Cashier's "Sliding Rock"

This natural water slide, located eight miles from Brevard, is fueled by 11,000 gallons of water flowing down the rock each minute. Each summer, thousands of children and adults slip and slide down this favorite natural mountain waterfall in Pisgah National Forest. Sliders patiently line up and wait their turn as one-by-one they ride the chilly water (50-60 degrees!) down the 60-foot flat, sloping boulder. They make a splash in an eight-foot deep pool and swim a few strokes to the shore, get in line, and do it all over again. It is extremely popular on hot summer days, so be patient! Cost to enter the recreation area is $4 per person when staff members are on duty. It is free to visit during "off" hours.

You may have heard about the famous “Sliding Rock” in Brevard, but did you know that’s not the only natural waterslide to explore near Meraki Escape? Cashier’s Sliding Rock is another natural swimming hole created by the Chattooga River gliding over a 10-foot high rock face. Play in the pool at the bottom of the sliding rock or take the short trail to the top for a short, but exciting slide into the pool below. It's a popular place so be prepared to see some other folks there in the summer months.

Rainbow Falls

Hidden Falls

Whaleback Falls

Located in Gorges State Park, is one of the most spectacular waterfall settings in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This 150-ft. tall waterfall is impressive, especially after rainy weather that swells the Horsepasture River. Rainbow Falls is clearly visible from a multiple overlooks located on a popular trail, and if you’re brave, you can even climb down to the base where there is also a nice swimming hole.

Located in Gorges State Park, is just down river from the towering Rainbow Falls. It's on the Horsepasture River "hidden" just a few steps off the main trail. Most hikers miss it. The waterfall is less than 10 feet tall, but it drops into an idyllic pool surrounded by boulders that act as a small dam and provide sunning and picnic spots.

In the center of the swimming hole sits a long, irregular granite rock that resembles a whale breaching the surface, hence the name. Easy access to the road, makes this an extremely popular swimming hole among locals and tourists alike. Even in peak tourist season, it is possible to get this swimming hole to yourself. Go to the Cove Creek and Caney Bottom Hike Parking area and there will be a trail to the falls.

Hooker Falls

Skinny Dip Falls

Silver Run Falls

Courthouse Falls descends into a lush, picturesque cove in the Pisgah National Forest. The waterfall plunges about 45 ft. from a narrow chute into a deep pool, perfect for a dip on a hot summer's day.

Swim or float in a pool below the 12-foot waterfall in DuPont State Forest. Jump from a rope swing and walk behind the falls.

A refreshing swimming hole and soaking spot on a hot summer day with clear, cold water. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway (at Milepost 417 at Looking Glass Rock overlook), it's easy to find at the end of a 3/4 of a mile hiking trail from the Parkway overlook.

This 25-ft. waterfall cascades into a tranquil pool with a small beach area making it a popular swimming spot. 

Schoolhouse Falls

Coontree Picnic Area & Swimming Hole

Lake Glenville

Fawn Lake

The most popular of the many waterfalls in Panthertown Valley, this cascade freefalls into a refreshing pool that is safe for swimming and wading. The most direct route is 2.5 miles roundtrip. 

This swimming hole offers safe access to the river, nice picnic spots and flush toilets. After a dip in the river, check out the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. 

Lake Glenville, the highest elevation of any lake east of the Mississippi (3,494 feet), located about 25 miles from Meraki Escape and about 15 miles south of Western Carolina University is a great place to swim. Amenities at the Pines Recreation Area include a sandy mountain beach, swim area, fishing pier, picnic tables, vault toilets, and a parking lot. It's also fully handicap accessible. Free admission. No pets allowed here.

Fawn Lake is a small reservoir with a gazebo and boardwalk is a sensational spot to cool off, play hookie, or while away a lazy afternoon. One big advantage to Fawn Lake is that the water temperature is generally much more moderate than the other river- and stream-fed swimming spots. Local favorite.