: | SOUTH TOE POOL [SOUP]: This from a visitor:"There is a great swimming hole in the Toe River (Estatoe River, called the Toe River) right at the back of the Black Mountain Campground (National Forest) at the camping loop beside the river. There is an old footbridge above the pool that has become a kind of waterfall that is great for jumping into the pool (which is quite deep enough for jumping). You can also walk to the swimming hole from the Forest Service Road which leads to the campground." PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 . To get here from RT 80 at the Blue Ridge Pkwy, go about 2 miles north on RT 80 to South Toe River. Signs will direct you to the Black Mountain Campground along Forest Service Road 472 (also called "South Toe River Rd., 3 miles of gravel road). LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.7516, lon= -82.2206(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 3/2008 CAROLINA HEMLOCK [CARO]: Very outstanding swimming and tubing place right by the Carolina Hemlock N. F. campground. Rocks to jump from, also a large concrete platform for sunbathing and jumping. River very deep in places. Cool water. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 , PHOTO 4. Restroom/changing facilities somewhat decrepit. Here is some additional info on Carolina Hemlock: The river is called the South Toe and comes directly off of Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. The water is extremely cold(52 degrees in July) but very clear and clean. The swimming area has a deep spot that is fourteen feet to the bottom and is clear enough to see to the bottom. The campground runs along the river for 1/2 mile with great tubing from giant rocks at the put in point to the highway bridge where you get out and walk back up paths that go beside river. No lifeguard on regular duty, but on occasion during weekend. Nominal fee, no tube rentals. This is part of the pisgah national forest. There is a changing area but no showers or concessions. The river is pretty safe with a number of exciting rapids and drops for tubes. To get here from RT 80 at the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow RT 80 north about 5.5 miles (past turn off to South Toe Pool, above) to Carolina Hemlock campground. Swimming place is at the campground. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.80450, lon= -82.20436(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/02. Updated 3/2008.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | yes |
DATE UPDATED | 1/3/2001 | |
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TOWNS | BRYSON CITY, FRANKLIN, ROBBINSVILLE, ANDREWS |
STATE | NC |
WATER | Nantahala River and Tributaries |
TYPE | Varies (see below) |
DESCRIPTION | There are a number of swimming places, several are nude or suits optional, in the vicinity of the Nantahala River and Gorge. For details, see "DIRECTIONS" below. |
AREAS | Nantahala National Forest |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Optional |
DIRECTIONS | From Bryson City, take RT 19/74 southwest, then: | ALMOND FINGER LAKE [ALMO]: Swimming place in lake. Swimsuits are customary here although on the far side it's optional. PHOTO. Here is a note from a vistor:"This is a beautiful place to swim/paddle. As far as facilities are concerned, there is a single pit toilet in the parking area and a gravel parking lot big enough to hold 12-20 cars. There are no trash cans, so picnickers should be prepared to carry out whatever they bring in. Because Fontana Lake (of which Finger Lake is a tributary of) is a man-made lake, there are no sand beaches surrounding the lake, but there is a gravel peninsula shaded by evergreens that makes for easy access; however, don't plan on bringing the family and picnic blankets because there isn't all that much room and what there is, is rocky and sloping. There is little privacy at the access point as the highway borders it, so skinny dipping during the day may be out, although I am confident that a walk along the lake's shoreline will lead to more secluded areas. One thing to note: because this is a man-made lake, it is EXTREMELY deep and not very graded, meaning that the bottom pretty much drops out on you 10 or so feet from the shore. Poor swimmers and small children should probably wear some sort of flotation device." To get there: from Bryson City head southwest on RT 19/74 til you come to RT 28 north in Robbinsville. Turn here and as you join RT 28 north you will see the lake on the left. (It's much easier to spot after you've passed it, crossed over the lake, and turned around.) There is a parking area here. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.36606, lon=-83.55533(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate): LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 1/2/2007. QUEENS LAKE [QUEE]: Remote and secluded lake situated in the Nantahala Gorge area. To get there: Follow RT 19/74 through the Nantahala Gorge from Bryson City. At the end of the Gorge theres a campground called Rocky Waters on the left,just past there also on the left is a road called Windingstairs road. Take this road to the top and you will see Queens Lake on the right. This place is so remote that it can be regarded as swimsuit optional area. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.27747, lon=-83.65656(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate): LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 1/2/2007.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 2/15/2002 | |
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TOWNS | KINSTON, NEW BERN, CROATAN
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=34.9843, lon=-76.9488(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | Neuse River |
TYPE | River Beach |
DESCRIPTION | Sandy, picturesque beach on tidal river, brackish (somewhat salty) water. Also known as "Flanner Beach". |
AREAS | Croatan N. F., Neuse River Rec. Area |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | None for day use |
FACILITIES |
Toilets, Picnic Tables |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | (252)638-5628 (campground) |
CAMPING | Very nicely developed N.F. camping at site, in Neuse River Rec Area, Croatan N.F.. Warm showers, handicapped sites, tents and RV's. Can walk from campground to beach.
