The West Coast may have hot springs and glacier-fed lakes, but here in the sultry Southeast we have our swimming holes—and we’re damn proud of them. Just listen to the Top 40 Country Countdown: people are always jumping into water, fishing in the holler, lying by the creek and drinking cold beers down by the river. A summer spent fully immersed in mountain-fed pools would be a fine summer indeed. Here are five of the coolest and coldest swimming holes within two hours of Asheville.

1. Sliding Rock

Just eight miles outside of Brevard, Sliding Rock is Mother Nature’s answer to the slip n’ slide. You will shoot sixty feet down a perfectly smooth rock face, fueled by more than 11,000 gallons of cascading water, into a pool that is six feet deep and shockingly cold. This could be the perfect conclusion to a long day of mountain biking in the  Pisgah National Forest.

As one might expect, this natural water park is extremely popular during the scorching Appalachian summers. A lifeguard is on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day, between the hours of 10am-6pm. If big crowds and long lines are not your cup of sweet iced tea, then make sure to visit Sliding Rock outside of these hours.

There is a 2$ charge during lifeguard hours; bathrooms and showers available on site.

2. Skinny Dip Falls

This may come as a disappointment for some and a relief to others, but Skinny Dip Falls is not actually a clothing-optional swimming hole. This rugged and serene pool is located at the headwaters of the Big East Fork of the Pigeon River. Waterfalls, jumping-off rocks, a deep plunge pool, and shallow areas for wading make it a very popular swimming spot. If you’re determined to go au naturel, there are plenty of secluded spots to be found by exploring upstream.

Located just a half mile off the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Mountains-to-Sea-Trail, Skinny Dip Falls is a great place to cool down after hiking in nearby Graveyard Fields, Black Balsam Knob, or the Shining Rock Wilderness.

A blazed spur trailhead is located at Milepost 417 near the Looking Glass Rock Overlook. 

3. Compression/Twisted Falls

Some of the best cliff jumping in the Southeast can be found in Cherokee National Forest, not quite two hours outside of Asheville. A series of curving back roads and a steep, mile-long hike will lead you to the base of Compression Falls—also known as Twisted or Twisting Falls—a 40-foot curtain of cascading water on the beautiful Elk River.

Although this area is becoming increasingly popular, its remote setting and steep access trail keep the massive summer crowds at bay. A wide pool beneath the falls is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, and there are plenty of cliffs and jumping rocks to keep you entertained. Thrill seekers can find quite the adrenaline rush (not to mention photo op) by sliding directly over the falls into the pool. (While lots of people do this, be aware that any time you willingly or unwillingly plunge off of a waterfall, you are risking bodily harm. There have been a few unfortunate incidents of severe injuries resulting from people going over the falls.)

Your best landmark is Elk Mills Store on Route 321 in Elk Mills, TN. Find a map here. 

4. Hooker Falls

DuPont State Forest is a complete, all-in-one summertime destination. Hikers and mountain bikers will enjoy over one hundred miles of multi-use trails, including the sweet, soaring downhill of Ridgeline Trail, the exposed, sun-beaten Slick-Rock Trail, and the many spectacular waterfalls for which the forest is best known. No day of exploration is complete in this natural playground without taking a dip in the pool beneath Hooker Falls—the only waterfall in DuPont that is safe for swimming.

Explore the misty chasm behind the pounding veil of the fall, plunge off the rope swing, or float in the languid downstream waters. Because the pool is part of Cascade Lake, there are no current or downstream waterfalls to watch out for. Hooker Falls is a mere quarter mile from the parking lot, so bring a floaty, a cooler, and stay ’til you’re waterlogged.

Park in the Hooker Falls Parking Area. Port-a-johns available in the parking lot. The forest closes at 10 pm. 

5. Midnight Hole

The mountain-chilled, emerald water of  Midnight Hole provides a refreshing oasis from the oppressive humidity of a Carolina Summer. This swimming hole, studded with jump rocks and fed by a small waterfall, is one of the many natural treasures you can find hidden away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is located on Big Creek on the Carolina/Tennessee State line, after an easy 1.4-mile hike on the Big Creek Trail.

Park at the Big Creek Campground Parking Lot.

