Take a dip in the best swimming holes in North and South Carolina!
When the heat settles in across the Carolinas, there’s no better way to cool off than a swim in a natural swimming hole. These spots are where locals go when they want to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature—places where mountain water rushes over boulders, lakes shimmer beneath wide skies, and rope swings and smooth rock slides bring out your inner child. Whether you’re road-tripping through the foothills or hiking deep into forested trails, these six swimming holes—three in North Carolina and three in South Carolina—offer the perfect places to stop, soak, and savor summer at its best.
Sliding Rock
Brevard, North Carolina | Western Mountains
Tucked into the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, Sliding Rock is the kind of place that makes you feel like a kid again. A 60-foot smooth rock face, naturally polished by years of running water and enthusiastic swimmers, sends you sliding into a bracingly cold plunge pool below. The water comes straight from the Davidson River and stays cool even in the height of summer. Lifeguards are on duty during the warmer months, and a bathhouse nearby makes it easy to spend an afternoon here. Whether you're sliding or simply watching from the viewing area, the energy is lively and pure summer fun.
Sliding Rock, natural waterslide near Brevard, NC.
Credit: Explore Brevard Facebook
Carrigan Farms
 Mooresville, North Carolina | Piedmont Region
Just a short drive north of Charlotte, Carrigan Farms offers a totally different kind of swimming experience. This family-owned farm has transformed a spring-fed quarry into a stunning swim spot. The water is deep and crystal clear, framed by white sand beaches and shaded rock walls. A rope swing, floating docks, and lifeguards keep things fun and safe, while an on-site kitchen serves up farm-fresh meals and cold drinks. It’s a privately managed location, so advance reservations are a must, but once you’re there, it feels like a hidden resort nestled in the heart of the Piedmont.
Swim in The Quarry at Carrigan Farms!
Jones Lake State Park
Elizabethtown, North Carolina | Coastal Plains Region
In the flat pine country of southeastern North Carolina, Jones Lake State Park offers a tranquil swim in a one-of-a-kind setting. The lake is one of the rare Carolina bay lakes—spring-fed, shallow, and tinged with a warm tea color from surrounding vegetation. A wide, sandy shoreline welcomes visitors after a scenic four-mile loop through forests and wetlands. The water is calm and warm, perfect for a relaxed float or wade, and the peaceful surroundings make this a favorite for families and nature lovers alike.
Riley Moore Falls
Oconee County, South Carolina | Upstate Region
A bit of hiking leads to a big payoff at Riley Moore Falls, a wide, 12-foot waterfall stretching across the Chauga River. It’s a favorite among locals in the know and well worth the mile-long forest walk. At the base of the falls, the river forms a broad pool ideal for swimming, paddling, or wading. It’s a place that invites you to stay a while—spread out a picnic, hang a hammock in the trees, or just bask in the sound of cascading water as you drift in the current.
Long Shoals Wayside Park
 Pickens County, South Carolina | Upstate Region
Just off the scenic Cherokee Foothills Highway, Long Shoals is one of those delightful roadside stops that feels like a secret shared among friends. Here, Little Eastatoe Creek slides gently over smooth bedrock, forming a natural waterslide that empties into shallow pools perfect for cooling off. The setting is compact and easy to access, with picnic tables under shady trees and a short trail that loops along the creek. It’s ideal for families or anyone wanting a low-key, refreshing break in the Upstate heat.
Long Shoals Wayside Park AmberLeigh H on TripAdvisor
Chau Ram County Park
 Oconee County, South Carolina | Upstate Region
At the junction of Ramsey Creek and the Chauga River, Chau Ram County Park offers a swimming hole with a little bit of everything: a 30-foot waterfall, a rocky plunge pool, shady trails, and plenty of places to stretch out and relax. The swimming areas are spacious, with both calm shallows and deeper spots for more adventurous swimmers. It’s a welcoming, well-kept park where the sound of falling water and the rustling of leaves set the tone for a perfect summer afternoon.
The swimming holes of North and South Carolina offer more than just a place to cool off—they're reminders of slower days and simple joys. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or gliding down a creekside rock, these hidden gems invite you to slow down, dive in, and savor the season one splash at a time.