|
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Smithfield on I-95, go east on RT 70 through Kinston (in Eastern, coastal, NC) to New Bern (nice little town, stop for lunch). Continue another 11 miles on RT 70 to signs for the Neuse River Rec Area. Turn left and follow park road to the end into the day use area. The beach on the river is down a flight of steps set into the steep bank. | This note from a local user: "The beach is wonderfully clean with white sand and even a shell or two to be found! The Neuse river at this point is brackish as its mouth is just a few miles downstream where it empties into the Atlantic. There have been problems in recent years with fish kills and parasites in the water, but the Forest Service is very good about posting warnings if this is a problem."
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 1/05 |
DATE UPDATED | 1/3/2007 | |
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TOWNS | DURHAM, CHAPEL HILL | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.98941, lon=-79.01677 (source: Measured) (accuracy: exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | New Hope Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming spots along this creek - some rocks to sun on. Best when the water level is high - in the spring or after rain. |
AREAS | Duke Forest (Duke Forestry School) |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Sunning |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | No camping at site |
BATHING SUITS | Customary at some places, optional others |
DIRECTIONS | From I-40 in southwest Durham, take Exit 266 to RT 86 north. Go a very short way on RT 86 and turn east (right) on Whitfield Rd. Go 3 miles on Whitfield Rd. to the SECOND parking pull-out area on the left. Do not park where there are "no parking" signs; cars have been ticketed and/or towed when parked illegally. | There is a broad trail here that leads into the forest. Keep to the left for the shortest route to New Hope Creek; after about 0.6 mile you will come to a vehicle turnaround area at the end of the trail. At the far end of the turnaround there is a marked trailhead leading to the creek; follow that (keep right at fork) to the bottom and the creek. Stay on the marked trail - the trail is steep and climbing down the face of the cliff can be very hazardous. At the foot of the trail turn right and after about 0.1 mile you will see a large rocky outcropping on the opposite side of the creek. There is a small swimming area just downstream from this point, and the rocks make a good place to dry off in the sun. Many other swimming spots can be found both upstream and downstream from here. You can also get to the downstream sites by keeping to the right on the trail from the parking area; this trail is not nearly as steep as the first one but is much longer to get to any of the swimming holes.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 7/07 |
DATE UPDATED | 7/24/2007 | |
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, HENDERSONVILLE | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.40856, lon=-82.64864(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | North Fork Mills River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Nice but shallow - family water play and tubing place right by N. F. campground. Very cool water. The river is pretty safe with a small rapids and drops for tubes. |
AREAS | Pisgah N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Yes |
FACILITIES |
Toilets, Picnic Tables |
ACTIVITIES |
Water play, Tubing |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping at site in North Mills River Campground, Pisgah
N.F. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Hendersonville (south of Asheville) follow RT 191 northwest to where it meets RT 280 in town of Mills River. Go north (right turn) on RT 280/191 a short distance then turn west (left) on Mills River Rd. (See signs for North Mills River Rec. Area) Continue on this road until you come to the campground (right on the road). Park in the day use area (pay fee). The river and swimming places are right across the road from the campground. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 9/2005 |
DATE UPDATED | 10/13/2005 | |
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, HOT SPRINGS |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.86139, lon= -82.84361(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | Spring Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Play in water in creek, shallow at times. |
AREAS | Pisgah N.F. |
SANCTION | Unknown |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Toilets , Picnic Tables (at campground) |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming,
Sliding |
PHONE | (828)622-3203 (Ranger District) |
CAMPING | At site is Rocky Bluff Campground in Pisgah N.F..
