Beat the heat at WNC’s best swimming holes

When summer smothers Burke County in heat and humidity, there’s no better way to find relief than by wading, cannon-balling, or sliding into one of the region’s legendary swimming holes.

From cascading waterfalls to tranquil emerald-green basins, Western North Carolina’s mountains hold a secret — a network of pristine pools so close to Morganton, they’re an easy day trip for you and the family.

With the scent of pine in the air and the chill of mountain-fed springs waiting, it’s the perfect antidote to summer’s sweltering grip.

Transylvania County, just more than an hour’s drive from Morganton, boasts hundreds of waterfalls and an abundance of public swimming areas. According to Clark E. Lovelace, executive director of the county’s Tourism Development Authority, locals there are happy to welcome visitors from Burke.

“Transylvania County is a place like no other,” Lovelace said. “Home to 250 waterfalls, 110,000 acres of public land, 1,000 miles of trails, and 420 miles of trout streams, it’s a haven for outdoor adventure.”

According to the director, the rare blend of wild waters and welcoming people is what makes the area unforgettable.

This summer, skip the screen time — give the kids some stream time with these cool mountain adventures.

Sliding Rock – Brevard: This popular swimming spot is a little more than 90 minutes from Morganton, so even if you fill up with a good breakfast at Pat’s or Abele’s before you leave town, you can be in the water before noon. Take a picnic lunch and camp chairs, then sit back and watch the kids (and maybe even mom and dad!) have the time of their lives.

The water at the base of the rock is about 8 feet deep, so life vests are a must for unsure swimmers and young children. There is a river current as well, so adult supervision is also important. The $5 charge to swim is a real bargain, considering the fun of sliding down the 60-foot, flat, sloping boulder and tumbling into the pool below. Warning: Even in July and August, the water is ice cold.

Directions: From the intersection of N.C. 280/U.S. 64/ U.S. 276 near Brevard, drive north on U.S. 276 for 7.5 miles and turn left into the parking area and up to the booth where you pay.

Turtleback Falls – Toxaway: This picturesque swimming hole, located in the Pisgah National Forest, offers a 20-foot natural water slide that plunges into a pool. Your journey to Turtleback Falls, part of the Pisgah National Forest and Gorges State Park, can also include a hike to Rainbow Falls.

In Transylvania County near the tripoint where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, the state park sports plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, and sheer rock precipices. In addition to swimming, the park offers 56 miles of hiking trails, 17 miles of biking paths, horseback riding opportunities, fishing, and picnicking facilities.

Call the State Park Visitors Center (828-556-6056) or check out the website at gorges@ncparks.gov.

Carolina Hemlocks – Burnsville: Drive an hour and a quarter northwest to the Appalachian District of the Pisgah National Forest, and you’ll feel like you’re in another world. The crisp mountain air and the gentle flow of the South Toe River make this spot unforgettable. Your worries will flow away with the current at Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area.

Just a short drive from Mount Mitchell State Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll find a watery delight that has been a popular summer swimming hole for more than half a century. There’s a campground with sites available for both tents and RVs. Carolina Hemlocks is open from April to October. The cost of admission is $5 per car. 8516 N.C. 80 S., Burnsville.

Not in the mountains, but well worth the drive:

Carrigan Farms – Mooresville:

Make the short trip east to Mooresville (just a little more than an hour from downtown Morganton), and spend the day swimming in an actual quarry hole. This fifth-generation farm’s swimming area has beautiful, clear water, and there’s even a lifeguard on duty.

Be sure to check out their website, where you can book in advance to swim. The farm and swimming hole have limited hours, so this should be a “plan ahead” trip. Find Carrigan Farms on the internet at carriganfarms.com. Directions: 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Highway, Mooresville. 704-664-1450.

Jonas Hole – Jonas Ridge: No Burke County swimming hole article would be complete without a mention of Jonas Hole, a local favorite for cooling off on hot summer days. Located about 40 minutes from Morganton up N.C. 181 near Jonas Ridge, Upper Creek falls cascades into a swimming hole complete with a rope swing.

At the parking area, take the Upper Falls trail first to a series of cascades dropping about 80 feet along the rocky slope. The hike is almost a half-mile one-way with a downhill section near the water.

After you descend a small staircase to the water’s edge, turn left to reach the swimming hole.