12 Free Swimming Holes near Lake James State Park Swim Beach
first prev 1 next lastShowing Swimming Holes within 50 miles Distance miles of Lake James State Park Swim Beach near Nebo City, Zip, or Address
Linville Gorge Area
Marion, North Carolina
10.6 miles NLinville Gorge's deep swimming holes reward serious adventurers who navigate rough roads and steep trails — but the gorge is easy to get lost in, so go prepared.
Swim
Wilson Creek Area
Collettsville, North Carolina
14.0 miles NNumerous waterfalls and swimming holes tucked throughout the Wilson Creek area — most require short or longer hikes to find, but all are gems worth the effort in the Pisgah National Forest.
Swim
Stone Mountain State Park
Connelly Springs, North Carolina
17.0 miles SESwim near Connelly Springs, North Carolina
Swim
Carolina Hemlock
Burnsville, North Carolina
18.7 miles WA family swimming area on the South Toe River near Mount Mitchell in the Pisgah National Forest campgrounds — note that the site is closed seasonally and fees apply.
Camp, Swim 0.8 mi
Hickory Nut Falls
Chimney Rock, North Carolina
29.9 miles SWA waterfall inside Chimney Rock State Park operated as a private concession — admission fee applies; see the park website for current pricing and details.
Hike, Swim
Elk River Falls
Elk Park, North Carolina
31.8 miles NSwim near Elk Park, North Carolina
Swim
Twisted Falls / Compression Falls
Butler, Tennessee
33.7 miles NTwisting Falls (Compression Falls) is a dramatic Elk River gorge waterfall in northeast Tennessee — stunning, but one of the region's deadliest jump spots.
Swim
Rock Creek
Unicoi, Tennessee
37.6 miles NWA man-made concrete-bottom stream-fed pool with a sandy beach and short waterfall makes Rock Creek a refreshing — if chilly in June — summer splash near Unicoi.
Swim
Laurel Fork
Hampton, Tennessee
38.9 miles NSwim near Hampton, Tennessee
Swim
Blue Hole Mill Creek
Elizabethton, Tennessee
48.7 miles NSwim near Elizabethton, Tennessee
Swim
Elk Shoals
West Jefferson, North Carolina
49.3 miles NESwim near West Jefferson, North Carolina
Swim
North Mills River
Mills River, North Carolina
49.4 miles SWA campground in the Cherokee National Forest with creek swimming, fishing for rainbow and brook trout, and kid-favorite tubing — plus 31 picnic tables and educational summer programs nearby.
Swim
