39 Free Swimming Holes near Devils Elbow #448
first prev 1 2 next lastShowing Swimming Holes within 50 miles Distance miles of Hogback Spur A, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747, USA City, Zip, or Address
Turtleback Falls
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
4.9 miles STurtleback Falls' dome-shaped slide drops riders 10 feet into the Chug Hole pool, but wait for calm currents — strong flows have swept swimmers downriver over 125-foot Rainbow Falls.
Backpack, Hike, Swim 1.0 mi
Hidden Falls
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
5.2 miles SEJust a few steps off the Horsepasture River trail, Hidden Falls drops less than ten feet into an idyllic boulder-rimmed pool — a serene and easy family swimming hole.
Hike, Swim 1.3 mi
Rainbow Falls
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
5.4 miles SEA 150-foot spectacular cascade on the Horsepasture River can be admired from front, side, bottom, and top — one showstopper in a 2-mile series of incredible falls.
Hike, Swim
Big Creek Area
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
6.1 miles NSeveral remote swimming holes near the TN-NC border in the Big Creek Recreation Area of the Great Smoky Mountains — very secluded, and dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Swim
Bear Creek Area
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
6.1 miles NSeveral remote swimming holes in lakes along Route 281 southeast of Sylva and Cullowhee — bathing suits optional at most spots, given how far off the beaten path they are.
Swim
Cashiers Area
Woodleaf, North Carolina
8.4 miles SWSwim near Woodleaf, North Carolina
Swim
Courthouse Falls
9.8 miles NE
A gorgeous 45-foot waterfall streams into a stunning blue-green pool in a greenery-covered cliff cove — just a 3/4-mile easy hike from the parking lot, open year-round.
Hike, Swim
Midnight Hole
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
10.5 miles NWSwim near Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Swim
Big Creek
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
10.5 miles NWSwim near Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Swim 1.8 mi
Flat Laurel Creek
12.8 miles NE
A 3.18-mile multi-use trail following Flat Laurel Creek through colorful rock formations and forest, with distant views of Sam Knob and a small waterfall — open year round.
Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike, Swim
Whaleback Swimming Hole
Asheville, North Carolina
13.4 miles NEA horseshoe of massive bedrock around a deep, green swimming hole where Cove Creek meets the Davidson River — locals' quiet answer to crowded Sliding Rock.
Swim
Cove Creek Tubs
Brevard, North Carolina
13.5 miles NEThree perfectly rounded pot holes — the Pisgah Forest's finest — stack up to 12 feet deep in sun-drenched pools that are best described as nature's own jacuzzi collection.
Swim 0.2-2.8 mi
Graveyard Fields
Brevard, North Carolina
14.1 miles NETwo cascading waterfalls — a swimmable Lower Falls just 1/3 mile from the road, and a more challenging Upper Falls on a 3.5-mile wildflower loop — make this a must-see hike.
Hike, Swim
Moonshine Falls Area
Bishopville, South Carolina
14.4 miles SESwim near Bishopville, South Carolina
Swim 0.8 mi
Daniel Ridge Falls
Brevard, North Carolina
14.5 miles NEAn easy half-mile hike in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard to a 150-foot waterfall known by three names — most impressive after rain, modest in dry spells, with an optional 4-mile loop to the top.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
Skinny Dip Falls
Brevard, North Carolina
14.7 miles NEA cascading waterfall with multiple clear pools for wading and swimming, a 6-foot jumping spot, and an easy 3/4-mile forested walk from the Blue Ridge Parkway — swimmers should mind fast water and slippery rocks.
Hike, Swim
Sunburst
Canton, North Carolina
15.0 miles NSwim near Canton, North Carolina
Swim
Coontree Recreation Area
Brevard, North Carolina
16.0 miles NEA scenic picnic area on the Davidson River with direct access to calm, deep water for swimming and fishing — plus the 3.7-mile Coontree Loop Trail through Pisgah National Forest.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
Looking Glass Falls
Brevard, North Carolina
16.1 miles NEA cascading 60-foot waterfall over mossy stone with a wading pool below — just a short, beautiful walk from Pisgah Highway in Brevard, stunning in any season.
Hike, Swim 0.1 mi
Looking Glass Falls
Brevard, North Carolina
16.1 miles NEOne of North Carolina's most popular and accessible waterfalls — the 60-foot Looking Glass Falls drops roadside along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway in Pisgah National Forest, with easy viewing from the parking area or a short walk.
Swim
