Tucked deep inside the forests and gorges of Western North Carolina are hundreds of wild swimming holes and natural water parks. We’ve already brought you five of our favorites, but that was only a small taste of what the Blue Ridge has to offer. Here, we bring you a few more bucket list swimming destinations, only with a twist: four swimmable waterfalls! Imagine slicing through emerald water, the sweet relief of a cold plunge on a humid summer afternoon and the dip of the head beneath the falls. Pure Blue Ridge bliss.
1. Wintergreen Falls
As the name suggests, this swimming hole is sweet, green, and refreshing, hidden away into what feels like a forgotten corner of DuPont State Forest. I have never seen another visitor at these falls, which certainly makes for a unique experience in this super popular wilderness area. A lovely and densely wooded 3.2 mile (round trip) hike will lead you to this 15 foot cascade of water that tumbles over a sloping rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool. At the edge of the pool, the water rushes over another short drop on its way to the Little River.
It is only safe to swim at this pool when the water is at moderate to lower levels; when the waterfall is roaring, the current will be too swift. This is part of the reason that Wintergreen Falls has remained such a well kept secret. When the weather has stayed dry for a few weeks, take a dip, take in the scenery, and enjoy the solitude.
Park at the Guion Farm Trailhead on Sky Valley Road, Dupont National Forest.
2. Paradise Falls
Thomas Shahan
Until you see it with your own eyes, you may have trouble believing that this waterfall exists in North Carolina! This breathtaking swimming hole is located on Wolf Creek, tucked inside a beautiful gorge in the Nantahala National Forest. The waterfall, set back from the swimming hole in a narrow rocky chasm, resembles a slot canyon from the American Southwest. You can even shimmy up a rope to the second tier of rock, where the river is surrounded by sheer canyon walls.
For further adventure, explore the plunge pools and twisting rock of this unusual landscape by venturing downstream. As always, pay close attention to water levels, as tight canyons and heavy rain are not a friendly combination. Be aware that the dam at Wolf Creek Lake, located above Paradise Falls, is released often to keep water levels stable.
Park at the Wolf Creek Lake parking area off of NC 281. The trailhead is a quarter mile from the lot.
3. Hunt Fish Falls
One of the best swimming holes in all of North Carolina lies at the base of Hunt Fish Falls, deep within the stunning Grandfather Ranger District. It is accessible by a 3-mile out and back hike on the Mountains to Sea Trail. Laced with waterfalls and stream crossings, this hike will keep you on your toes as you hop and splash across the slick rocks and deep pools of the tremendous Gragg Prong. Hunt Fish Falls features a double drop into an enormous granite swimming hole of clear, jewel-toned water. It is a cold and refreshing reward after your moderate hike.
From the Wilson Creek Visitor Center at 7805 Brown Mountain Beach Rd., go 3.1 miles North to NC 90 and turn left. Go 1.8 miles and turn left on FS 464 (Pineola Rd.). Go about 3.1 miles uphill and the trailhead for trail #263 is on the right. Park there.
4. Turtleback Falls
In this natural water slide in the Nantahala National Forest, a curtain of water cascades down a smooth, sloping rock face and then plunges in free fall into the pool below. Also known as Umbrella Falls, this watery gem on the Horsepasture River provides a summertime thrill akin to Sliding Rock , but without the throngs of visitors or the long wait in line.
Besides swimming, sliding, and splashing, another reason to visit Turtleback Falls is its proximity to the 150 foot Rainbow Falls, one of the more spectacular sites in the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, this stunning landmark presents a real danger: restrict your swimming to the deep, protected pool beneath the friendly Turtleback Falls, and do not attempt to explore downstream. People have been swept over Rainbow Falls, and the ones that survive do not recommend the experience!
Park at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead parking area in Gorges State Park.
Originally written by RootsRated.
Featured image provided by Teva
