Looking Glass Falls and swimming hole in the Pisgah National Forest is a very popular “cool” spot right off of 276 North heading toward the parkway. In the warmer afternoons you could quite possibly be sharing this with over 100 of your closest friends! As always be careful around waterfalls, rocks and cool water.

Hooker Falls in DuPont State Recreational Forest is another top stop for those who want to stay cool in the warmer mountain afternoons. From Brevard, take 276 South to Cedar Mountain, turn left on Cascade Lake Rd. and then turn right on Staton. Travel to Hooker Falls parking lot on your left. Hike to the falls is 1/4 mile (if you decide to pack in a picnic, please make sure to take all your garbage out with you! Lets keep the forests litter free.)

A couple other areas to consider…Coon Tree picnic area and parking lot is off of 276 North on your left before you reach Looking Glass Falls. Sliding Rock is just past Looking Glass Falls on your left. You definitely can make a full day of some mountain water!

*NEW* addition (spring 2014)…From 276 N heading past the ranger station, bear left on 475 and head toward the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education (Fish Hatchery). Go past the Fish Hatchery to the Cove Creek parking lot on your left. Park there, cross the road and head around the gate. Walk along the river…you will see lots of great areas to take a dip!

Keep checking back as we add more in the future!