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Intro

Art Loeb was a man who “deeply loved these mountains.” If you travel to the highest point on the trail bearing his namesake you will see a weathered plaque commemorating these words. On a clear day, from this high point, you will also see picturesque, long-range Appalachian views in all directions. The 30.1-mile trail takes you through the wonders of the Pisgah National Forest before traversing the iconic crest of the Great Balsam Mountains to the crown jewel of the Shining Rock Wilderness. Easy access to both endpoints, multiple campsites, two shelters, plentiful water and epic views make the Art Loeb a must do on the life list of all Appalachian hikers.

What Makes It Great

This acclaimed trail connects the Davidson River Campground in Brevard to Camp Daniel Boone in Haywood County, NC. The Pisgah National Forest divides the Art Loeb Trail into four sections. The trail’s southern terminus can be found off of highway 276 on the Davidson River Campground Access Road. The first section of trail begins here and takes you to Gloucester Gap. Highlights along this section of the trail include an up-close view of Cedar Rock and a shelter at Butter Gap.

From Gloucester, Gap hikers begin their climb upwards towards the crest of the Pisgah Ledge. If you are a glutton for punishment you will enjoy every steep step up Pilot Mountain. Eventually, you will reach the top and a grand reward, paid with awe-inspiring views, lies on the narrow summit ridge of Pilot Mountain. After you descend the backside of Pilot rest your weary legs and quench your thirst at the Deep Gap shelter. The trail continues upwards, crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway, and ascends a series of steep switchbacks to finally gain the ridgeline, and briefly merge with the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Once atop the ridgeline, a traverse along a pathway cut through a coniferous forest, which lines the airy edge of the Pisgah Ledge, leads hikers to Black Balsam Knob.

Section 3, the reward for your massive uphill climb, starts here. A majestic chain of Appalachian Balds reveals itself atop the summit of Black Balsam. Your next 5 miles of trail will take you up and over a string of lush peaks with panoramic views in every direction. If your goal is a through hike we recommend a campsite within this section of trail. Chances are you will be rewarded with a heavenly sunrise or sunset, and a close-up view of starry skies. Shining Rock stands tall and shimmering at the end of this string of Balds. Quartzite cliffs on Shining Rock’s summit allow some incredibly fun scrambles onto exposed sections with long range views. Shining Rock gap has access to water and rhododendron-canopied campsites perfect for tents and hammocks.  From Shining Rock the trail crosses a section known as “The Narrows” on its way to Deep Gap, another aptly named, Deep Gap in the ridgeline. At Deep Gap, a spur trail on your right leads to the summit of Cold Mountain, made famous by a book of the same name.

The fourth section of trail (3.8 miles) descends steadily along the flanks of Cold Mountain towards the Camp Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp and the northern terminus of The Art Loeb trail. Trailhead information and parking for a shuttle vehicle are available here as well as a lovely creek to cool off in after a completed thru-hike.

Who is Going to Love It

Whether you are practicing for a longer trail or rekindling your love for backpacking The Art Loeb Trail is the perfect choice for a 3-4 day trip. Both trailheads are easily accessible and the Blue Ridge Parkway bisects the trail making for easy shuttle and resupply opportunities.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From the trail website: “Starting at the Davidson River near the Davidson River Campground, near Brevard, NC, Section 1 of the trail climbs Shut-In Ridge and travels generally west-southwest.”

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There’s a bit of Tarheel pride in the fact that Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. So important is the peak that, in 1915, it was named the first state park in North Carolina.

Mt. Mitchell didn’t just help to create N.C. State Park system though. At 6,684 it’s also responsible for creating its own climate and weather.

Because of its height, the climate at the top of Mt. Mitchell more resembles that of forests in the U.S. Northeast and Canada. During the Pleistocene era (pronounced play-stuh-seen so you can impress your friends), things were a bit colder in the region. Cooler temps allowed plants and animals normally found in northern climates to head south. Things warmed back up and these colder climate loving travelers were relegated to the highest peaks where altitude keeps things a bit chillier.

Lower average temps aren’t the only weather patterns that the mountain seems to control. On even otherwise clear days Mt. Mitchell can be ringed by mist. Warmer, wetter air is pushed to the top and cooled, condensing ambient moisture and creating a cloud. Unpredictable storms and wind are a common result.

