Reviews on Swimming Lakes in Asheville, NC 28802 - Lake Powhatan Recreational Area, Lake Julian Park, Charles D Owen District Park, Azalea Road Dog Park, French Broad River Park, Asheville East KOA, French Broad Adventures, Bent Creek Experimental Forest, Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway Im Christine, your local Asheville guide. In addition to being a beautiful NC swimming hole, it has the works as far as amenities go, including concessions, picnic tables/shelters, and public restrooms. Located directly in Asheville, find lakes with Christmas light displays, a bird sanctuary, and the best sunsets. Lake Powhatan. A lake visitor favorite is Laurel Fork Falls. Sliding Rock The most popular of all the swimming holes near Asheville is Sliding Rock. One of the most famous man-made, Western North Carolina lakes near Asheville, get your Dirty Dancing on! DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on itiswild.com are affiliate links. 9 Gorgeous Recreational Lakes near Boone, NC - ItIsWild It doesn't matter if you're seeking to go kayaking, get active with water skiing, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Asheville provide you with numerous opportunities for outdoor fun. Lake Julian Photo: anoldent / CC BY-SA 2.0 Official Page: Lake Julian Distance from Asheville: 9 miles (20 min) Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Sailing, Picnics, Playgrounds Lake Julian is a 300-acre reservoir near Arden. Additionally, youll discover an oval swimming pool thats one of the most popular spots in the Pisgah National Forest. Located near popular Bryson City, it includes public access swimming and facilities clearly marked along NC Hwy 28. If you love roller skating and rollerblading, the Smoky Mountain Sk8way is about 10 minutes away (just check for public skate hours). There are no campgrounds, lodges, or restaurants around. The park features a playground, sand volleyball court, and horseshoe pits. Located near Maggie Valley and Waynesville just 28 miles west of Asheville, Lake Junaluska has functioned as a Methodist conference and retreat center since it was founded in 1913. This serene swimming spot in Pisgah National Forest is near popular Rainbow Falls and the natural water slide Turtleback Falls. So, be very careful and be a good swimmer. The trailheads at Panthertown Valley in Nantahala National Forest are a bit off-the-beaten-track compared to some of the other popular spots. Located 68 miles southwest of Asheville. 10 miles from Blue Ridge read more, This beautiful waterfall setting has multiple cascades and a swimming hole with a rope swing for diving! Located in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest, Silver Run Falls features a 25-foot waterfall that runs into a calm natural pool. 828-733-9573. Here are our favorite natural swimming holes in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville to cool off on a hot summerday. 20 Classy & Fun Bars In Asheville, NC (2023), Montford Park Players Shakespeare In The Park (Asheville): 9 Best Things To Know. Christine has a BA in English and History from Smith College, her MLIS from USF-Tampa, and is a former U.S. Fulbright Scholar - Indonesia. This setting looks deceptively tropical, but it is often shut down in the wintertime due to snow and ice. Lake Powhatan Recreational Area 4.0 (40 reviews) Lakes Campgrounds "of the rain on the canvas was soothing. The cost is $2, and on-site showers and restrooms are available. Where to Raft, Canoe, Kayak and Tube Swimming, in the sporty sense of the word, will be minimal here. Lake Junaluskais a 200-acre reservoir 30 minutes drive from Asheville. Its a well-developed mountain retreat centered around the Methodist Church community. Top 10 Best Swimming Lakes near Enka, Asheville, NC - Yelp Fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are popular ways to enjoy the water. Lake Lure feels like an urban spot rather than a wilderness escape. There is nothing quite like getting to the end of a 90+ day of working outside to remind you to appreciate the many high-quality NC swimming holes. 1. It has rental facilities, boat ramps, lodges, campgrounds, and a nature trail, everything you may wish for. Its a tranquil place where you can escape from the citys noise and enjoy nature. There are no restrooms at Beaver Lake. Locals store their kayaks and boats here. Signal Ridge Marina is located at 4769 State Rte 107, Glenville, NC 28736. But as a lake destination, its not that versatile. Only a half-mile hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, this area has a serene waterfall thats a background for the swimming hole at the bottom. Burnett Reservoir 11. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies. Its an all-in-one destination for long-term stays, vacations, and romantic retreats. It has a fishing pier, a launching ramp, and a small parking lot. There is a lake for swimming and beach. Kayaking is easily one of the most enjoyable activities to take up, Grab the sunscreen, hats, and towels because here in North Carolina, a day on the lake can be the best form of therapy and the best way to make. P.S. What did people search for similar to swimming lakes in Asheville, NC? The hike to Upper Creek Falls is a rustic, root-filled loop trail that is only 1.5 miles round-trip, but challenging enough to deter the masses from going to it. 15 Best Lakes near Asheville, NC: Swimming, Fishing, Kayaking Park in free lots all around the lake. Overall, Rutherford County is stunning with major cabin vibes. Read more. For me, Asheville was love at first literary cocktail in a used bookstore. Although its modest in size, the calm atmosphere will make you want to spend a few days here. Silver Run Road One of the most popular swimming holes in/nearAsheville NC, Skinny Dip Falls has long been considered one of the top Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls. Walk or drive across the dam and learn about the construction during the 1940s in the Tennessee Valley Authority Visitor . This is a deep lake (max depth 120 feet), with over 25 miles of shoreline, so its a pretty large swimming hole. The reservoir is an outdoor haven. Fontana Lake. Lake Powhatan 3. It's great for beginner kayakers, too. Parking at the sanctuary and around the lake is free. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, find plenty of fishing and water activities - including a lakeside campground and beach. Another unique point is the waterfalls that empty into the lake. But to reward you for your efforts, Schoolhouse Fallsis a stunning waterfall you can walk behind. Hidden Falls Hunt-Fish Falls Lake Glenville Lake James State Park Lake Lure Beach and Waterpark Lower Cascade Falls Midnight Hole The Quarry at Carrigan Farms Schoolhouse Falls Skinny Dip Falls Sliding Rock Sunburst Swimming Area Swimming Pool at Morrow Mountain State Park Upper Creek Falls Wildcat Falls Bust Your Butt Falls, photo via Canva 1. Reviews on Swimming Lakes in Asheville, NC 28815 - Lake Julian Park, Lake Powhatan Recreational Area, Charles D Owen District Park, Azalea Road Dog Park, Bent Creek Experimental Forest, Asheville East KOA, Creekside Mountain Camping And to add to the list of advantages, Lake Jocassee is a legendary fishing ground. Gorgeous Fontana Lake is the largest lake in Western North Carolina, surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. However, this access hasnt made it as popular as other water holes. Throw in the changing colors of autumn, however, and youre in for a real, If youre a fan of water skiing or tubing out on the lake on a hot summer day, wakeboarding might be the next sport for you. Just a few miles up river is Jump Off Rock. Copyright 2023 Uncorked Asheville | The Uncorked Librarian LLC, Town Of Weavervilles Parks and Recreation website, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asheville Westgate, NC, 16 Best Indoor Activities in Asheville For Bad Weather, 11 Best Coffee Shops In Downtown Asheville, NC, 19 Best Places For Shopping In Asheville, NC, 4 Great Spots for Gluten-Reduced & Gluten-Free Beer in Greenville, SC (& Nearby! Lake Lure Lake Lure is bordered by the Hickory Nut Gorge's cliffs. Cool Off at These Top 10 Swimming Holes around Asheville Safety One of the most stunning swimming holes near Asheville, Elk River Falls features a 50-foot waterfall thats nothing short of spectacular. This beautiful collection of cascades has an amazing swimming hole at the bottom of it, and the trees will likely be the only company you encounter! Hikes . Seasonally, baby ducks and geese greet jovial visitors, and in the fall, spy vibrant trees. Just a warning that in peak traveler season, this area will turn into a parking lot. Its the most versatile and diverse lake on the list with something for everyone. Price. But there are some lengthier hiking trails in the area, including one that leads to a second waterfall just across the border in Tennessee. The Lake James beach and its accouterments are open from the beginning of May to the end of September. Another way to enjoy the lake is to visit the highly-ratedBeaver Lake Bird Sanctuaryon the eastern side. Get the StepOutside Newsletter specially curated by Outdoor experts. Top 10 Best Lakes Near Asheville, North Carolina. 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! Imagine devouring vegan or regular ice cream by the Broad River. One has a large rock to jump off of, and the other has a beach-esque area that slowly transitions to deeper water. Carolina Harbor, 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, USA 3. This secluded swimming spot in Pisgah National Forest is just 5.5 miles from Sliding Rock, down river from Cove Creek Falls near Looking Glass Rock. 6 Best Water Parks In North Carolina For Summer Fun - Only In Your State Its easy to see why. NOTE: The National Park Service will not allow you to take your dog on this trail. Then, enjoy the lakes around Asheville in your favorite mountain towns, including Black Mountain, Weaverville, and Bryson City. Chimney Rock Village is also home to Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery and Burntshirt Vineyards taproom. It has a launching ramp, a pier, and a parking lot. The adjacent Tufts Memorial Park has a bath house and picnic tables. The open swim dates change year after year, so youll have to check their website to see when to visit. Good Morning Laura - I thought that might be more of a private message, and I won't publish the comment for the public. Enjoy a beautiful day outdoors around the best lakes near Asheville, NC many within the city or under 1.5 hours away. 13 lakes to visit this summer - AVLtoday Read more. The ponds are stocked frequently with trout, and there is no size limit, although you can only keep seven per day. But the Asheville area teems with natural swimming holes ideal for a quick cooldown or an all-day outing. I did read it, though - thank you so much! This is the quickest drive and lake near Asheville after Beaver Lake. RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide | Contact Us About Listing Your Business, Bent Creek Biking & Lake Powhatan Camping. 