To access the Barrel, take Plath Road off the Kennedy Highway in the Upper Barron area between Atherton and Mount Hypipamee. Be watchful for the roots, slippery rocks and low branches along the way. Mostly Dry, Fallen Trees - Nice easy trail. } "@media (min-width: 601px)": { "margin-left": "0px", })(); } Create Recommended Route or This is an incredibly beautiful and natural spot and the slightly difficult access means that it is much less likely to be crowded than many other swimming holes. Roads are windy although wide and youll be continuously climbing up before seeing the sign for the Falls on your right if coming from the town of Morganton. At the parking area, there are two options to start your hike on the loop trail. The popular summer swimming hole at Upper Creek Falls with a beautiful cascade pouring into it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. /**/. Look for yellow blazes on trees to mark the trail. "margin-bottom": "50px" [CDATA[*/ NOT OKAY! The pool is deep and long enough for a proper swim and is fed by a small waterfall at the far end. Directions: Take NC-181 North from Morganton. It's not only a short pleasant drive from Charlotte but has . }); From Boone, travel along U.S. 421/U.S. Upper Calf Creek Falls (37.85504, -111.452103) . } Your email address will not be published. }, "text": { "img": false, Everyone had a great time. }, Located in the North Carolina mountains in Pisgah National Forest along NC Highway 181.It offers its visitors great waterfalls, huge. "@media (min-width: 601px)": { Fantastic place. Laurel Creek Falls is located about 15 minutes from Boone. "max-width": "100%", "options": false Tucked between the town of Paris and Mount Magazine, the creek delights with 6-foot falls that are kid friendly. "@media (min-width: 601px)": { Expect to hike approximately 4 miles on steep terrain. } else { "buttonDestination": "modal", Finally, downstream from the waterfall and near the crossing of the lower loop is a much longer (~100 foot) natural waterslide/chute that you can tube or slide down. Further upstream is the Black Hole swimming area. . After about 19km continue onto Orara Way and follow it north for 21km. } else { How To Get There: From Coffs Harbour Drive north west on Coramba Road passing through Coramba. The trailhead to Upper Creek Falls is located just off highway 181 about 5 and 1/2 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Falls appeared to be a popular spot for tourist and locals but dont let this deter you from coming. Just off highway 181 in the Pisgah National Forest, a few miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, is the wonderful loop hike Upper Creek Falls. Once at the waters edge, exploration both upstream and downstream presents the adventurer with beautiful waterfalls and perfect swimming holes. From crystal clear glacial waters to emerald pools, California's north is where epic swimming is at! Photo: Matt Tilghman. function loadScript() { We took multiple breaks marveling at the many waterfalls along the way back and taking notes on where we can splash in next time we visit. The small cascade immediately above the large waterfall at Upper Creek Falls. }, id: '7157953003660', There is also a swimming hole just below the gorge. The trail features a couple of great swimming holes as well as the waterfalls. We could go left or right since the trail is a loop. })(); During these times just enjoy the view and then hike back to the parking area. Upper Creek Falls Loop moderate (764) Pisgah National Forest Photos (828) Directions Print/PDF Map Check out this 1.5-mile loop trail near Newland, North Carolina. node: document.getElementById('product-component-1667408342563'), Although it seems crazy to swim above the large waterfall, the swimming area is protected by a number of large rocks. "text": { Table Rock Mountain's distinctive summit above. Requiring a further hike than the nearby Aztec Falls, this swimming hole is less crowded and even more rewarding. Upper North Falls and Double Falls are the only waterfalls with allowed access to the water. The Deep Creek section of Great Smoky Mountains National is right outside of Bryson City, and it is beloved for impressive waterfalls, tubing, and a nice swimming hole. The entire creek is surrounded by greenery, but particularly underneath the spray of the waterfall. After discovering Mountain Burrito in town however, now that has changed. It's located in the North Carolina mountains in Pisgah National Forest along NC Highway 181 (near the small community of Jonas Ridge, about 13.5 miles north of Morganton) and about 5.5 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway . Upper Creek Falls has 5 stars. Just upstream from the upper portion of the falls is the Jonas Hole, a popular swimming area with a rope swing and a large natural waterslide. I promise you wont regret it and would most likely just like us find any and every excuse to stop by and treat yourself. }, "products": { The trail begins on the left side of the parking lot and descends into the gorge by way of a series of switchbacks (please remain on trail to prevent erosion). The Lower Loop crosses the stream just upstream from the longer rockslide, and the Upper Loop crosses just downstream from the Jonas Hole. Its not only a short pleasant drive from Charlotte but has such wide variety of trails, it is so close to the Blue Ridge and the town itself is so charming that its no wonder why we love it so much. "products": { "margin-left": "20px", The trail starts with a downhill section through old-growth forest with good overhead cover. "total": "Subtotal", Earlier in the morning we had the big pool all to ourselves. The swimming area is not deep, no more than two to three feet in some places. Aug 18, 2013 - Upper Creek Falls is a waterfall and swimming hole in Pisgah National Forest, north of Morganton North Carolina and south of Blue Ridge Parkway. "@media (min-width: 601px)": { There will be times when the creek isnt crossable. There are, however, a few creek crossings on this hike which may either require you to get your feet wet or even turn back if the creek cant be crossed safely. We hiked to the lower falls first. Continue the trail downhill about a 1/2-mile to an obvious crossing (again, it's a wet crossing when water is higher) at "lower falls." Nothing beats a hot day than swimming in a refreshing and freezing COLD swimming hole in the beautiful mountains. }, function loadScript() { If you want to continue the loop you will need to cross the creek. The swimming hole is wide and roughly 2 metres deep in the deepest section. Cedar Creek Falls is an 80-foot waterfall located in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. We hike with two small kids (6 and 9 at the time) and this hike is not for the faint of heart. if (window.ShopifyBuy.UI) { } You can see much evidence of people cutting through the woods and making their own trails, but to avoid erosion and keep the trail beautiful for future hikers we recommend you stay on the designated trail. All along the way are beautiful swimming holes, so you can make an entire day of the out-and-back journey. Some of the . 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Here are our favorite natural swimming holes in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville to cool offin on a hot summerday. Cool off in the Kings River swimming hole. Wildcat Creek Sliding Rock. "product": { The swimming holes of the Southeast can be found in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee for summertime visits. Some of these provide your best views of the large 80ft waterfall at Upper Creek Falls. (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(script); "toggle": {} The pool is deep (>10 feet near the waterslide and rope swing), but chilly (low to mid-60's). From the car park it's a walk of only about 2 kilometres to get to Gorge Falls - about half on a rocky . "toggle": {} . The tree is 103 feet tall, and is estimated at more than 500 years old. 3. This popular swimming hole is great fun for adults and children alike. Continue the loop trail. along the way waterfalls with allowed access to water! 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