The chance to view the world from on top of the east coast and watch the sunrise over the mists that settle in the valley more than make up for the unpredictable weather. While the roughly 12-mile round trip is commonly completed as a day hike, the best way to experience the all that the mountain has to offer is by taking an overnight backpacking trip.

The trip starts at the Black Mountain Campground, roughly an hour long drive from Asheville. Operated by the Cradle of forestry, this 46 site campground is a good accommodation alternative if you’d rather make the trek sans backpack. For this backpacking trip, though, you can park your car at the BMC lot at no charge.

From the BMC hit the Mount Mitchel Trail. After a steep climb, you’ll get to, well, more steep climbing. The backcountry camping area is four miles in on Commissary Ridge. It’s easy to spot as the trail flattens and you break free of the forest. Walk a few steps on the double track path and the meadow, complete with several obvious fire rings, is on the left.

Look around. There are some really nice but less obvious spots to set up camp located just down a small hill from the meadow. The stream you walked through on the way to your campsite is your water source. Filtering is a great idea unless you’re looking for a quick way to lose some pre-holiday weight.

Once you’ve ditched your pack and set up camp, finish the final 1.6 or so miles to the top of Mt. Mitchell. There are a couple different trail options near the top, it doesn’t matter which you take. As long as you’re going up, you’re doing it right.

As soon as you pop out of the forest again you’ll step onto the parking lot. There’s a paved road that brings drivers to the peak. (This explains why you saw the guy in motorcycle gear carrying a 20-ounce soda on the trail a few minutes before).

At the top, you’ll find bathrooms, a nature center, and a snack bar. The near famous elevation sign is to the right and the trail to the observation tower is to the left when facing the buildings. The 360-degree view from the tower makes the entire effort worthwhile.

After you’ve had your fill at the top, return to your campsite using the same trail you took up. Find a good seat for sunset. The mist settles in the lower valley for the evening and reflects the oranges and pinks of late afternoon. The best place to watch might be just past the campground on the dual track road. You can usually find firewood in this area as well.

Prepare for temps 10 degrees or colder than in Asheville. Bring appropriate rain gear even on the driest of days (you don’t want to be the one who temps fate just to save 8 ounces in your pack). And most importantly, have a good hike to the highest point east of the Mississippi!

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Intro

A round trip of 4.4 miles, this trail starts with a pleasant walk through green canopies of rhododendrons, as you follow along a creek. The trail continues to give you plenty of nice photographic moments. The hike is moderate in difficulty but gets a little more strenuous as you close into the large overhang called Alum Cave. The scenery changes throughout the course of the trip, and there are several interesting geological features and pretty bridge crossings, which make this a great family hike. The “cave” is a great place to have lunch and reward yourself with a scenic view of the mountains. If you are wanting to do this hike, start as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

What Makes It Great

Any hike in the Smokies will provide great sights—this hike provides especially fantastic ones. Once you have begun climbing, several key (and incredibly interesting) landmarks will be passed. The trail actually goes under Arch Rock, the first key landmark (reached in just over a mile) and a great spot for a photo. Steps climb through the arch and show some of the geologic diversity that can be found in the Smokies. Continuing on, you will have expansive views from Inspiration Point. When you are looking out from this point, try to find the “Eye of the Needle,” a hole in the top of a rocky ridge nearby. Other than the views, the length of this trail is another great feature because of all that is available and seen within a short 4.5 miles. Many hikers set out to see the Alum Cave Bluff and end up enjoying the hike enough to continue on to the summit of Mount Le Conte. If you get to the “cave” and think that the views are spectacular, continuing on from there will not disappoint. Even if you do not wish to make it all the way to the top, continuing on provides increasingly great views as you go.

Who is Going to Love It

The short length of this hike makes it perfect for anyone. Families will love the accessibility of the car, and hardcore hikers will love the ability to continue on to the summit of LeConte. Alum Cave itself provides the perfect break spot, so feel free to take your time and enjoy the views out over the mountains from the turnaround point.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Parking for the Alum Cave Trail can be found on the main park road as it heads away from the Sugarlands Visitor Center towards Newfound Gap. There will be a roadside sign marking the trailhead, so park at the lot (which fills easily) and the trailhead will be quickly found. If you are planning to stay on LeConte, make sure to make reservations ahead of time.