1300 Staton Road Right about now, the idea of a refreshing swim seems incredibly enticing. There are are also several other popular waterfalls nearby, including Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls. There are lodges, hotels, and restaurants to satisfy the visitors needs, yet the nearest campground is 5 miles away. Its a gorgeous drive in the fall, and one of WNCs bittersweet abandoned projects. Read about staying at Greystone Inn. 2023 - SmokyMountains.com. Stay on the trails! Unlike its neighbor, its a well-developed lake with half of its shoreline privately owned. Cheoah Point has a campground, boat launch, and a designated swimming area with a beach and a beautiful picnic shelter. Its the prime example of a recreation lake with tons of activities on offer. Situated in the middle of a gorge, the area also has some great views when you arent hitting the water. Any feedback would be so appreciated. Watch out if heavy rainfall has occurred, as the Cullasaja River can swell and cause unsafe swimming conditions. Slide down a 60-ft.smooth rock waterfall into a pool of chilly water. Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. Lake Junaluska is a small 200-acre lake, but it's big on beauty and amenities including a 2.6-mile trail around the lake and lakefront hotels and cabins. Bathrooms read more, Rent a tube and set sail for a lazy day on the beautiful Green River near Saluda. Im Christine, your local Asheville guide. Unfortunately, there is no access for swimming here, although its allowed at Bear Creek Lake. A lifeguard is on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. North Carolina has some of the best beaches on the Atlantic Ocean but you might be surprised where the closest ocean beach is located for Asheville. Places to Swim Take a dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Asheville, NC. Lake View Park on the northern shore is where you can purchase permits to use the lake; daily or annual options are available. Our top mountain beach is found at Lake James State Park, with a wide sandy beach, bathhouse, concessions and kayak / paddleboard rentals. READ MORE:The 20 Best Places to Visit in North Carolina. Lake Julianis a 300-acre reservoir near Arden. The waterfall is small, but the swimming hole may be the largest waterfall pool in the state. The massive water park features everything from giant water slides and wave pools to large play structures and a 3-acre kid's area! If you are rafting, you can read more. And although its not stocked, there is plenty of fish with a good mix of cold and warm water species. 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. READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County, Pisgah National Forest Near Elk Park NC. 1. 976 Grassy Ridge Road There is a small day use fee (adults $6, children $4) you have to pay when the lifeguards are on duty, but swimming is free when they arent around. This Pisgah National Forest waterfall, which is near the famed Linville Falls, is the place to go for a swim when visiting this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Although it may not be for everyone, the serenity and remoteness of the lake are well worth the trip. A short walk from roadside parking. Nearby, camp, picnic, hike and mountain bike. While most people visit DuPont to hike, it's also one the Asheville area's best places for mountain biking. Wakeboarding, kayaking, fishing, and even scuba diving are all available. It's family-friendy but a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike to reach. Cool Off From the Heat at These 10 Asheville-Area Swimming Holes, Unlock the Wonder of the Holidays at Biltmore Estate, Top 5 Cheesiest Pizza Joints in Asheville, NC, 10 Best Campgrounds Across the Greater Asheville, TN Area, Indulge at These Top Steakhouses in Asheville, TN, The History of Asheville, NC: Tracing the Footprints of Mountain City. Read more. Nestled in the Hickory Nut Gorge, the lake is surrounded by lush mountain tops and sheer granite cliffs. Azalea Park Lake Norman 5. Lake Louise is located on Lake Louise Dr. in Weaverville, NC 28787. Beaver Lake A little over 5 minutes from Downtown Asheville, Beaver Lake promises a beautiful reprieve from the city. The Bust Your Butt Falls swimming hole is easily accessed via US-64, just a few miles from town. An actual cement pool/pond rather than a natural swimming hole, the swimming facility at Morrow Mountain State Park is worth checking out when in the Charlotte or Uwharrie National Forest area. The most authoritative source for restaurants, attractions, & cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. Education, permits, regulations and where to hunt in your area, Local archery ranges, tips for beginners, and advice on the proper Lake Santeelah 10. And when it comes to fishing, largemouth bass is a typical catch, with 4lbs+ lunkers being common. Second Falls (in pic) is just 1/3-mile walk from the Parkway. The hike down to the waterfall (which, naturally, means climbing back up) is 2.5 miles round-trip. Its a less-known gem. Swimming Lakes in Asheville on YP.com. Just 10 minutes from Asheville, head over to Weaverville. Thank you for such a nice message! Its Ashevilles hidden gem and a green island of wildlife. Our water sport expert shares his, Contrary to popular belief, you don't need many technical skills to go paddling because today's craft are more stable than ever. Just below thepool is a popular summer spot for swimming and sunning read more, This popular hiking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway has two waterfalls. Flat rocks make it easy to catch some sun or have a picnic. 