|
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Asheville, go about 35 mi northwest on routes
I-26/251/213/25 to town of Hot Springs N.C.. From Hot Springs, go about 3 mi south on Rt 209 to
Rocky Bluff Campground. It is a short walk in the woods to a rushing stream (Spring Creek)
where one can slide in the rapids. |
CONFIDENCE | Very Confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 6/30/1999 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, BREVARD, SAPPHIRE |
STATE | NC |
WATER | Horsepature River |
TYPE | Waterfall |
DESCRIPTION | There are several falls with swimming within walking range on the Horsepasture River here. See "DESCRIPTION" below for details.
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AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming,
Jumping,
Sliding |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Nearest known camping is near Brevard in Pisgah N.F.,
several camping areas there, Davidson River River is nicest. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Brevard, go about 18 mi southwest on RT 64, turn south on
RT 281, go less than 1 mile to park at "Gorges State Park" on the left. (Do not park along the road). Walk back to the road and turn left and walk to where there is a gate. Walk past the gate and down to the river. A trail downstream along the river leads to all these falls: | DRIFT FALLS (AKA: BUST YOUR BUTT FALLS) [DRIF]: This falls is now under new ownership and closed to the public. It is a high, sloping waterfall on fairly smooth rock falling into major pool below. Hardy souls used to slide down falls and plunge into pool below, not very safe or comfortable. Also used to swim in pool below. Very confident. Verified. NOTE: We received this email in 9/2006 "Already listed as Private Property, Drift Falls is being actively patrolled by owner. Persons found there by guards hired by owner are turned over to sheriff deputy, given a citation, and required to appear in court. No paying fine/court costs through mail. Owner is serious (probably due to litigation - "attractive nuisance") and is filling the legal system with trespassing cases. Best advice - stay away." TURTLEBACK FALLS [TURT]: Walk downriver from Drift. Turtleback is still open for swimming. You can also slide off of Turtleback falls into the pool below. Can be crowded on weekends. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.0925, lon= -82.9664(source: Topozone-p) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified. LINK TO PHOTO BY CAROLINA FALLS RAINBOW FALLS [RAIN]: Continue downstream a short way to Rainbow Falls. USE GOOD JUDGMENT HERE - FLOW MAY BE TOO HIGH TO SWIM SAFELY. Pool is at the bottom of the falls, rocks to sun on, etc. It's a fairly big pool, at least 8 feet deep. It's a little less crowded than Turtleback, though both can be crowded on the weekends. To get to Rainbow, you just follow the river downstream--the trail is not right next to the river, but is maybe 50 feet from the edge of the river running parallel to the river. Very easy to see. Very confident. Verified by another, 6/02. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.09056, lon= -82.96611(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: exact) , LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. HOLLOW FALLS [HOLL]: About .25 mile below Rainbow Falls is a small waterfall named "Hollow Falls". There is a broad, deep pool with a big smooth rock on the east side for sunning and diving into the pool. PHOTO . By swimming upstream, you can reach a rock ledge below Hollow Falls, and from that point (exercise care! slippery surface) you can make your way to the waterfall itself. It is an easy matter to slip behind it, where there is ample room for a couple of people to sit behind the fall and look through the sheer fall of water in front of you. Bathing suits optional. There are other falls further downriver, and lots of sunning and swimming and sliding areas. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.08893, lon= -82.96214(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 10/29/2004.
