Looking for:
Best places to swim near asheville nc
Click here to ENTER
It offers a sandy beach with a designated swimming area, picnic tables, and a fishing pier. Boating is hugely popular here; you can hire all types of boats from a few marinas or make use of the boat ramps and launch your own. Wakeboarding, water and jet skiing, and tubing are all allowed and popular here. With seven islands and three waterfalls, there is plenty to see on the lake. Kayaking and canoeing are fantastic ways of exploration. Lake Glenville is a lot of fun.
And luckily, it has plenty of public access so everyone can enjoy the days on the water. It rarely disappoints! At acres, Cedar Cliff Lake is small but charming. The only access point is off Shook Cove Road. It has a launching ramp, a pier, and a parking lot. Also, there is easy access for swimming, which the reservoir is known for. Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Cedar Cliff Lake.
There are no campgrounds, lodges, or restaurants around. Although it may not be for everyone, the serenity and remoteness of the lake are well worth the trip.
There are two ways to enjoy it. The first is to become a guest of Bear Lake Reserve — a lakeside community with vacation rentals. These guys have it all: beach, marina, boat rentals, and hiking trails, you name it. It has a fishing pier, a launching ramp, and a small parking lot. Still, the reservoir has hardly any restrictions on recreational use.
Fontana Lake is a massive 10,acre reservoir west of Asheville. The reservoir has a wide selection of recreational areas, marinas, resorts, and public parks. For example, Fontana Village offers lodging, dining, houseboats, marina, and boat rentals. At the same time, areas like Tsali are managed by National Forest Service and offer a remote experience with campgrounds, boat ramps, and dozens of miles of hiking.
And when it comes to activities, Fontana Lake has it all. Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, as well as water sports like wakeboarding and skiing, are all possible here. The only problem here is which area to choose and what activity to do; the options are limitless! Lake Santeetlah is a 2,acre reservoir nestled by Nantahala National Forest. The reservoir is an outdoor haven. It offers numerous boat ramps, campgrounds, and swimming areas, yet it feels remote and wild.
The only marina on the lake is part of the Lake Santeetlah peninsula. It offers boat rentals and services. Apart from it, there are a few lodges and cabins for rent, but beyond that, the reservoir is entirely wild.
Swimming is allowed at Santeetlah Lake and the national forest maintains a designated beach at Cheoah Point. Also, kayak or canoe campers would love the lake; it has several boat-in campsites. Also, water sports like wakeboarding and skiing are allowed, and there are several launching ramps to take advantage of. The only drawback to this lake is the mile drive from Asheville. Nantahala Lake is a 1,acre reservoir in Nantahala National Forest.
Like most lakes on the list, it has a mix of private and public land. Marinas, resorts, and lodges offer boat rentals, comfortable stays, and modern facilities. Yet, public boat ramps like Rocky Branch and Choga are more primitive but free to use. These areas are quiet and tranquil and rarely get busy. What makes Nantahala Lake unique is the population of Kokanee salmon that was planted back in the s and still thriving today.
The reservoir even holds the state record for this species, making it an attractive option for anglers. Swimming is allowed at Nantahala Lake, but kayaking is the most popular activity here.
The only drawback to this destination is the lack of campgrounds. Unfortunately, there are no camping options, and you will have to travel for a couple of miles to find one.
Lake Jocassee is a sizeable 7,acre reservoir in South Carolina. The only way to access the lake is to visit Devils Fork State Park. It has rental facilities, boat ramps, lodges, campgrounds, and a nature trail, everything you may wish for.
Swimming is allowed at Lake Jocassee, and its spring-fed waters attract crowds in summer. Another unique point is the waterfalls that empty into the lake. You can only reach them by boat or kayak, making the shoreline exploration a lot of fun.
Also, the park offers boat-in camping, so you can easily go on multi-day lake adventures. And to add to the list of advantages, Lake Jocassee is a legendary fishing ground.
It holds a whopping five state records in South Carolina, more than any other lake there. Trophy trout and various bass species attract keen anglers year-round. Lake Jocassee is the best option on the list. It has it all! At 67 acres, Lake Oolenoy is a small but charming reservoir nestled by the mountains. It is part of the Table Rock State Park that offers more than just lakeside fun. The biggest attractions here are trails that lead to viewpoints and waterfalls.
