Do you like natural swimming pools? Do you want to enjoy the waterfalls? If you love to swim and you love the great outdoors, nothing can enhance your swimming experience more than a swim in one of nature’s swimming holes! Just imagine a natural swimming pool nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains backdrop! What a refreshing and exhilarating outdoors experience! If this sounds appealing to you, stay tuned as I reveal to you some of the best natural swimming holes of the Maggie Valley Area!
If you are familiar with Maggie Valley, you must have heard that this place is known for it’s scenic mountain views, babbling creeks, and tumbling waterfalls. It’s truly a treat to be able to not only view the beauty of some of nature’s gifts, but to also be able to jump in and experience it first hand!
You will find several swimming holes in this area, with easy accessibility from town. A number of the swimming holes are located within thirty miles of Maggie Valley’s Creekside Lodge. Many of these are open to the general public, so you can join in the fun anytime during daylight hours. If you’re looking for a way to cool off during those hot summer days while also relaxing your body and mind, then it’s worth a visit to one of these swimming holes. You will certainly enjoy it and chances are, you’ll want to stop by more than once during your visit.
Graveyard Fields Trail
When we talk about the natural swimming pools, you usually focus on the beautiful, outdoor setting. A nature lover and swimmer will be in heaven if he gets a perfect combination of a relaxing swimming hole with waterfalls after a relaxing walk through a tunnel and across a wooden bridge. That’s the setting found at Graveyard Fields Trail. You’ll find this little gem about 25 miles southeast of Maggie Valley. You can conveniently park in the parking lot, which is located a short 0.3 miles away from the swimming area. You will take a walk thru a tunnel then across a wooden bridge, enjoying some flowers along the way before you arrive at the swimming area and waterfalls. There is an observation deck and some large boulders used for sunbathing if you choose! If you love fresh blueberries and blackberries, be sure to bring a little bucket for your berry picking along the way! You are allowed to collect up to a gallon of berries per day.
Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock is for those looking to add a little adventure with your swim! Just as the name implies, Sliding Rock features a 60-foot natural waterslide and a 6-foot deep natural pool at the end of that waterslide! It is estimated that 11, 00 gallons of water comes gushing down the rock waterslide every minute! Lifeguards are on staff from Memorial Day thru Labor Day to insure the safety of the summer crowds. Bathrooms are available for your use as well. If you want fewer crowds during the summer, then consider visiting during the week rather than on the weekends. A small parking fee is also charged at this location.
Oconaluftee Islands Park
Oconaluftee Island Park that is located a short ten miles from Maggie Valley. With its’ shallow, ankle-deep waters and bed of smooth river rocks, this is an ideal place for young children to explore the water. Bring a blanket to spread out under the canopy of shade trees and just relax or enjoy a leisurely picnic! This is a wonderful spot that will be enjoyed by all, whether you choose to be in or out of the water!
Bust Your Butt Falls
As the name implies, Bust Your Butt Falls provides access for those daredevils in your group who dream of jumping off a cliff into a deep pool of water! This site is reserved for those who are skilled swimmers because without experience and skill, you can injure yourself! Visitors here just jump off the cliff into the natural pool then exit…. this is not an area to swim in due to the swift currents! Bust Your Butt Falls is located about 40 miles south of Maggie Valley.
Now you have an idea of some of the choice swimming holes in the Maggie Valley area! Pick out the one that sounds best to you or just plan to visit several spots and choose your favorite! At Creekside Lodge, we would love to be your home base while you are exploring all the fun activities that await you in the Maggie Valley area! Please call us at (800) 621-1260 and set up your reservation today! Creekside Lodge will help you make Smoky Mountain memories you’ll never forget!
