Our towns stay much cooler in the summer and are scenically nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. During the day, take advantage of our many natural swimming holes or lakes for a refreshing dip. In the evenings, temperatures can drop into the low 60’s, providing plenty of mosquito-free nights. In some of the highest elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can find blueberries along the hillsides and some of the best long-range mountain views in the country alongside these pleasant temperatures. To help you on your coolness quest, we’ve compiled a list of the Top Places to Splash, Swim and Stay Cool in the Western North Carolina Mountains - a perfect guide for the kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces, and adults young at heart. Please adhere to our Waterfall Safety Guide before checking out these swimming spots, as there are no lifeguards on duty!
Swimming Holes and Waterfalls
Silver Run Falls is located a short drive from the Cashiers Crossroads and is in the Nantahala National Forest. Due to its elevation, the clear waters remain year-round, making it ideal for swimming on a hot day. Silver Run Falls cascades into a lovely swimming hole beneath the falls. It’s only a 3-minute walk from the parking area, making it easily accessible. Cashiers Sliding Rock can be found just outside of Cashiers along Whiteside Cove Road. No, this isn’t the “Sliding Rock” located in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard – this one is better! Cashiers Sliding Rock is a natural waterslide about half the size of that near Brevard and is a favorite for families with young children due to its size and less crowded atmosphere. One of the best perks is not having to wait in line, especially when sliding on a weekday. When you’re visiting, make sure to stop by Grimshawes Post Office, the smallest Post Office in the US, and snap a fun family photo! Pines Recreation Area at Lake Glenville is the best way to experience the beach in the mountains without the sharks, riptides, or jellyfish. This sandy beach is located between Cullowhee and Cashiers and offers a fun space and designated swimming area for enjoying Jackson County’s largest lake. On-site restrooms, picnic tables, and an accessible fishing pier are all provided. Boat and equipment can also be rented here and used to explore Lake Glenville’s hidden waterfalls. High Falls (also sometimes called Cullowhee Falls) is located across the road in the adjacent parking lot from the Pines Recreation Area and requires a two-mile hike to access it. Those who descend to the falls will be rewarded with a double cascade towering over 150 feet high (and photos simply don’t do it justice.) Those looking to take a swim will find several natural pools at the base of the falls with cold water perfect for taking a dip. With several large rockfaces in the area, High Falls is a great place to spread out a blanket and relax the day away. Don’t swim under the falls as Duke Energy does whitewater releases for paddlers. Schoolhouse Falls is in Panthertown Valley, between Gorges State Park in Sapphire and the Cashiers-Highlands plateau. The picturesque Falls are revered for their crystal-clear swimming hole beneath a charming 15-foot cascade. There’s plenty of space to spread out on the bank and enjoy the gentle babble of the creek. Accessing this swimming hole does require a two-mile round trip hike from the Cold Mountain Gap Trailhead, but it is well worth it. As with any hike in Panthertown, make sure to grab a map due to the complex trail system. Granny Burrell Falls is another Panthertown favorite. The easiest way to access it is from the Salt Rock Gap trailhead. Beneath the falls is a deep and large swimming hole with a sizable sandy swim beach perfect for wading. Take the family into the valley to enjoy cool air and water babbling down Panthertown Creek.
Rafting
Paddling in the cool waters of the Tuckasegee River is another way to stay cool in the summer from Memorial Day - Labor Day. The ‘Tuck,’ known for its “mom-approved rapids,” is the perfect river for beginners. Our Rafting Outfitters & Guides will help you enjoy the perfect day on the water with guided trips available. Options for goin’ down the tuck include kayaks, duckies, rafts, and tubes.
