Read More: 30+ Amazing Things to Do in Statesville (and Iredell County). There are also tons of boulders around the pool for sunning and drying off in-between dips. In front of the falls is an amazing boulder-strewn pool of clear mountain water that is a ridiculously cool place for North Carolina mountain swimming at its finest! Lake Waccamaw in Columbus County is the largest of the Carolina Bay lakes. This is one of the largest reservoirs in the Southeast, covering 50,000 acres and stretching 850 miles of shoreline. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} But, there's also a Coquina Beach tucked in the Outer Banks. .wp-show-posts a { After a heavy rain you will see red, muddy water for a while. In 1926, Lake Lure was created, and the town was incorporated the following year. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Lake Norman - State Park | Swim Guide At Pettigrew State Park, you can easily plan for a full day of swimming in Lake Phelps clear waters. 12 Must-See Lakes in North Carolina - Scenic States The best features of Lake Fontana are all-natural. Its surface area covers 16,600 acres, most in Washington County and part in Tyrell County. Jones Lake in Bladen County has a long history. The Lake James beach and its accouterments are open from the beginning of May to the end of September. This nearly 1,500-acre lake provides a backdrop for plenty of water activities. Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. This Fontana Lake Guide will explore this beautiful lake that is blanketed by the smoky mountains, and highlight all that there is to see and at the Lake Fontana and surrounding areas. .search .content-area a { Presque Isle State Park officials issued a swimming restriction Tuesday for Beach 3 (Barracks Beach) due to high E. coli bacteria levels in the beachwater. North Carolina features 300 miles of shoreline, so there are plenty of places to soak up the sun and splash in the ocean. Read More: How to Relax at Lakeview At Fontana (One of the Best Spa Resorts in NC). Bust Your Butt Falls is a natural pool of water that is very accessible it can literally be seen from the road, and a parking area is nearby. And while the pool itself is modern, the bathhouse and surrounding facilities were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of the Works Progress Administration. The hike down to the waterfall (which, naturally, means climbing back up) is 2.5 miles round-trip. However, if youre just interested in relaxing for an afternoon, theres still lots to do here. .sidebar a { .inside-article{ Accessible from the Looking Glass Overlook at Milepost 417, the site featuressmall cliffs for plunging into the pool, a cascade of fresh mountain water into it, and no entry fee. Water quality swimming advisory issued for sound-side site in Carteret text-decoration: none The annual event is sanctioned by NC Swimming and USA Swimming. 9 Best Lakes near Greenville, NC for Fishing, Swimming, and Kayaking Fontana Lake is a reservoir dammed by Fontana Dam, the highest dam east of the Rockies at 480 feet tall. Curious to learn more about this pristine mountain reservoir? Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Cool Off at These Top 10 Swimming Holes around Asheville 17 years ago. Once you're there, you'll have access to one of the most unique beaches in North Carolina. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Park is an amazing stand of old-growth trees(particularly poplar), and its adjacent to the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, a wilder and less visited area. 12 Iowa beaches 'swimming not recommended' due to bacteria levels As we continue traveling throughout the state, we created this guide to share the amazing lakes of North Carolina and our favorites. Outdoor adventures in North Carolina aren't hard to come by, no matter if you live along the coast or in the mountains. "pluginVersion": "3.0.29" This setting looks deceptively tropical, but it is often shut down in the wintertime due to snow and ice. The newly built reservoir covered 6,510 acres with 150 miles of beachy shore. Read More: 25+ Amazing Things to Do in Bryson City and Swain County (+ Our Top 5). READ MORE:The 15 Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC, Nantahala National Forest Near Robbinsville NC. Table of Contents Lake Fontana Lake Fontana Video Directions to Fontana Lake Fontana Dam .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} From a secret Midnight Hole high up in the Smokies, pristine beaches with turquoise water and white sand, and even a crystal clear lake, the following list will provide you the inspiration you need to get out there and start splashing. Im an avid hiker and nature lady. The 720-acre lake is encased within the town, making it the local community and culture center. But our coast and central regionalso have their share of hidden pools where the escape is just as refreshing. One of the bigger, more accessible pools is at Hunt-Fish Falls, a 0.75-mile hike down from pullout parking off Milepost FS 464. The river and streams running through this area are beloved by anglers, and there are a couple of hiking trails for those into that. Admission fee applies. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ I am looking for a town that is close to the beaches and yet not too far from her college. 