Looking Glass Falls, Pisgah National Forest NC

Looking Glass Falls is named after Looking Glass Rock, as the creek the Falls is on is also called Looking Glass Creek, which flows past Looking Glass Rock.  

Looking Glass Rock is a very large Mountain/Rock, visible from of the Parkway.  During the winter, it's rock faces often get covered with ice, giving the appearance of a "looking glass", especially in the early mornings.

Looking Glass Falls is located in the Cradle of Forestry area of Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard NC.   This area was previously part of Biltmore Estate, and was sold off to the federal government after George Vanderbilt's passing.   Logging Railroads used to come right by the waterfalls.

Looking Glass Falls is nearly roadside.  The parking area is alongside Highway 276, and often full during peak season.   Be prepared to walk a bit up to the falls.

From the parking lot , you can get a nice view of the falls without having to walk down any stairs, making this handicap accessible.  For a better view. walk down the short flight of stairs to the observation deck.  Here's the view from the deck:

From the deck, you can climb down onto the rocks, and get to the bottom of the falls, which is a popular place for wading and swimming during the summer.  

Going down below the falls is a popular place for photographers, and provides the best view of the falls and of the Looking Glass Creek, as you can see in the photo below.  

Mornings are not a good time for photos at Looking Glass, as the sun comes up directly behind the Falls.  You'll want to visit during very early morning, late afternoon, or preferably on a cloudy day.   

During the summer, the creek area below the falls is often full of families and children, wading, swimming and playing the water.  Just be very careful, the rocks can be slick and people have gotten injured here from falling.

Looking Glass Falls is a gorgeous 50 foot waterfall that should definitely be on your list of things to see while visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.    Looking Glass Falls is open year-round for viewing.

Looking Glass Falls in the Movies!

Some of you may recognize this waterfall from the blockbuster movie Hacksaw Ridge.   To our knowledge, this is the only documented appearance of this waterfall in a Hollywood movie, but tell us in the comments if you know of others.

Nearby Waterfalls:

• Sliding Rock is just a short drive up the road, and visiting both makes for a great day outing.  
• Moore Cove Falls - While you need to hike, it's not too long, easy, and the falls are beautiful.  You can stand under them.
• Cedar Rock Falls, Upper Cedar Rock Falls, and Grogan Creek Falls - All three falls are along a really nice hiking trail into Pisgah National Forest.

Looking Glass Falls Video

Turtleback Falls NC is a great place to not only swim and plunge off the falls, but also a great place to relax, take photos and watch all of the people having fun in the water.

Warning About Turtleback Falls

Turtleback Falls is a great swimming hole and plunge for strong swimmers, older children, teenagers and adults.  We would not recommend it for younger children due to the strong currents, and need to climb a rope to access the falls.  

The base of the pool area is safe for swimming, but children should be watched closely and encouraged to stay close to the shore area.  Sliding Rock is a far better option for younger children, and people that aren't strong swimmers.

We also strongly recommend that ALL visitors pay attention to the flow and depth of the water.   Turtleback Falls sits about 1/4 mile above Rainbow Falls.  When water levels in the Creek get high, the current gets stronger, and there is a risk of being carried down and over Rainbow Falls, which would be deadly.   Please swim and slid at your own risk, and please always use your best judgement.

Hiking to Turtleback Falls

The trail up to Turtleback Falls is the Rainbow Falls trail.  The trail begins at the Grassy Ridge Parking lot of Gorges State Park.   Just look for the area at the end of the parking lot with all of the information boards.  The trail is blazed orange and blue to begin with.

You'll begin a steady decline downward into the forest of Gorges State Park.   The trail splits after a short distance.  

Continue right on Rainbow Falls trail, blazed orange.  There are a few smaller trails that branch off here and there, just continue onto the falls by following the main (wide) trail.  

You'll pass a marker indicating you are leaving Gorges State Park.  This is nothing to be concerned about, as you'll continue your hike into Pisgah National Forest.

At the 1.5 mile mark, you pass an overlook to the gorgeous Rainbow Falls.  Continue past this overlook area, and follow the trail that continues up.  

Turtleback Falls is another .25 miles up the trail.   You'll see a small trail going down as you come to the falls.  This provides access to the swimming hole area of Turtleback Falls.  Continue up the trail to access to the top portion of the falls.

One note of caution - There are a couple of creek access points after you pass Rainbow Falls.  Do not get into the water here, as the very high plunge of Rainbow Falls is just a short distance away, and the current in the creek here is VERY strong.  People have been killed doing this.  In fact, we recommend you avoid these access points all together, it's just not worth the risk.

