ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — With temperatures climbing into the 90s across Western North Carolina this week, swimming holes and rivers around Asheville can offer a much-needed escape from the heat and humidity.
Tropical Storm Helene temporarily impacted access to several natural areas, and authorities urge caution at lesser-known or unmonitored swimming holes because of possible storm-related hazards and hidden debris.
Most popular sites, including Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, Hooker Falls and Graveyard Fields, are open. French Broad River access points are largely available, as well, though water quality advisories remain in effect in some areas. Lake Lure remains closed.
Those that are open include:
Sliding Rock (Pisgah National Forest): Off U.S. 276 near Brevard. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; $5 fee per person. Bathrooms and changing facilities are available.
Hooker Falls (DuPont State Recreational Forest): Off DuPont/Staton Road outside Brevard. Safe for swimming and easily accessed from the Hooker Falls parking area.
Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls: Located off U.S. 276 near Brevard and open for wading and viewing.
Graveyard Fields: Open for wading and picnicking; located at milepost 418 along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Carolina Hemlocks Campground (South Toe River): Outside Burnsville. Open for camping and swimming, though Mount Mitchell State Park remains closed.
Silver Run Falls (Cashiers): A 25-foot waterfall spilling into a tranquil pool, ideal for families.
Bubbling Spring Falls: Accessible via a short hike off N.C. 215 near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
French Broad River conditions
Many access points on the French Broad River, including Hominy Creek to Pearson Bridge, have reopened. Outfitters are resuming operations, though visitors are advised to check the French Broad Paddle Trail and Explore Asheville water guide for real-time conditions and potential advisories.
Catawba River conditions
While most of the Catawba River remains accessible, some surrounding areas and trails are still closed because of storm damage and debris.
The Catawba Falls loop trail is open, but the upper viewing platform and the Wildflower Trail remain closed. In Catawba County, Finger Bridge Road is closed, and many roads across Western North Carolina are limited to emergency traffic only.
The Green River has areas with closures and changing conditions because of recent storms and wildfire recovery efforts. While some businesses and outdoor recreation areas are reopening, others are still impacted. Pot Shoals Road, a main access point for the Green River, remains closed. Green River Cove Trail is also partially closed because of storm damage.
Safety and closures
Lake Lure: Closed while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to remove debris.
Elk River Falls: Closed for repairs.
E. coli advisories: Still apply in parts of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers. For up-to-date information, check the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality or the Swim Guide app.
Tips for visitors
- Always confirm current conditions and closures before visiting.
- Wear water shoes to prevent injury on slippery or rocky terrain.
- Avoid climbing on or around waterfalls.
- Use extra caution in lesser-known or unmonitored locations. Some may still contain debris from recent flooding or landslides.
- Swim at your own risk and be aware of sudden drops, currents, and temperature changes in mountain water.
- Never climb on or around waterfalls.
More information on park and trail status is available through Asheville Parks & Recreation, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation and North Carolina State Parks websites.