Directions

From Trinity, North Carolina

1. Head south on NC-62 S toward Trinity College Rd (1.3 mi)
2. Turn left onto Hopewell Church Rd (0.1 mi)
3. Turn left onto the ramp to Charlotte (0.2 mi)
4. Merge onto I-85 S (11.3 mi)
5. Take exit 96 for US-64 toward Lexington/Asheboro (0.3 mi)
6. Turn right onto US-64 W (5.3 mi)
7. Take the U.S. 64 W ramp to Mocksville (0.1 mi)
8. Continue onto US-64 W/Mocksville Rd
   Continue to follow US-64 W
   (19.0 mi)
9. Turn left to stay on US-64 W (2.5 mi)
10. Turn left to merge onto I-40 W toward Statesville (81.2 mi)
11. Take exit 86 for NC-226 toward Marion/Shelby (0.3 mi)
12. Turn right onto NC-226 N (0.9 mi)
13. Continue straight onto US-221 N (5.2 mi)
14. Turn left onto US-70 W (1.8 mi)
15. Turn right onto NC-80 N
    Destination will be on the left
    (17.5 mi)

From Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost (approx) 345, follow RT 80 north, then:

CAROLINA HEMLOCK [CARO]: Very outstanding swimming and tubing place right by the Carolina Hemlock N. F. campground. Rocks to jump from, also a large concrete platform for sunbathing and jumping. River very deep in places. Cool water. PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO . Restroom/changing facilities somewhat decrepit.

Here is some additional info on Carolina Hemlock: The river is called the South Toe and comes directly off of Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. The water is extremely cold(52 degrees in July) but very clear and clean. The swimming area has a deep spot that is fourteen feet to the bottom and is clear enough to see to the bottom. The campground runs along the river for 1/2 mile with great tubing from giant rocks at the put in point to the highway bridge where you get out and walk back up paths that go beside river. No lifeguard on regular duty, but on occasion during weekend. Nominal fee, no tube rentals. This is part of the Pisgah national forest. There is a changing area but no showers or concessions. The river is pretty safe with a number of exciting rapids and drops for tubes. To get here from RT 80 at the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow RT 80 north about 5.5 miles (past turn off to South Toe Pool, above) to Carolina Hemlock campground. Swimming place is at the campground. LAT, LON : lat=35.80450, lon= -82.20436(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/02. Updated 3/2008. Courtesy of swimmingholes.org