The downhill portion of the trail to Turtleback Falls is easy.  The last mile or so up to Turtleback is strenuous, with a steady and steep climb, including a number of stairs.  The hike back is also strenuous, as you have to hike up all that downhill you did getting there.  There are numerous good resting spots, and even benches once you are back inside Gorges State Park.

Turtleback Falls NC Video:

Top NC Swimming Holes - Our Personal Picks

We're NC mountain locals,and have been visiting waterfalls and local swimming holes as a family for over 16 years. While our kids are all grown up now, we had a blast hanging out on hot summer days at these wonderful swimming holes.

While there are certainly many more, these are our top picks for the very best NC swimming holes.

Sliding Rock

Hurricane Helene Impact: Currently closed because of damage

One of the most popular natural water slides in the US and definitely the most popular in North Carolina is Sliding Rock.  

Near Brevard NC, in Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock has been a popular swimming and sliding destination for many years.

You'll slide down a 60 foot long smooth rock waterfall and plunge into a deep pool of cool, but refreshing water.

Sliding Rock has a large parking area, bathrooms, and multiple observation areas. During prime summer months, life guards are also on duty.

Sliding rock is a brief walk from the main parking lot, and easily accessible. There is a small fee during the summer.

See more photos and get more information in our complete Sliding Rock Guide.

Bust Your Butt Falls - Highlands, NC

Located right next to Highway 64 near Highlands, NC, Bust Your Butt Falls is a very popular summer swimming hole and waterfall.

The waterfall is a gently cascading fall, with a significant amount of water, allowing swimmers to not only swim in the large and deep pool at the bottom, but you can also slide down the waterfall itself.

The falls are roadside, and there is a medium-sized parking area that is roadside you can use. Additional parking is located at a couple of locations on the other side of Highway 64 as well.   

There are several trails that lead down to the base of the falls and to the area above the falls. It's a beautiful area, and a really nice swimming hole.

Graveyard Fields - Lower Falls

One of our favorite NC swimming holes is Lower Falls in Graveyard fields.

Lower Falls (or second falls) is a simply gorgeous water fall with a swimming hole below it. The swimming area is surrounded by many large rocks that are ideal for jumping off and into the crisp and cool water.

Graveyard Fields is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, east of Waynesville NC and south of Asheville NC.

Lower Falls is a moderate 1-mile hike from the parking lot. Even if you don't plan to swim, Graveyard fields and specifically Lower Falls is a wonderful destination to see and enjoy.

See lots of photos and learn more about Graveyard field and Lower Falls in our Lower Falls and  Graveyard Fields Guide.

Skinny Dip Falls 

Update: We're leaving this one on our list, but the Skinny Dip Falls swimming hole, as most knew it, is gone. There is still a small waterfall, and few pools here, but there are better swimming hole options in the area.

Skinny Dip Falls suffered massive damage because of the severe flooding from Tropical Storm Fred in 2021.

See more photos and get all the details on the damage to Skinny Dip in our Skinny Dip Falls Guide. You can also watch our video:

Midnight Hole

Hurricane Helene Impact: The entire Big Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Midnight Hole is currently closed because of damage

Another very popular swimming hole with a very tall "jump off rock" is Midnight Hole, in the Big Creek Section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  

Midnight Hole has a small beach area that is ideal for young kids to play in, deeper water for older kids, and two enormous boulders that older children, teens and even adults can jump down from.

Midnight Hole is a very popular destination in the summer. On a typical weekend, there are usually 40-50 people swimming and jumping from the rocks. Just be careful. The rocks and the climb up to them can be very slick. There are no lifeguards on duty and you are a long way from any medical facilities.

While you're there, walk the extra 1/2 mile on up Big Creek trail to Mouse Creek Falls, a small but beautiful waterfall.

See our guide to Midnight Hole for more details

Looking Glass Falls

Probably one of the most famous waterfalls in Western North Carolina is Looking Glass Falls.

Looking Glass Falls is a popular tourist stop because it's a stunning waterfall, that is both easy to access and visible from the roadside. This is a great waterfall to visit for those with accessibility needs.  

A very short paved walkway from the parking area allows easy access to the falls. Looking Glass Falls is not only a popular waterfall, but the area below the falls is also a popular NC swimming hole for kids and adults.

The area below Looking Glass falls isn't really deep, so you'll be wading more than swimming, but either way, spending time in the water below the 60 foot tall rushing waterfall is an experience to enjoy and remember.

See our Looking Glass Falls Guide for more information: Looking Glass Falls Guide.