Still, the park offers boat rentals, launching ramps, and a designated swimming area. Motorized boating is prohibited here, which suits kayakers and anglers who like to remain undisturbed. The choice of accommodation is excellent, too. From walk-in primitive camps to RV spots and cabins, the park has it all. This location is best suited to families, keen hikers, and people just getting into the outdoors.
Charles D Owen Park is much closer to Asheville than most of the other options on the list. The ponds are stocked frequently with trout, and there is no size limit, although you can only keep seven per day. Swimming is prohibited at Charles D Owen Park. Yet, there is still plenty to do, and the area is rich in wildlife and especially excellent for birding.
The park is great for afternoon walks and day family trips. This popular hiking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway has two waterfalls. Upper Falls is on a four-mile loop trail in the mile-high meadow. This beautiful waterfall setting has multiple cascades and a swimming hole with a rope swing for diving! It's about a half mile hike from the parking area. It's family-friendy but a 2.
This popular summer swimming hole in Banner Elk includes a white sandy beach, swimming pier and fishing dock. The adjacent Tufts Memorial Park has a bath house and picnic tables. Owned by the Grandfather Home for Children. No admission fee, but they appreciate donations. Float by one waterfall and hike to two others.
Rent a tube and set sail for a lazy day on the beautiful Green River near Saluda. Choose from three- to six-mile float trips. It's great for beginner kayakers, too. Tubing companies provide transportation. Stop at the jump-off rock to rope dive! Enjoy riverside sunning and splashing at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Just a few miles up river is Jump Off Rock. There is a small parking area along U. Highway If you are rafting, you can park your raft, climb and jump! Near Cashiers in Nantahala National Forest is a beautiful ft. A short walk from roadside parking. This secluded swimming spot in Pisgah National Forest is just 5.
Swim or float in a pool below the foot waterfall in DuPont State Forest. Jump from a rope swing and walk behind the falls.
Slide down a ft. Bathrooms and showers are open and lifeguards on duty during warmer months. Swim and sun on a sandy beach in the mountains at Lake Lure, near Chimney Rock. Nestled in the Hickory Nut Gorge , the lake is surrounded by lush mountain tops and sheer granite cliffs. Rent a pontoon or electric boat, canoe or kayak at the marina.
Located along U. For added excitement, there is a "jump off" rock for diving into the chilly waters. Swim, boat, camp and fish in the pristine waters, near Robbinsville. This pristine reservoir near Cashiers has the highest elevation of any lake east of the Mississippi. Signal Ridge Marina rents a variety of Bennington pontoons and tritoons, as well as tubes, paddleboards, skis, wakeboards and kneeboards.
There's even a beach! Find the best places to tube down a river on a hot summer day, including the French Broad River through Asheville, Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains and Green River Gorge – with rentals and shuttle services.
We are lucky enough to have six rivers near Asheville that are good for rafting and kayaking.
15 Best NC Swimming Holes For Summer – 17 Best Cities & Towns Near Asheville, NC
› swimming-holes. Sliding Rock · Skinny Dip Falls · Hooker Falls · Midnight Hole · Turtleback Falls · Azalea Park · Wildcat Lake · Silver Run Falls.
Best places to swim near asheville nc –
Although this area is becoming increasingly popular, its remote setting and steep access trail keeps the massive summer crowds at bay. A wide pool beneath the falls is ideal for swimming and sun bathing, and there are plenty of cliffs and jumping rocks to keep you entertained.
Thrill seekers can find quite the adrenaline rush not to mention photo op by sliding directly over the falls into the pool. While lots of people do this, be aware that any time you willingly or unwillingly plunge off of a waterfall, you are risking bodily harm.
There have been a few unfortunate incidents of severe injuries resulting from people going over the falls. Find a map here. DuPont State Forest is a complete, all-in-one summertime destination. Hikers and mountain bikers will enjoy over one hundred miles of multi-use trails, including the sweet, soaring downhill of Ridgeline Trail, the exposed, sun-beaten Slick-Rock Trail, and the many spectacular waterfalls for which the forest is best known.
Buckroe Beach and Park borders the length of the magnificent Chesapeake Bay with three-quarters of a mile worth of well-maintained shorelines.
Sink your toes into the warm white grains of this clean sandy beach, enjoy the mesmerizing waters where you can surf, kayak, swim, and savor a day in the sun, or simply sit by the docks as you watch ships pass by, or load a rod with bait and reel in that one big catch.
This beach park has lifeguards on duty during the peak seasons of Memorial Day through Labor Day. Additionally, they also have sports rentals and beach shops for all your necessities for spending a whole day in this beautiful destination. This amazing destination is one of the most unspoiled beaches nestled on the Atlantic coast that offers a plethora of recreational activities.