13 lakes to visit this summer June 24, 2020 amcghee Lake Santeetlah | Photo by @katievogel10 Table of Contents Beaver Lake, Asheville | 5 minutes from downtown Asheville Fontana Lake, Bryson City | 1 hour 35 minutes from Asheville Lake Glenville, Cashiers | 1 hour 42 minutes from Asheville The Asheville lakes are stunning especially because those gorgeous mountains wrap around them and they provide endless recreational activities. Bust Your Butt Falls In my opinion, this is the top swimming hole nearBoone NC, Blowing Rock NC, and Banner Elk NC. Off U.S. Highway 64 Lake Glenville is a lot of fun. Its a traditional recreational lake where everything is possible. The pool is rather modern, but it is accompanied by structures built by the CCC in the early 1900s. Imagine camping with hot showers and flush toilets, picnics, and catching a little dam waterfall. These lakes house biking and hiking trails along with camping, fishing, and boating. And the best thing is, its just a stones throw away. New this year isboat-in camping! 13 Swimming Holes In North Carolina To Take A Dip In - Only In Your State Also, kayak or canoe campers would love the lake; it has several boat-in campsites. Plan on heading here in the mornings, evenings, and weekdays. DuPont State Forest is located in Western North Carolina near the South Carolina state line, and is less than an hour drive (40 miles) south of Asheville. Owned by the read more. When her pointy Italian nose isnt stuck in a book, Christine is adopting all of the kitties, getting lost in the forest, and drinking an ESB. Admission is free. Sort: Recommended. Experience Asheville like a local with our free Asheville Favorites checklist, including restaurants, breweries, and hiking. Thank you. Their waters are calm with almost no current, making it great for children or below-average swimmers. It is best enjoyed in the off-season and on weekdays, especially if crowds overwhelm you. Another excellent way to enjoy the views is to take the highly-rated hiking trail that loops the lake. The most popular natural waterslide in North Carolina for generations is in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. READ MORE:The Ultimate Pisgah National Forest Camping Guide, Morrow Mountain State Park Near Uwharrie NC. With over 26 miles of shoreline and 1,470 acres of land, beachgoers and water sports lovers are sure to find something here. Closest beach to Asheville NC | 20 Amazing Options Note that gas motors are prohibited. 6 Blue Ridge Mountain Beaches near Asheville - RomanticAsheville.com White Lake Flickr / Leslie Looper This natural crater turned lake reaches depths of 15 feet, but miraculously, you can always see the bottom of it. 28 in Fontana, N.C. One of the furthest Asheville lakes on this list, Lake Glenville is about a 1.5-hour drive from the city near Cashiers in Jackson County. Choose from three- to six-milefloat trips. Top 20 NC Mountain Swimming Holes - RomanticAsheville.com Fishing is allowed every day, dawn to dusk. We are accepting new partners for added promotional opportunities. Midnight Hole at Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranges, and retailers, Mountains have them, municipalities have them, so why shouldnt waterways have them as well? Report inappropriate content 1-5 of 5 replies Sorted by 1 martijewel Wilmington, North. Where to Beat the Heat & Swim Along the BRP - Blue Ridge Parkway While in Nebo, head to Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm. Sliding Rock Falls is a 60-foot natural waterslide down a smooth rock face, and its too much fun to miss when visiting nearby towns likeAsheville, Brevard, or Hendersonville. Gorgeous Lake Junaluska opened as a mountain retreat for the Methodist church in the early 1900s. Don't miss walking across the Flowering Bridge with a garden covering a former highway bridge. READ MORE:The 15 Best VRBO Cabins in Asheville NC. Lake James State Park is about 50 miles from Asheville NC, just north of Marion off of I-40 and east of Morganton. Fawn Lake and Lake Julia are great read more. There is a small parking area along U.S. Highway 74. Still, its a fun lake with a modest footfall and plenty to do. Plus, there are open swim sessions on during the summer for visitors to enjoy. River tubing is also popular in the area. The couple also volunteers with the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, the Elkin Valley Trail Association, and Reeves Downtown School of Music. But if youre looking for a more versatile destination, you will have to travel further. Fishing can be excellent, too. Also, the reservoir is one of the top fishing destinations in the state. The reservoir even holds the state record for this species, making it an attractive option for anglers.
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