Waterfall swimming holes are perhaps the best free recreation you can find in North Carolina in the summertime. And it’s even better when the trail leading to the waterfall is just a hop, skip, and a jump from where you park your car. Pack a cooler, a towel, and some sunscreen and head to the Nantahala National Forest outside of Cashiers for some fun in the sun and the cool mountain waters of Silver Run Creek in the natural swimming hole found at the base of Silver Run Falls. It’s so much fun!

Standing at 40 feet tall, Silver Run Falls spills over a ledge and gently kisses the plunge pool at the base of the falls, making this a fantastic spot for a swimming hole.

TripAdvisor/Joe58156

Access to the waterfall is attained via a short and easy 0.2-mile trail leading from the trailhead found four miles south of Cashiers on NC-107.

Google Maps/Nick Breedlove

Hit the trail and you’ll find you’re standing on the edge of the swimming hole and at the base of the waterfall in no time at all!

alltrails/David Hobbs

For the most part, the trail is super easy, although there may be the occasional challenge as far as footing goes. This well-worn trail sees a lot of traffic in warmer weather. As a result, the surface is pretty worn. Tree roots will be your biggest worry.

TripAdvisor/Gary A

In majestic fashion, Silver Run Falls is unveiled at the very end of the 0.2-mile trail. And what a beautiful sight to behold!

alltrails/Robert Wagner

Go ahead, peel off your clothes and hop in!

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The swimming hole is suitable for all members of the family. It has a shallow section for the younger members and a section that’s a bit deeper for more advanced swimmers.

TripAdvisor/PamelaJReid

If you love chasing waterfall swimming holes in North Carolina, then this one belongs on the bucket list, for sure.

alltrails/Taylor Walden

Find the trailhead beside the road on NC-107 just outside of Cashiers. Use this Google Map to map directions from your starting point to the trailhead.

Google Maps

You can find out more about the trail to Silver Run Falls from our friends at AllTrails.com.

TripAdvisor/Joe58156

Google Maps/Nick Breedlove

alltrails/David Hobbs

TripAdvisor/Gary A

alltrails/Robert Wagner

TripAdvisor/lookie-brookie

TripAdvisor/PamelaJReid

alltrails/Taylor Walden

Google Maps

What’s your favorite waterfall swimming hole in North Carolina? Let us know right over here.

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Address: Silver Run Falls Trailhead, 35°04'00.9"N 83°04'01.1"W, Cashiers, NC 28717, USA