Blue Ridge Parkway & Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Known as ‘America’s Favorite Drive,’ the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place to escape summer heat and crowds. Spanning 469 miles from milepost 469 in Cherokee, NC to Virginia, temperatures on the parkway remain 10-15 degrees cooler than in the valley, with elevations ranging from 3,000 – 6,400 feet. Must-visit overlooks and hikes along the Parkway include Waterrock Knob, Richland Balsam, and Black Balsam Knob. If you’re not looking for a hike, you can always enjoy a cruise with the windows down, taking in the cool mountain air. Enjoy the many overlooks and make sure to stay for a stunning mountain sunset. Pack a picnic for a wonderful and relaxing experience. Located in Cherokee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great way to escape the heat. The Park is shared with Tennessee and is a 520,000-acre oasis and is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the template world. Taking a drive up to Newfound Gap or Clingmans Dome offers much cooler temperatures due to their higher elevation as well as scenic mountain vistas you won't want to miss. Popular swimming spots include Deep Creek in neighboring Bryson City as well as the Oconaluftee River Trail with several deep pools of water along the path.
Sweet Treats
After a day of enjoying natural swimming pools, stop by one of our sweet spots for some ice cream! As we always say, calories don’t count outside of your zip code! Jack the Dipper in Sylva has been serving up its famous waffle cones for over 40 years and is a family favorite.
Plan Your Trip
If you’re ready to beat the heat and escape the city crowds, your vacation awaits in Jackson County. Cool off in nature's water park and wind down with a cold beverage or ice cream – your mountain memories await. Check out our lodging page to find the perfect stay for your travel group and use our ‘Trip Planner’ to begin planning your mountain getaway.
Where are the best swimming holes in the NC mountains?
Jackson County's lineup: Silver Run Falls near Cashiers (3-minute walk to a waterfall swimming hole), Cashiers Sliding Rock (a natural waterslide), the sandy beach at Pines Recreation Area on Lake Glenville, the pools below High Falls, and Schoolhouse Falls and Granny Burrell Falls in Panthertown Valley.
Is there a sliding rock near Cashiers, NC?
Yes, Cashiers Sliding Rock on Whiteside Cove Road. It's about half the size of the famous Sliding Rock near Brevard, which is exactly why families with young kids love it: smaller, less crowded, and rarely a wait.
Where can I swim at a beach in the NC mountains?
The Pines Recreation Area on Lake Glenville, between Cullowhee and Cashiers. Sandy beach, designated swim area, restrooms, picnic tables, and an accessible fishing pier, with boat and paddleboard rentals available nearby.
Are there lifeguards at NC mountain swimming holes?
No, none of these natural swimming spots have lifeguards on duty. Read the county's Waterfall Safety Guide before you go, and never swim above or directly under a waterfall. Do not attempt to get to the top of a waterfall as people have died doing this. Take no chances, only photos for memories. Swim at your own risk. Children should be supervised at all times.
How cool are the NC mountains in summer?
Noticeably. Evening temperatures can drop into the low 60s, and the Blue Ridge Parkway runs 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the valleys at elevations of 3,000 to 6,400 feet. Bonus: mosquito-free nights.
Can you tube or raft the Tuckasegee River?
Yes, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The 'Tuck' is known for mom-approved rapids that suit beginners, and local outfitters run guided trips by raft, kayak, ducky, or tube.
What is Schoolhouse Falls?
A 15-foot cascade with a crystal-clear swimming hole in Panthertown Valley, reached by a two-mile round-trip hike from the Cold Mountain Gap Trailhead. Bring a map; Panthertown's trail system is complex. Due to the fragile ecosystem please do not walk behind the falls at Schoolhouse as there are native fragile species. Panthertown Valley is proudly cared for and maintained by Friends of Panthertown, the non-profit organization dedicated to protecting this special wilderness. Visit their website to learn more.
Is High Falls worth the hike?
Yes. A two-mile hike from the lot across from Pines Recreation Area drops you at a towering double cascade with several natural pools at the base for a cold dip. Check the Duke Energy whitewater release schedule before walking below the falls.
Where should I get ice cream after swimming in Jackson County?
Jack the Dipper in Sylva, serving famous made-there waffle cones for over 40 years. In the Cashiers area check out Crossroads Custard & Cold Brew. As the locals say, calories don't count outside your zip code.
What if it rains? Is there an indoor pool in Jackson County?
The Jackson County Aquatic Center in Cullowhee runs year-round with a six-lane competition pool, a warm recreation pool, a splash pad, and a whirlpool. Day passes for out-of-county visitors are $15.