CONFIDENCE | See above |
VERIFIED | Some, see above |
DATE UPDATED | 10/29/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, BREVARD |
STATE | NC |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | Along RT 276 in the Pisgah N.F., between the Blue Ridge Parkway and RT 64 near Brevard there are many swimming holes. See directions below for details. |
AREAS | Pisgah N.F. |
SANCTION | Sliding Rock is official, others are not. |
FEE | Yes for Sliding Rock, no for others. |
FACILITIES |
See below |
ACTIVITIES |
Swim, slide, jump, tube |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | At Davidson River Campground. Gets crowded. |
BATHING SUITS | Required at Sliding Rock, others customary. |
DIRECTIONS | From Asheville, take I-26 south then (at Hendersonville) take RT 64 west to Brevard. When entering Brevard area, take RT 276 north (right turn) into the Pisgah N.F.. Then: |
There may be a better swimming hole behind the Coontree picnic area if you cross the river on an obvious trail and go onto a small island. On the other side of the island, there is said to be a swimming hole below a cliff - which is used for jumping into the pool. Uncertain. Not verified. Updated 3/24/2008. FOREST ROAD 475: These next 3 swimming holes are not right on RT 276 but, past (west of) Coontree, you go south (left) on the road signed "Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education" (set odometer here) (this is FR 475, "Government Road", but it is not signed as such.) Go up this road, along the Davidson River, past the fish hatchery at 1.4 miles (becomes gravel here), keep left at the fork, then: WHALEBACK [WHAL]: Wonderful deep, clear swimming hole surrounded by massive rocks in the Davidson River at the bottom of a cascade falls. PHOTO . To get here, continue on the above road (FR 475) to where you see on the right a sign for the "Group Camp - Cove Creek" (about 3.1 miles from RT 276) and park in a large pull out on the left. From this parking area, walk down a short path to the Davidson River. Whaleback is right here. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.28194, lon= -82.8167 (source: measured ) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/07. Updated 8/25/2007. COVE CREEK TUBS [COVE]: Smooth tubs carved out of rock in a cascade on Cove Creek. PHOTO . To get here from the parking area above, walk across FR 475 to the sign for the Cove Creek Group Area and walk up this road along Cove Creek (a trib to the Davidson River) for about .25 miles. Here you will see and hear the tubs cascades on your left. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.2858, lon= -82.8172 (source: measured ) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/07. Updated 8/25/2007. DANIEL RIDGE [DANI]: Swimming holes in Tom's Spring on the trail to Daniel Ridge Falls. To get here, continue on FR 475 to about 4 miles from RT 276 and park at the (signed) trailhead for Daniel Ridge Trail. There is a small path that leaves the parking area to the right, toward the creek. Here there is a camping place and small swimming hole PHOTO . There may also be a swimming place downstream from here a short way; actually under the bridge that the road went over. Going up the Daniel Ridge Trail itself, in a short distance it crosses the creek on a bridge, where there is a very nice swimming place PHOTO . It is said that there are swimming places further along this trail (keep left at all forks) PHOTO ., not all verified. If you keep going about 4 miles, you will come to Daniel Ridge Falls but it is said there is no place to swim there. Very confident. Partially verified 10/02 (places near the parking area verified, further up trail not verified.) LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.28594, lon= -82.82876 (source: measured ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP ROUTE 276: The following are back on RT 276:
BIG EAST FORK [BIGE]: Continue west on RT 276 past the Blue Ridge Parkway, (towards Cruso, Waynesville, and Canton) through a bunch of curves, at just under 3 miles from the Parkway (approx) you will come to a really serious (180 degree) right hand curve (about 20 minutes BEFORE you get to Cruso). Watch here for the Big East Fork trail sign on the left. Take the trail on the left side of the creek, an easy 15-minute hike till you see a small waterfall and swimming hole on the right. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.36131, lon=-82.81444(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty certain. Not verified. Updated 1/3/2007.