Deep Creek Tubing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hands down, our favorite family summer water destination is Deep Creek, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  

Located just outside Bryson City NC, Deep Creek offers waterfalls, many wading areas, wonderful trails, and best of all, one of the best water tubing spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  If our kids had their choice, this is where we would spend every weekend during the summer months.

Prior to entering the park, you can rent tubes from several vendors. Once there, you can enter the creek and start tubing anywhere.

People looking for a more relaxed tubing experience should enter the Deep Creek just past the bridge that crosses the creek.

Those looking for a more "white water" experience hike up a little further to the furthest point where you can begin tubing (just below Indian Creek Falls). 

We highly recommend tubing in Deep Creek. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

See photos and get lots of tips for Tubing in Deep Creek in our complete Deep Creek Tubing Guide.

Sunburst Swimming Hole

Sunburst is a popular family swimming hole for locals and tourists near Bethel NC in Pisgah National Forest. This popular NC swimming hole has a rope, jumping rock, a small beach area, and lots of wading areas for younger and smaller children. It's one of the many swimming holes near Waynesville NC.

Located on Highway 215, at the bridge that crosses the Pigeon River and just past the Sunburst camping area. Parking is available alongside Highway 215. It will be hard to miss, especially on weekends in the summer.

See our complete Sunburst Swimming Hole Guide for more information

Turtleback Falls

Turtleback Falls is one of three waterfalls you can see along a stretch of the Horsepasture River in Nantahala National Forest. Turtleback Falls is the second falls and is a popular swimming spot and water slide. The falls are roughly a 1.5 mile hike and 3 mile round-trip.

Turtleback falls is really only recommended for teens and adults that are strong swimmers. If water is flowing heavily over Turtleback falls, you'll want to avoid swimming, as currents can carry you too far downstream and over the 150 foot tall Rainbow Falls down river.

Even at low water levels, the currents here can be strong, so be smart and know your limits. If you're going to attempt sliding down, we recommend you bring a pair of good quality water shoes to keep you from slipping.

Check out our complete Turtleback Falls Guide for more information

Hooker Falls - Dupont State Park

Hooker Falls is the fourth waterfall along Little River, which passes through Dupont State Park near Brevard NC.

The pool below the 11' tall Hooker Falls has become a popular swimming hole due to its ease of accessible and because of the calm waters below the falls.  

From the Hooker falls parking lot, it's only a short 1/4 mile hike along a gravel road to the falls. The calm waters at the base of the falls make this a safe and fun swimming hole that is popular with families.

Hooker Falls is also one of the most popular swimming holes in Western NC, so be prepared for crowds during the summer months.

While tempting, we do not recommend walking on top of the falls or jumping off the falls. People have been injured here due to the slick rocks above.

See our Hooker Falls guide for more information

Secret Falls - Highlands NC

As the name implies, this is not a well-known waterfall and swimming hole, and is very secluded.  As a result, few people know about it offering more of a private swimming hole that is great for families.  

Secret Falls is a 50' tall waterfall, on Big Creek near Highlands NC and part of the Nantahala National Forest.

The hike to the falls is a 1-mile round trip and considered easy to moderate. The trails are well maintained and there is access to the top of the falls, and the swimming hole at the bottom.

2025 Season

Sliding Rock will reopen for the 2025 season on May 23rd and run through Labor Day on September 1st. The rock will be open from 9am - 6pm 7-days a week. Admission for 2025 will be $5/person.

The Sliding Rock area is open year round, however life guards are bathroom facilities are only open during the official season. Those wishing to slide down outside of the open season do so at their own risk.

After Hurricane Helene

Sliding Rock sustained damage and debris from the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene at the end of September 2024. The massive amount of water moved rocks and changed the pool at the base of the waterfall.

Debris came over sliding rock and settled in and around the pool at the bottom. The park service has cleaned that up.

We visited Sliding Rock on 2/5/2025; the gates were open and took these photos which show the current state of Sliding Rock post Hurricane Helene:

Our 2024 Video

Here's our YouTube we took during the summer of 2024 when visited to Sliding Rock on a busy weekday. The video even shows someone sliding down holding our GoPro!

All about Sliding Rock NC

Sliding Rock is a natural 60' water slide that you can slide down and then plunge into a deep pool of water at the bottom. The pool at the bottom is 8 foot deep, so you'll want to know how to swim.  

During busy times, the line to slide extends the entire length of the 60' boulder, along the metal fence shown in the photo above.

