Ah, the good ole summer time and swimming holes. Here are a few that are right here in our area and easy to get to. Each year deaths are reported because of folks going where they are told not to. PLEASE BE CAREFUL AND REMEMBER: There is rarely a lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk. A Word About Waterfalls—Don't Swim Here! Waterfalls are dangerous—wet rocks are slick and currents are stronger than they appear. One slip of a foot and you can be over the edge in a heartbeat. DO NOT climb to the top and wade out into the water.
Carolina Hemlock, South Toe River; Milepost 344 on the Parkway; (take Highway 80 north for 5.5 miles to the Carolina Hemlocks Campground) Phone:(828) 257-4200
Family-friendly, mountain stream widens into a swimming hole, sandy beach, tubing
Whaleback, Davidson River; milepost 412 on the Parkway; (take Highway 276 south for several miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 475. In three miles, park at the Cove Creek Group Camp and follow the obvious trail to Whaleback.)
Bedrock forms a horseshoe around the swimming hole. Crowds are nonexistent during the week and minimal on weekends.
Graveyard Fields;milepost 419 on the Parkway; (Graveyard Fields is located next to the Parkway at milepost 418.8. Take the obvious trail from the parking area leading to Second Falls.)
Three waterfalls; waterfall #2 is the most crowed but the easiest to get to and has the best swimming hole.
Sliding Rock, Brevard; (From Brevard, take US 64 E to US 276. Turn left and follow US 276N for 8 miles. Located on left.) $1/person