1. Lake Norman is so large that many towns and cities claim part of the shoreline and lake within its borders. Fish, boat, hike, or camp at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in Wilkes County! Joe Miller is the author of Adventure Carolinas and other guidebooks. 10 Of The Best Swimming Holes In North Carolina - Only In Your State There are several nearby marinas where you can easily rent any boat. 0:55. With open swim times offered on the weekends, you can have this unique experience without even traveling all the way deep inside the mountains. The quarry was used in the 1960s until the digging hit an active spring and the giant hole filled with clean, beautiful, sapphire-colored water. 8 bedrooms, House This large and peaceful lake will attract swimmers and kayakers with its extensive 76-mile shoreline and is mostly surrounded by nationally protected forest to enjoy as you take it all in, or let it all go. Lake Toxaway Nantahala Lake W. Kerr Scott Reservoir Central NC Lakes Badin Lake Falls Lake High Rock Lake Hyco Lake Jordan Lake Kerr Lake Jordan Lake Lake Crabtree Lake Johnson Lake Norman Shelley Lake Boating, sailing, tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiingare popular here. You may be surprised to learn that of all the lakes in North Carolina, the clearest lake in North Carolina has a natural, white sandy bottom and is slowly fed by artesian springs from deep beneath the earth's surface.White Lake, located just outside of Elizabethtown, is a sight to behold and is surrounded by resorts . READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC. While North Carolina is known for its gorgeous mountains and beautiful East Coast beaches, the state is home to dozens of gorgeous lakes and reservoirs. ), Jackrabbit Mountain Campground off Highway 175, Gibson Cove Campground off Myers Chapel Road. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } Upper Creek Falls is usually divided into upper Upper Creek Falls and lower Upper Creek Falls, which has some nice swimming holes. 9 Fantastic Lakes near Fayetteville, NC for Fishing, Kayaking, and Swimming However, North Carolina boasts another option: abundance of natural beauty for those who would prefer a destination closer to nature and breath-taking mountain views. Youll love the mountain scenery and serene atmosphere, whether you come for just an afternoon or decide to stay a few days. Where to Beat the Heat & Swim Along the BRP - Blue Ridge Parkway Swim Guide Waterkeepers Carolina Its a great place to tap into your creative side. Singletary Lakes State Park has two organized group campsites open to nonprofit organizations to use. READ MORE:The 15 Best VRBO Cabins in Asheville NC. In the heart of NCs most populated county is Lake Crabtree, a wonderful outdoor getaway in Cary. At the top of the list among Michigan lakes, Lake Superior was named the 2 nd -best lake to swim in by USA TODAY voters. READ MORE: The 10 Best Campgrounds in the North Carolina Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Near Bryson City NC. The lake has no currents or tides, making it one of the safest lakes in the state, if not the country. Seasonal operation, with bathhouse and lifeguard. Another great getaway from North Carolinas capital city is Shelley Lake, just 7 miles north of downtown. For the last several years they have lived just off the BRP near Elkin, Southwest Virginia, and the NC High Country. In addition to swimming, you can enjoy paddling, fishing, hiking, picnicking and bird-watching. padding-right: 10px !important; The center hosts painting, jewelry-making, photography, and pottery classes. Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!). The lake was impounded by the Kerr Dam in 1952, both of which are named after North Carolina Congressman John H. Kerr who supported the lakes creation. Incredible views of Jordan Lake lie along this path that runs through a shady hardwood forest. Lake James State Park: Home | NC State Parks The better known typically lie at the base of a cascade in the mountains. Open Water Swim - The Seven Lakes Insider } Read More: 50 of the Best Day Trips from Raleigh (Fun Getaways!). Also in Bladen County is Singletary Lake State Park, which forms one of the largest Carolina Bays. Beaches and Lakes around Wilmington, NC - AARP Today, Lake Toxaway is an elegant resort and recreational lake. Its sandy beach is 100 yards long, with great spots for beach games and building sandcastles. On a hot day, you might dream of diving into a mountain lake and being embraced by the sobering chill. The 7 Best Swimming Lakes In North Carolina - Tripping.com Read More: William B Umstead State Park in Raleigh, NC (Chainsaw Art, Great Trails, and More!). Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). ), 25+ Important Places to Visit and Learn About Black History in North Carolina, 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Raven Rock State Park (The Overlook, Great Hikes, and More Things to Do! You should also visit Jordan Lake for a look at our national bird, the bald eagle. Before we head to each region, heres a list of North Carolina lakes included in this guide: These are the best lakes in the NC mountains, starting with a Jackson County beauty and one of our favorites that can be seen from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The locals call the lake their own little slice of paradise.. But its still a must-do for visitors to the area, and makes a great combo with the nearbyMouse Creek Falls. Hi. Technically, theSliding Rock Recreation Area does have a swimming hole (or, more appropriately, a plunge pool) at the base of it. 8 guests Before you head out to explore, stop by the Environmental Education Center. It's the nearest place to go fishing and paddling. Photo Credit: Weston Brophy. Even on the hottest days, this pool is cold at the surface dive 3 or 4 feet down for a truly lung-squeezing thrill. Its known for its crystal-clear, glass-like surface and great swimming. Lake Lure or Fontana Lake. Hidden Falls is accessed by a trail just before the final climb up to the Rainbow Falls overlook. The reservoir was created during World War II to generate electric power for the war, spanning a massive 10,000 acres and a 240-mile shore. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains lies this destination best known for its white water attractions. Just a 0.4-mile hike takes you to this beautiful swimming hole tucked into the state park. Hidden Falls remains relatively under the radar because it lives in the shadows of the more regularly visited (and much larger) Rainbow Falls. The Deep Creek section of Great Smoky Mountains National is right outside of Bryson City, and it is beloved for impressive waterfalls, tubing, and a nice swimming hole. Its a relatively shallow lake, 2-3 feet deep, but spans 40,000 acres. It starts in Gorges State Park and crosses intoPisgah National Forest. Lake Gaston is a huge lake stretching across the North Carolina-Virginia border. Those planning to sunbathe, read and swim can stake a claim on the 700ft-long swimming beach, which is in the Paddy . Enjoy a meal or go shopping at one of the numerous small towns lining the lake. The Bust Your Butt Falls swimming hole is easily accessed via US-64, just a few miles from town. Interactive kid-friendly (and all ages-friendly) exhibits await to educate you on the areas ecology. Just picture yourself with a few beads of sweat across your forehead, a slightly ripe smell steaming up from your hiking shoes, the afternoon sun doing what it does in the summertime. Reaching 20 feet deep, it is an ecological wonder. "source": "woocommerce", At Sunburst Swimming Area, enjoy refreshingly cool water that originates from the mountains surrounding the creek. Its located in the Big Creek Area of GSMNP, and the hiking trail to the natural swimming pool (Big Creek Trail) is a pleasant hike, with a gradual climb. Which of these dazzling swimming holes in North Carolina will you visit first? The tannic waters create an eerie subterranean-world feel when you go under, but rest assured this is some of the cleanest water youll swim; the 224-acre Carolina bay lake is fed by a series of springs. In between the two sections, theres a good-sized swimming hole thats deep enough to plunge into. Read More: 100+ of the Best Hiking Trails in North Carolina. Map to Lake Norman State Park Swim Fees Adult (13 and over) $6/day Child ages 3 - 12 $4/day 6 I enjoy lake life, beach life, and the mountains. .archive .content-area a { Top 12 beaches in North Carolina. More human remains found at Lake Mead - NBC News A 5.6-mile out-and-back hike can include Gragg Prong Waterfalls as well as Hunt-Fish Falls. Sometimes called Quarry Falls, Bust Your Butt Falls is a swimming hole and natural rock slide in NC. Jordan Lake is 14,000 acres in size located south of Durham. After visiting North Carolina for the first time, Senior Writer Jonathon Engels and wife Emma spent 2 years exploring Western NC in search of a homestead property. ), 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways! READ MORE: The Top 15 Waterfalls Near Brevard NC (Transylvania County). All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies. River Park North Official Page: River Park North Distance from Greenville: 2 miles (5 min) Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Picnics, Hiking, Camping, Birdwatching River Park North is a natural spot in Greenville that you've probably heard about. Admission fee applies. NCs lakes are perfect for visiting throughout the year, with tons of space to cool off in the hot summer, hiking trails in surrounding forests, and fishing opportunities from your boat or a pier. Lake Mattamuskeet One of the greatest lakes in North Carolina, Lake Mattamuskeet, is the largest natural lake in the state, but the depth of this body of water rarely gets deeper than three feet. The upper whitewater section ends at a wide, deep swimming hole, while the lower, smoother section ends at the parking lot. Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below! While parts of Jordan Lake are accessible from Apex in Wake County, you can also access it via the Chatham County town of Pittsboro. } The swimming area is open on Mondays 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Thursdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. A fee is charged for all swimmers. The largest concentration of them in the Eastern US is supported by the lake. This NC lake is beautiful all year round, but when it comes to activities, the best time to visit is in the summer. The lakeside swimming area has amenities such as changing rooms, a snack bar, and a lounge area, all of which make this a great spot for a Hanging Rock swim. This is a massive, deep body of water with lots of space to get a real swim in. We love visiting lakes in North Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Fed by the Tuckasegee River, its possible to walk behind the falls at lower flows. Bacteria levels at some of Iowa's beaches reach unhealthy levels.

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