Stroll through the sandy shores, cast a baited hook into rows of foaming breakers or explore the marine life in the pristine waters. Related: Things to Do Near Asheville. With over species of wildlife further consisting of 25 mammals, 24 reptilian species, and 5 species of amphibians, this preserve is a natural haven for all things exotic, mundane, and extraordinary, so make sure to explore and keep your eyes peeled for amazing finds. This location is a famous spot for migratory birds, alongside numerous nature trails that can set you up on a refreshing encounter with nature.
Nags Head, NC Playing the hymn of ocean waves and showcasing a jaw-dropping sight of the night sky, this destination offers a worthwhile visit to tourists from far and wide. Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms through decades of change, this destination is an enthralling symbol of biodiversity with an exotic collection of plants and wildlife; a gorgeous cycle of change and adapting throughout the years.
What is one of the best cities near Asheville for waterfalls? In the summer, visitors and locals flock to Sliding Rock to slide down the foot, natural waterfall slide into a chilly pool of water. Looking Glass Falls is a popular roadside waterfall that freezes in the winter, and Daniel Ridge promises challenging mountain biking trails.
After a day of Asheville hiking , head to Downtown Brevard for food and beer. Brevard has fun brewery options , too, like Ecusta and Oskar Blues. Brevard One of the best small towns near Asheville — well, technically a village with a population under 3, people as of — Flat Rock is home to history, apples, and hiking.
Asheville to Flat Rock is about a minute drive, and Flat Rock and Hendersonville pair well together while you are in the area. Flat Rock Playhouse showcases musicals, concerts, and plays. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which is one of three federally recognized Cherokee tribes. The Reservation, also known as the Qualla Boundary, holds 57, acres of land. On your way into the Smokies, climb the steps to stunning Mingo Falls , and pop into the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to get your bearings.
While not the largest tourist destination, Mills River is a popular place to live and is most well-known for its cidery and breweries. Sierra Nevada has a massive brewing facility in nearby Fletcher, which you can tour. We like to drop in here with hungry airport guests and try all of their beer while gorging on duck fries.
Just down the road, Bold Rock is equally famous as one of the best cideries and has the most unique cider flavors. Across the street, find Mills River Brewing — a more local brewery with camping vibes and food. Another one of the famous villages and small towns near Asheville, Chimney Rock lands on every Asheville bucket list of the best things to do. Chimney Rock State Park is home to a million-year-old monolith that sits 2, feet above sea level.
Visitors may hike or take an elevator to the rocks. Hickory Nut Falls is an easier waterfall hike, and Chimney Rock — as a whole — is a family-friendly hiking spot. There are admission fees to enter Chimney Rock State Park, and winter is the best time to visit to avoid the crowds. On your way out, explore Chimney Rock Village. Walk the short but picturesque Rocky Broad Riverwalk.
Grab lunch — with gluten-free buns — at Old Rock Cafe. For ice cream treats, dip into the Village Scoop. For boozy travelers, Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery offers local brews along the river and Burntshirt has a wine taproom.
Asheville to Chimney Rock is about 45 to 50 minutes, and if you are hoping to explore multiple towns around Asheville, visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure together. Tired of generic Asheville travel itineraries? Experience Asheville like a local with our free Asheville Favorites checklist, including restaurants, breweries, and hiking.
Plus, get local updates — including events and hidden gems — straight to your inbox. Sign up here. Lincolnton is one of those cities near Asheville that we just happened to wander into and now love.
The adjacent Tufts Memorial Park has a bath house and picnic tables. Owned by the Grandfather Home for Children. No admission fee, but they appreciate donations. Float by one waterfall and hike to two others.
Rent a tube and set sail for a lazy day on the beautiful Green River near Saluda. Choose from three- to six-mile float trips. It's great for beginner kayakers, too. Tubing companies provide transportation. Stop at the jump-off rock to rope dive! Enjoy riverside sunning and splashing at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Just a few miles up river is Jump Off Rock.
There is a small parking area along U. Highway If you are rafting, you can park your raft, climb and jump! Near Cashiers in Nantahala National Forest is a beautiful ft. A short walk from roadside parking. This secluded swimming spot in Pisgah National Forest is just 5. Swim or float in a pool below the foot waterfall in DuPont State Forest. Jump from a rope swing and walk behind the falls.