People wait their turn to get into their favorite spot and then slide through the 50-60 degree water. The water is cold, but refreshing. Over 11,000 gallons of water flow over sliding rock each minute to propel you down the slide and into the pool.  

Sliding Rock is incredibly popular, and can often be very busy during the summer months, especially on weekends.

Sliding Rock NC is open year round during daylight hours, and this includes during the offseason and winter. You can slide during the off-season times, but the water is colder than usual and there are no lifeguards or staff on duty.

Lifeguards are on duty during peak season from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. The cost to enter when lifeguards are on duty is $5/person. Children under 6 years of age are free. Visiting during off hours is free, however there are no lifeguards or safety staff.

There are full restrooms and changing facilities at Sliding Rock. For food, you'll need to drive to Brevard, NC were there are plenty of places to eat. The restrooms do close in the evenings when the lifeguards leave.

Where should you slide?

There are three main sliding paths from the center starting point at the top.

The left side is the slowest, and is best for those sliding for the first few times, and that have little experience

The middle track, straight down, is faster, but still only a medium speed.

The right side, where the water mainly flows, is the fastest and best for those with more experience.

In Case of Emergency

In the event of an emergency or injury, you'll want to call 911 if possible. The Transylvania County Sheriffs Dept is reachable at: 828-884-3168

Your Physical location: Sliding Rock Recreation Center, 7851 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Transylvania Regional Hospital: 260 Hospital Drive, Brevard NC 28712 - 828-213-1111

Tips for visiting

Here are a few tips to help make your visit to Sliding Rock North Carolina more enjoyable!

1. The pool at the bottom is 8 foot deep, so you need to know how to swim.  Children under 7 must slide with an adult.
2. The water is cold. Water temperatures average around 50 degrees year round.  Bring a towel to stay warm, and we recommend bringing a change of clothing.
3. No floatation devices (like tubes, floaties or noodles) are allowed. Only life jackets are permitted.
4. Wear Blue Jean shorts. Bathing suits will work, but they can get worn through pretty quickly when sliding down the rock. Water shoes are also highly recommended, as the rocks can be slick.
5. Arrive Early - During the prime time hours of summer, the parking area can often fill up. To avoid the crowd, arrive before 11am or after 4pm.
6. No alcohol or picnicking is allowed.
7. Life guards are on duty during the peak summer months, from 9am - 6pm

Nearby Locations to visit

Our Photos

Here are some photos of a family enjoying the crisp and cool waters of Sliding Rock, North Carolina on a late summer weekday, before all the visitors arrived.

Skinny Dip Falls Videos

Skinny Dip Falls Video - Before the Flooding

Hike down with us to Skinny Dip Falls in our YouTube video!  THIS video may contain some of the last footage of Skinny Dip Falls BEFORE the flooding occurred and significantly changed Skinny Dip Falls as we've known it for years.

Hiking to the Old Skinny Dip Falls

Photos and information are for the old Falls, before the flooding damage.

You'll follow the trail in for a short distance, and arrive at an unusual tree, commonly called the Dragon Tree.   Continue to the left, past the tree, and straight up the hill on some stairs.  You will now be on the Mountains to Sea trail, and you'll begin the less than 0.5 mile decent down to Skinny Dip Falls.

The trail is pretty rocky, but not too difficult.   It does require navigating lots of rocks, and some pretty large step-up and step-downs.  On the way down you'll cross a few small streams and see some really beautiful forest.  Due to the rocks, and descent on the way down, and ascent on the way up, we consider this trail moderate in difficulty.

After 1/2 mile, the trail ends at a set of steps going down, and you'll see the above view.  This is a very popular spot for photographers.  One of the things I really love about Skinny Dip Falls is that as you walk around the corner, and see the falls and the area around you, it literally looks like a secret tropical paradise.  Much like the ones you see in the movies.   The waterfall and area is absolutely beautiful.

Skinny Dip Falls

Skinny Dip Falls consists of basically 3 levels and is about 30 - 40 foot high overall, with a swimming hole and jumping rock.  The area is very popular with swimmers and photographers.  The water flowing through Skinny Dip Falls is the same water that flows through Upper and Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields.   The creek is called Yellowstone Prong.

Continue down the stairs, and you can either cross the bridge to the jumping rock and swimming hole, or go down the rocks to the right to some nice shallow wading areas. Just be very careful, the rocks can be slick.  Here's a view from the bridge:

If you cross the bridge, you'll gain access to the top 2 levels of Skinny Dip.  The level near the bridge has a large rock that is popular for jumping into the deepest pool.   While the water is deep enough to jump, make sure you don't lock your legs, just in case you do hit bottom.  The water here is about 15 foot deep or so.  You can continue a little further up, and wade in small pool at the base of the upper waterfall.

