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ASHEVILLE – As temperatures hover within the mid-to-upper 80s throughout this August in Western North Carolina, locals and vacationers could also be scouting a spot to chill off within the area’s refreshing lakes, streams and waterfall swimming pools.
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, which introduced devastating flooding to WNC waterways final fall, many individuals have been involved concerning the security of swimming and different water recreation. Yet, there are protected and accessible swimming holes as crews proceed to tediously restore different beloved outside areas.
Here’s a rundown on among the area’s iconic swim spots, security suggestions, native suggestions and extra.
Hooker Falls, DuPont State Recreational Forest
Distance: 0.8 miles
Rating: Easy
Directions: From Brevard Road/New Hendersonville Highway in Penrose, take Crab Creek Road about 4 miles southeast to DuPont Road/Staton Road, drive about 3 miles south till the parking zone is on the left.
This 12-foot-high waterfall is a kid-friendly swimming oasis throughout the DuPont State Recreational Forest in Transylvania County, about an hour southwest of Asheville. Though not the tallest cascade in WNC, the width of the waterfall creates a large pool at its base, excellent for cooling off on a sweltering summer season day.
The falls is extraordinarily fashionable and arguably cinematic, having a cameo within the 1992 Daniel Day-Lewis epic “The Last of the Mohicans.” It’s named after Edmund Hooker, who operated a mill below the falls in the late 1800s, according to the Friends of DuPont Forest.
Hooker Falls is easy to access on a short path from the parking area, which fills up quickly in the summer. Restrooms and changing areas are available in the parking lot.
It is also a short jaunt away from another popular waterfall trailhead: Triple Falls, High Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. We would recommend working up a sweat on the wide — but steep — gravel path that climbs the mountain to take in the roaring, dramatic, picturesque Triple Falls, before doubling back downslope to cool off at Hooker Falls.
Sara Landry, executive director of Friends of DuPont Forest, said that Helene changed our rivers dramatically, so swimmers should exercise extra caution. She gave the following advice for anyone looking to cool off at this popular swim spot:
- Pack it in, pack it out: There are no trash cans at Hooker Falls. Visitors should be prepared to take all trash with them — to leave no trace. Trash cans can be dangerous for wildlife. A dumpster is available at the Hooker Falls Trailhead; close it tightly to avoid attracting bears and other animals.
- Dogs must always be on a leash: this means a physical leash for all dogs, all the time — no matter how cute or well-behaved. Failure to follow this rule can result in a $250 fine.
- Expect crowds: Hooker Falls is extremely busy during the summer, and parking is limited. Your best bet is to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends.
Huntfish Falls, Pisgah National Forest
Distance: 2-mile roundtrip
Rating: moderate to difficult because of steepness
Directions: East of Spruce Pine, take Old Mortimer Road east to Pineola Road and drive 3.7 miles until the trailhead is on the left.
This scenic, 10-foot waterfall on Lost Cove Creek with a large swimming pool at its base and large rocks for picnicking reopened in November after Helene, along with 84 other miles of trails. It sits tucked into the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest near Linville in Avery County.
Nearby are North Harper Creek Falls, the Lost Cove Cliffs and Darkside Cliffs. These scenic spots can offer a beautiful alternative while several locations in Linville Gorge, including Linville Falls Trailhead, are set to close for repairs.
Skinny Dip Falls, Pisgah National Forest
Distance: 0.9 miles
Rating: Easy to moderate
Directions: The falls cannot be accessed directly from Asheville due to parkway closures. Visitors can access from U.S. 276.
Skinny Dip Falls is a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, along the Mountains-to-Sea trail in the Pisgah National Forest near Balsam Grove.
Parking is at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook at Milepost 417 on the parkway, where visitors can carefully cross the road, and hike about a quarter-mile to a beautiful — and freezing cold — waterfall and pool. It’s a popular place to cool off, and parking can fill up quickly in the summer months.
Midnight Hole, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Distance: 3 miles
Rating: Moderate
Directions: The waterfall is located on the northern North Carolina side of the park. From the Big Creek Trailhead (on foot), follow the Big Creek Trail along the river until the falls are visible on the left. Due to Helene, the trail is only open for hikers and equestrians for the first 2 miles until Mouse Creek Falls.
Midnight Hole was highlighted this summer on a list of nine best swimming holes across the nation by Outside Magazine.
The swimming hole ranked No. 9 on the list in part because it is relatively easy to access, providing an “ideal balance of scenery and adventure.”
“Local legend has it that the hole is so deep, nobody has ever touched the bottom,” the Outside magazine says. “That’s not for a lack of trying; the waterfall is surrounded by tall, round boulders offering a variety of launching pads for leaping. The stream is crystal clear; bring goggles and you can see fish downstream of the popular pool.”
Safety Tips
The “Be Waterfall Wise” marketing campaign’s easy tips come as an inventory of seven simple guidelines for waterfall guests to comply with:
- Observe all posted signs leading to waterfall areas.
- Do not swim or wade upstream near a waterfall.
- Watch for slick rocks around waterfalls.
- Do not jump off waterfalls or dive into pools.
- Do not climb on rocks above waist height.
- Watch your children and pets at all times.
- Stay on marked trails and observation areas.
Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober
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