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In a corner of the state inundated with undulating mountain chains and punctuated with soaring summits that include a generous number of 6,000-foot peaks, Yellow Mountain is far from western North Carolina’s loftiest summit at 5,127 feet in elevation. However, scaling this pinnacle of the Cowee Mountain chain involves one of the most punishing—and thoroughly rewarding—ascents in the southern Appalachians.

Aside from the brag-worthy climb, the craggy knob is also crowned with a historic fire tower that has become a well-weathered piece of Carolina mountain heritage. The tower guarantees that summit-baggers are rewarded with a seamless, panoramic view of the region. So lace up the hiking boots, load up on trail snacks, and head to western North Carolina to find out if the Yellow Mountain climb really is the hardest hike in the mountain-laden western corner of the state.

Yellow Mountain rises from a swath of the Nantahala National Forest between Cashiers and Highlands, and its ascent requires a 4.8-mile (9.6-mile roundtrip) hike on a trail loaded with plunging dips and gritty climbs—all foreshadowing an equally punishing return route. But climbing the highest peak in the Cowee Mountains requires not only summiting Yellow Mountain itself but three additional peaks as well.

Beginning at Cole Gap, the Yellow Mountain Trail kicks off with a bang as you almost immediately climb Cole Mountain before delving downward to Cole Gap and briefly bottoming out. Pits and pinnacles continue to dominate the trail, which continues on its way toward Shortoff Mountain. The ascent of Shortoff is dragged out along a series switchbacks snaking to the summit and reaching elevations of more than 5,000 feet.

After a short but sweet leveling out at the summit, the trail quickly becomes erratic once again, dipping and climbing toward Goat Knob, the third peak in the row on the Yellow Mountain ascent trail. From Goat Knob, the trail makes one more plunging drop, descending to Yellow Mountain Gap and intersecting a former Forest Service fire road. At Yellow Mountain Gap, the Appalachian Trail also crosses the track to the summit, providing a possibility for an even lengthier approach to the peak. (It also gives you the opportunity to add the Yellow Mountain ascent onto a multi-day backpacking trip.)

From the depths of Yellow Mountains Gap, the trail thankfully embarks on the final climb, ascending more than 2,000-feet to the top of the forest shrouded knob. At the summit, climbers are exponentially rewarded with a stunning panorama—an ocean of closely huddled southern Appalachian peaks stretching to the horizon. The 360-degree vista includes not only views of the rest of the Cowee Mountains that are nestled close to the Yellow Mountain summit, but it also showcases the Plott Balsam, Great Balsam, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

While the views of western North Carolina’s mountain-dappled landscape are spectacular, the unassuming, century-old structure sitting atop Yellow Mountain is arguably one of the summit’s most compelling highlights. Fire towers once peppered the southern Appalachians as solitary sentinels ensuring the safety of the surrounding wilderness. The steadfast smoke-watchers manning the structures acted as an early alarm system, tasked with thwarting the widespread devastation wrought by forest fires.

However, while some of the fire towers sprinkling the vast expanses of wilderness in the western United States are still in use, in the mountains of Appalachia, fire towers fell into disuse more than a half-century ago. Airplanes were deemed more efficient and economical for surveying seamless tracts of forest. The tower straddling Yellow Mountain’s summit was built in 1934, by Franklin Roosevelt’s Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps, and it was used for more than three decades until 1969. Like many of historic towers dotting the Appalachians, the Yellow Mountain fire tower fell into disrepair when it was decommissioned. But thankfully it was preserved in the mid-1980s, and it’s now listed on the National Historic Register.

Plan Your Hike

Trailhead: The Yellow Mountain Trail is accessible from Cody Gap, off Buck Creek Road, off Route 64 about 8-miles west of Cashiers.

Additional Information: The distance can be deceiving: The 4.8-mile ascent may not seem staggering, but plan for the rugged terrain to add time to the hike. Allow at least a half day for the hike—around 4 to 6 hours—depending on hiking experience and fitness level. Plan to bring enough water to cover the entire trek.

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