Ever wonder where water parks got the idea? Look no further than Western North Carolina where Mother Nature created calm wading pools, exciting water slides, memorable swimming holes and rollicking rapids. Some are easily accessible, a few require an adventuresome spirit, and several have lifeguards or trained staff on duty.
Here are some of the popular spots that locals frequent, and visitors have discovered:
Sliding Rock – A Natural Water Slide
The king of swimming holes in the mountains near Asheville, this 60 foot natural water slide down a well-worn slab of rock was providing summertime entertainment long before water slides became standard fare. Located along US 276, about 7.5 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway (or a little over 7 miles north off of US 280 in Brevard). View a 22-second video clip using RealPlayer.
Rafting Adventures
Climb aboard a raft and experience the thrill of whitewater. Rapids in the mountains range from Class I (calm or flat water) to Class V or higher (high adventure with lots of rapids). Younger children may also enjoy float trips along the French Broad River, while older kids can climb aboard a raft with their folks for a whitewater adventure.
Gentle, bouncy Class II or III rapids are perfect for beginner whitewater trips.
Swimming Holes and Tubing
There are all kinds of swimming holes located throughout the mountains. Most do not have lifeguards on duty so exercise caution. Here are just a few:
At the Carolina Hemlock campground along the South Toe River, adults and children can cool off in the chilly water that comes off Mt. Mitchell, highest peak in the Eastern U.S. Tubing is also available. Large slabs of rocks are ideal for sunbathing or jumping. From Asheville follow the Blue Ridge Parkway to RT 80 north to Carolina Hemlock campground or head north on US 19 to RT 80 south.
A popular local swimming hole is located in the Green River. Tube rental is also available nearby. Head east on I-26 from Asheville to Saluda. Take exit 28 and head north on Holbert Cove Road to Green River Cove Road. Turn left. Swimming area is at the bottom on the left.
Check out our special swimming holes pages with stories from the crew at Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine!
Beaches
Yep! You can find a few beaches in the area, but the waves won’t be quite as large. At Lake Lure – the well-known location for the film "Dirty Dancing," swimmers can rest on the beach, take a dip, or go for a boat ride. From Asheville, follow US 74 approximately 20 miles to Lake Lure. A little closer to Asheville, Lake Powhattan in the Bent Creek area of the Pisgah National Forest, offers the perfect place for a swim after a hike or mountain bike ride along the trails. Take exit 2 off of I-26 and head past the Biltmore Square Mall. Follow signs for Lake Powhattan in the Bent Creek area.
Creek Wading
Younger children will delight in getting their feet wet along the trails of some of Western North Carolina’s most popular hikes. From the bottom of Looking Glass Falls (US 276), to trails that wade through streams in Graveyard Fields (Parkway milepost 418.8), to rock jumping in the Rocky Broad near Chimney Rock Park just 20 miles from downtown Asheville, children can find plenty of ways to creatively "beat the heat."
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