A few things to note:

• This is a very busy waterfall and swimming hole, so expect lots of people, especially on the weekends.
• Photographers should arrive before 9am to get photos without people.  Anytime after that is very difficult.
• The water is very cold!  Yellowprong is pretty famous for its crisp and cool waters.
• There are lots of rocks, and they can be very slick.  One bad fall could be very dangerous.  So be careful.   We highly recommend non-skid hiking boots or water shoes.
• There are no restrooms in the area.  The nearest ones are two miles up the Parkway at Graveyard Fields.

We highly recommend you visit Skinny Dip Falls.  One of the more beautiful falls and scenic areas around.

Hurricane Helene Impact

In late 2024, Hurricane Helene brought severe flooding and damage to the Big Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Big Creek Trail and the surrounding area were hit hard—floodwaters washed out a 70-foot steel bridge located about five miles up the trail and caused extensive erosion and trail damage beyond Mouse Creek Falls.

As a result, both Big Creek and Big Creek Trail were closed for several months. The area has since re-opened to visitors, but Big Creek Trail is currently only open to Mouse Creek Falls. The section of trail beyond that point remains closed until further notice because of safety concerns and ongoing repairs.

Midnight Hole itself was also affected by the flooding. While the trail leading to it is open, the powerful floodwaters appear to have altered the area around the swimming hole. During our most recent visit in August 2025, there were 2-3 fallen trees on the beach area (see photo above), the flooding washed away, and much of the rocky beach area. As a result, the beach area is now smaller. The deep swimming area below the falls is still there, but appears to be not as large nor as deep as it once was.

During our visit, a large tree had also fallen across the large rock to the left that people often jumped from.

If you plan to visit, the hike to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls is still a beautiful and worthwhile adventure—just be aware of the limited trail access and ongoing restoration efforts beyond that point.

Midnight Hole NC

Midnight Hole NC is probably one of the most scenic and beautiful natural swimming holes in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The water is crystal clear, and the waterfall surrounded by huge boulders, makes for a natural place to swim, jump, and cool off in the hot summer. Jumping from the rocks into the pool is a very popular activity for the younger crowd.

Midnight hole is often very busy, especially between 10am and 4-5pm. The water and rocks are full of families, teens and adults. It isn't uncommon for there 50-100 people there on a summer weekend day. 

The water is pretty cold, but very crisp and refreshing, especially after the 1.4 mile hike in.  

Hiking to Midnight Hole NC

Midnight hole is in the Big Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, on Big Creek Trail.  The trailhead begins on the road, just before the parking area, on the right.  You'll pass the trailhead on your way to park.

Come prepared!   Be sure to review our Day hiking Essentials before hitting the trail.

Big Creek is often very busy during the summer, and if the main parking area is full, you can drive back down the entry road and park in the horse camp parking area. Just be sure to not block in any of the horse trailers.

There is a trail from the bathroom area to the trailhead. There are also bathrooms in the main parking area.

Big Creek trail up to Midnight hole is an old railroad grade, and not steep, but it is a gradual climb all the way up to Midnight hole, at 1.4 mile in. Along the way, you'll hike creek side to Big Creek, which is gorgeous.

You can't miss Midnight hole, as you'll either hear the people swimming, yelling and having fun.  

The trail is also heavily travelled up to midnight hole. You'll likely encounter lots of people and families walking on the trail, either going to or coming back from the falls.  

You'll know you're close to Midnight Hole when you cross the wooden bridge. To get to the falls/swimming area, just walk down the narrow path to the left. The trail is rocky, so young children will probably need some help.

Our Midnight Hole Videos

Here is our latest video, recorded in August 2025. The video highlights some of the damage from Hurricane Helene.

Our older videos:

Things to do at Big Creek and Midnight Hole

Next to the parking lot is a really nice picnic area next to Big Creek.  This is a great place for families with younger children, as the water is a great depth for wading and splashing.  

Midnight hole has more shallow areas as well, but not many.  Most of the water areas in Midnight Hole are a 1 -2 feet, minimum and the current is fairly strong, so small children should be watched closely.   

Big Creek Trail is an old railroad grade that was used to haul timber and lumber during the logging boom, prior to the area becoming a national park.  Horses are allowed on the trail, and while we haven't seen any the times we've been there, I would recommend watching where you step, just in case!

If you hike up the trail another 1/2 mile, you'll come to Mouse Creek Falls.  The falls are 41 foot high, and just beautiful to see and take pictures of.