North Carolina is a state that seems tailor-made for outdoor adventures. From the breathtaking coast to the Highlands, there are countless opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors: hiking trails, lakes, the beach, waterfalls, and just about everything in between. However, there are few attractions as exciting as a natural spring in North Carolina. There is no shortage of beautiful swimming holes here in the Tar Heel State, and today’s destination belongs at the top of your itinerary.

Hooker Falls is a gorgeous 14-ft. waterfall located in the DuPont State Forest, south of Brevard.

Flickr / Jim Leistman

This beloved swimming spot in North Carolina is accessible via a relatively easy .8-mile trail.

Cole Stilwell / AllTrails

While a 14-ft. fall might seem underwhelming, it flows into a large pool making it a unique and beautiful setting for a hike or hot summer day.

Will Thomas / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

Hooker Falls is also the only waterfall in DuPont State Forest that is safe to swim in.

Flickr / Dave Slusher If you’re looking for a whole day of adventure you can easily hike to nearby Triple Falls, High Falls or Bridal Veil Falls.

You can even stand beneath the falls for some really cool moments or photo ops.

Flickr / Fred Dunn The swimming pool is safe for all levels of swimmers - just make sure to keep an eye on the little ones. There’s a rope swing and lots of large rocks for sunbathing.

Hooker Falls is beautiful any time of year, but especially beautiful when the weather is warm and you can take a long swim between adventurous hikes!

Sayf Albayati / AllTrails

Hooker Falls is a great place for a daytime adventure, relaxing with friends, a fun date, and even just you and your four-legged friend. Have you ever visited this wonderful natural spring in North Carolina?

Flickr / Jim Leistman

Cole Stilwell / AllTrails

Will Thomas / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

Flickr / Dave Slusher

If you’re looking for a whole day of adventure you can easily hike to nearby Triple Falls, High Falls or Bridal Veil Falls.

Flickr / Fred Dunn

The swimming pool is safe for all levels of swimmers - just make sure to keep an eye on the little ones. There’s a rope swing and lots of large rocks for sunbathing.

Sayf Albayati / AllTrails

North Carolina has so many amazing swimming holes, many that come with breathtaking waterfall views. Looking for more inspiration? Check out this exciting waterfall road trip in North Carolina.

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Address: Hooker Falls, North Carolina 28768, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Natural Spring in North Carolina June 09, 2020 Beth C. Are there any swimming holes in North Carolina worth checking out? North Carolina is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and many of them involve water. From rushing waterfalls to scenic springs, lakes, and the beach, you can find plenty of unique spots to take a dip in the water. Some favorite swimming holes in North Carolina include White Lake, Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, Deep Creek, Lake Lure, the Yadkin River, and Skinny Dip Falls. Many of these require a bit of a hike to get to, so be sure to pack appropriate clothes and footwear. Curious to see more of the best swimming spots in North Carolina? Check out this list that we put together. Where can I go tubing in North Carolina? There are few experiences more rewarding than floating down a natural lazy river. Watching the landscape pass by and enjoying the unique perspective from the water is an experience than many people from the Tar Heel State cherish. Fortunately, North Carolina has an abundance of opportunities to go tubing. Located near Bryson City, Deep Creek is an excellent spot for tubing. You can look forward to breathtaking mountain views and even a couple of waterfalls to add to the lure. The French Broad River is another great spot for floating. Given that the river is fairly wide most of the way, this spot is perfect for larger groups. Lastly, the Cape Fear River is a great spot for those looking for an adrenaline rush. Fortunately, Cape Fear River Adventures makes the experience much more approachable. Can I camp right on the water in North Carolina? Camping in North Carolina is an experience that many outdoor enthusiasts cherish. There’s something about the landscape of North Carolina, whether you’re in the mountains or along the coast, that lends itself to a perfect night under the stars. In fact, there are even places that allow you to camp right on the water. Head to Carolina Beach State Park and you can enjoy this exact experience. Located south of Wilmington, this popular state park offers no shortage of waterfront activities. Another beloved camping experience on the beach is Ocracoke Island on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The island is accessible by boat and once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re truly on a secluded island.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Natural Spring in North Carolina

June 09, 2020

Beth C.

Are there any swimming holes in North Carolina worth checking out? North Carolina is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and many of them involve water. From rushing waterfalls to scenic springs, lakes, and the beach, you can find plenty of unique spots to take a dip in the water. Some favorite swimming holes in North Carolina include White Lake, Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, Deep Creek, Lake Lure, the Yadkin River, and Skinny Dip Falls. Many of these require a bit of a hike to get to, so be sure to pack appropriate clothes and footwear. Curious to see more of the best swimming spots in North Carolina? Check out this list that we put together. Where can I go tubing in North Carolina? There are few experiences more rewarding than floating down a natural lazy river. Watching the landscape pass by and enjoying the unique perspective from the water is an experience than many people from the Tar Heel State cherish. Fortunately, North Carolina has an abundance of opportunities to go tubing. Located near Bryson City, Deep Creek is an excellent spot for tubing. You can look forward to breathtaking mountain views and even a couple of waterfalls to add to the lure. The French Broad River is another great spot for floating. Given that the river is fairly wide most of the way, this spot is perfect for larger groups. Lastly, the Cape Fear River is a great spot for those looking for an adrenaline rush. Fortunately, Cape Fear River Adventures makes the experience much more approachable. Can I camp right on the water in North Carolina? Camping in North Carolina is an experience that many outdoor enthusiasts cherish. There’s something about the landscape of North Carolina, whether you’re in the mountains or along the coast, that lends itself to a perfect night under the stars. In fact, there are even places that allow you to camp right on the water. Head to Carolina Beach State Park and you can enjoy this exact experience. Located south of Wilmington, this popular state park offers no shortage of waterfront activities. Another beloved camping experience on the beach is Ocracoke Island on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The island is accessible by boat and once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re truly on a secluded island.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

North Carolina is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and many of them involve water. From rushing waterfalls to scenic springs, lakes, and the beach, you can find plenty of unique spots to take a dip in the water. Some favorite swimming holes in North Carolina include White Lake, Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, Deep Creek, Lake Lure, the Yadkin River, and Skinny Dip Falls. Many of these require a bit of a hike to get to, so be sure to pack appropriate clothes and footwear. Curious to see more of the best swimming spots in North Carolina? Check out this list that we put together.

Where can I go tubing in North Carolina?

There are few experiences more rewarding than floating down a natural lazy river. Watching the landscape pass by and enjoying the unique perspective from the water is an experience than many people from the Tar Heel State cherish. Fortunately, North Carolina has an abundance of opportunities to go tubing. Located near Bryson City, Deep Creek is an excellent spot for tubing. You can look forward to breathtaking mountain views and even a couple of waterfalls to add to the lure. The French Broad River is another great spot for floating. Given that the river is fairly wide most of the way, this spot is perfect for larger groups. Lastly, the Cape Fear River is a great spot for those looking for an adrenaline rush. Fortunately, Cape Fear River Adventures makes the experience much more approachable.

Can I camp right on the water in North Carolina?

Camping in North Carolina is an experience that many outdoor enthusiasts cherish. There’s something about the landscape of North Carolina, whether you’re in the mountains or along the coast, that lends itself to a perfect night under the stars. In fact, there are even places that allow you to camp right on the water. Head to Carolina Beach State Park and you can enjoy this exact experience. Located south of Wilmington, this popular state park offers no shortage of waterfront activities. Another beloved camping experience on the beach is Ocracoke Island on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The island is accessible by boat and once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re truly on a secluded island.