CONFIDENCE | See above |
VERIFIED | Mostly, see above |
DATE UPDATED | 8/25/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ASHEVILLE, HICKORY, MORGANTON |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=35.59442, lon= -81.64242(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NC |
WATER | Jacob Fork |
TYPE | Falls |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming holes at the bottom of High Shoals Falls in a very large state park/state game area. A fan says "16,000 acres with no developement and completely roadless. Two great swimming holes that I know of, and many that I haven't yet found. This watershed (Jacob Fork Watershed) is supposedly the cleanest in NC, and perhaps the cleanest on the east coast." Sounds great! DO NOT CLIMB ALONGSIDE OR ABOVE THE FALLS, THERE HAVE BEEN FALLING DEATHS HERE. | PHOTOS: Main falls Pool above main falls MAY BE DANGEROUS TO SWIM HERE Pool below main falls Upper falls WEB SITES: N.C. STATE PARKS SITE. WILDERNET.
AREAS | South Mountains S. P. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Pit toilets, picnic tables (at picnic area and campground) |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Some car-accessible, primitive (tables, pit toilets) camping sites. Fee. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From I-40 Exit 105 at Morganton go south on RT 18, travel nine miles and make a right turn onto SR 1913 (Sugarloaf Road). Take SR 1913 to Old NC 18 and turn left. Travel 4 miles and make a right turn onto SR 1901 (Ward's Gap Road). Go a short distance and continue onto SR 1904. Park here. Once in the state park, just hike up the Jacob Fork Trail to the base of the falls. It's a real lungbuster of a hike, about 1 mile. The trail is highly maintained with lots of stairs, handrails, and benches, with a boardwalk viewing area at the falls. |
CONFIDENCE | Very Confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/4/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | WINSTON-SALEM, ELKIN, THURMOND, TRAPHILL
| STATE | NC |
WATER | Big Sandy Creek |
TYPE | Falls |
DESCRIPTION | There are several falls that you can swim at in this area. For a map of this area, see MAP SHOWING FALLS . For details, see "DIRECTIONS" below.
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AREAS | Stone Mountain State Natural Area |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, sliding |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | At the site, both car camping and walk-in camping. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Elkin (on I-77 north of Charlotte and Statesville), take RT 21 northwest about 16 miles then go left (west) on Oklahoma Rd.. Continue some distance downhill then go right (north) on John P. Frank Rd. where you will see the sign for Stone Mountain State Natural Area. Enter the park, then: | For Middle and Lower Falls: Drive to the picnic area parking lot (on the left shortly after you enter the park). Go to the far end of this lot and park. Here you will see a sign showing the hiking trails. (You will need to ford creeks a few times, maybe wet fords.) Hike though the picnic area, past all the tables, to a sign marking the trailhead of Stony Mountain trail. Follow this blue blazed trail about .5 miles then turn left at a sign "to falls". Follow this orange blazed trail to the main Stone Mountain Falls (very large falls, NOT a swimming place!). Take the wooden stairs down beside these falls and, just before the bottom of the stairs, take the stairs off to the right. This is the continuation of the orange blazed trail. Keep walking and follow signs to Middle Falls and Lower Falls. You will come to a place where the trail forks, with a sign that shows one way to Middle Falls the other way to Lower Falls. Then: MIDDLE FALLS [MIDD]: Swim in pool at falls in SAndy Creek. To get here: At the fork, go right about .1 miles to Middle Falls, crossing the creek several times. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=36.3816, lon= -81.0395 (source: measured ) (accuracy: exact): LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Verified 10/03. LOWER FALLS [LOWE]: Slide down rocks that form falls in Sandy Creek. To get here: At the fork, go left about .5 miles to Lower Falls, crossing the creek several times. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=36.37936, lon= -81.04042(source: DeLorme ) (accuracy:approximate): LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Verified 10/03. WIDOWS CREEK FALLS [WIDO]: DO not turn off the the picnic area as you enter the park - continue on the main road (see link to map above) to a parking area for the trail up Widows Creek. Walk up this trail about .25 miles to the falls. PHOTO . From a visitor:" The nice thing about this hole at the bottom of the falls is that the water has carved out a relatively small but deep pothole. Probably only about ten to twelve feet across, it's also about six to eight feet deep. I took a really nice dip in there after climbing Stone Mountain. The sides are so steep that you can sit there in the water at the rock just in the foreground of the photo and dangle your legs in the water. If you |
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