It’s summer time, and that means it’s time to break out the swimsuits and sunscreen and head to the woods for some great natural relaxation. Check out these three undiscovered swimming holes in WNC to beat the crowds AND the heat.
1. Whaleback Falls Swimming Hole
Whaleback Falls is likely the most popular of the secret swimming holes in WNC, likely because it is easily accessible from the road. The 40-foot-long pool sits at the base of a small cascade and offers plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the refreshing mountain waters of the Davidson River headwaters. Located outside Brevard, NC, this secret swimming hole is named for the boulder in the middle that resembles a breaching whale. Surrounded by mountain laurels and thick granite, this is the perfect swimming hole to spend the afternoon relaxing at in WNC.
Trail Information:
Park in the Cove Creek Falls parking area along Forest Road 475 – where the pavement ends – and follow the trail along Cove Creek in the opposite direction of Cove Creek Falls down to the Davidson River. The swimming hole is just below where Cove Creek meets the Davidson. You’ll come to several openings along the river that offer views of the river and access to potential picnic spots.
Directions:
From Asheville, follow I-26 south towards Hendersonville. Take exit 40 towards Asheville Airport, and then follow NC-280 for 15-20 minutes. As you approach Brevard, turn right onto US-276 N. Continue into the Pisgah National Forest along US-276 for 5-10 minutes and turn left onto Forest Road 475 towards the Pisgah Wildlife Education Center and Fish Hatchery. Continue along FR 475 to the end of the pavement, where the parking area for Cove Creek will be on the left.
2. Sunburst Falls Swimming Hole
Sunburst Falls is the most picturesque of the secret swimming holes in WNC, flowing down a steep ravine through a stone bridge into a deep pool before continuing its journey down the mountain. While located in a rugged area along a skinny two-lane mountain road, the waterflow is slow and the pool is deep enough to make this a prime and still undiscovered swimming hole. Located outside Waynesville, NC, this swimming hole requires a bit of a drive up the holler to reach the parking area, which is actually several gravel clearings along the side of the road. While not the easiest to access, the secluded nature of this swimming hole makes the trip worth it.
Trail Information:
The waterfall is right along the road, but does require a possible walk along the shoulder to reach the bridge from your car. Once at the bridge, it is only a matter of scrambling down the bank to the swimming hole.
Directions:
From Asheville, head west on I-40 towards Knoxville. Take exit 37 towards East Canton. Turn left off the interstate and then right almost immediately to turn onto US-23 heading west. In Canton, follow the fork onto Park Lane and then turn left onto Sorrells Street. Sorrells Street turns into Pisgah Drive. Pisgah Drive follows the Pigeon River and then crosses US-276 before turning into NC 215. Follow NC-215 for 15 miles to Sunburst Falls.
3. Mineral Creek Swimming Hole
Mineral Creek is by far the most low-key of the secret swimming holes in WNC, a virtually undiscovered gem on the slope of the Craggy Ridge north of Asheville. Nearby to Craggy Gardens Visitor Center and Craggy Pinnacle, this swimming hole can be accessed from Stony Fork Road off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mineral Creek is actually a series of several swimming holes situated along the gravel section of Stony Fork Road, which is perfect for finding your own secluded spot to relax. While the stream does run along the road, this section of the road is not always open and some walking may be required from the car. Combine this swimming hole with a picnic at the Craggy Gardens picnic area by continuing up the hill on the paved road (turns into Craggy Gardens access road) after you finish your swim.
Trail Information:
Depending on whether Stony Fork Road is open, the hike to this swimming hole can be anywhere from a 100 feet to a mile or two as Mineral Creek does run along Stony Fork Road. If the road is closed, park on the side of the paved road and hike down the gravel track to the creek.
Directions:
From Asheville, head north on the Blue Ridge Parkway. After about 15 miles, turn left onto Stony Fork Road towards Craggy Gardens picnic area. Around the switch back, you’ll see Stony Fork continue to the left where there will be a padlocked gate if the road is closed. If you continue up the paved road to the right, you reach the picnic area.
Image Sources
Whaleback Falls: HikeWNC (https://www.hikewnc.info/gallery/davidson-river-trail/2016-10-30_pisgah-davidson-river_davidson-river-whale-back-swimming-hole)
Sunburst Falls: HikingWNC (https://hikingwnc.com/087-sunburst-falls/)
Mineral Creek: WNC Waterfalls (https://www.wncwaterfalls.info/waterfall/238/Cascade_on_Mineral_Creek)
Parker Outside 