Do Go Chasing Waterfalls
Looking to add some outdoor excitement to your life right here in North Carolina? There are so many hidden adventures waiting for you in every state, but now that the weather is bright and beautiful here in North Carolina, we recommend visiting these cascading waterfalls for an escape. Finding activities outdoors that are safe in these times isn’t always easy, but we think this is the ideal activity for increasing serotonin by embracing nature and soaking up some sun while making new memories. Keep reading to discover more about the secret swimming spots that we believe will bring some enchantment into your ever-seemingly routine days.
Elk River Falls
If you’re feeling less adventurous or just want a calm picnic day with your friends, Elk River Falls has enormous rocks with plenty of space to spread out with a wide-open view. The waterfall itself is around 50 feet and only a five-minute walk from parking, which is shocking considering the area looks straight out of a Nicholas Sparks movie. The rocks are flat and there’s no need to worry about potential injury, but stay in the shallow waters when taking a dip. Accidents are always a possibility when swimming directly under the powerful waterfall, so be careful when visiting Elk River Falls!
Proceed with caution, but enjoy wholeheartedly. Photo from Pinterest.
Skinny Dip Falls
Don’t let the name fool you, suits are still expected. Photo from Pinterest.
Skills Dip Falls is a stunning swimming hole located at the Blue Ridge Parkway at the end of a short walk, under one mile. There is a boulder to let go of your worries and leap into the deeper parts of the hole, substantial rocks for sunbathing, and a balance of secluded and non-secluded areas making for the perfect dichotomy of an intimate picnic or a vivacious gathering. If you find yourself bored on a sunny day, Skinny Dip Falls is the first place you should visit.
Midnight Falls
Midnight Hole Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains National Park for young people. The roomy rocks make for the pristine platform for thrill-seekers to jump off into the calm waters, which are completely safe to swim in. The water is unbelievably clear and there is plenty of space to spread out if you’re searching for a more secluded spot to indulge in nature.
Leave your speaker at home, the soft trickle of the water and the sweet sound of birds chirping is all you’ll need. Photo from Pinterest.
Yellow Creek Falls
Inviting year-round, regardless of the season. Photo from Pinterest.
Yellow Creek Falls, located in Graham County, is the perfect place to explore for the afternoon on a sunny day. These falls consist of several cascades, which are easily accessible and make for a great cocoon to take a breather. From hidden holes all over the area to the 50 feet fall that chute into a pool perfect for swimming, Yellow Creek Falls has a great variety of natural elements and room for so much activity. The water is lovely to take a dip in, so bring your suits and plan to meander through these falls exploring all Yellow Creek has to offer.
Carrigan Farms Quarry
Okay, so this one is not exactly a waterfall, but trust us, it’s a must-visit location! On the scorching hot days where the thought of floating in cool waters makes your mouth salivate, Carrigan farm’s quarry is the place to be. The quarry hosts open swim hours every weekend with only a small entrance fee and has very precautious COVID restrictions. Tall cliffs overlook one side of the spacious quarry and on the opposite, you’ll find exciting terrain made up of various sizes of boulders. If you don’t feel like taking a swim, it’s still worth it for the vibrant views. Especially during these unprecedented times, finding a place like the Carrigan Farm Quarry to take a dip and genuinely relax with others outdoors safely has proved to be valuable to our wellbeing.
Try to find a place that instantly calms your state of being quicker than this one, we dare you. Photo from Pinterest.
Rather than missing out on an opportunity to swim in nature’s playgrounds, seize the day and jump at these golden spots.
We do not own any of the featured images.