This NC swimming hole is named one of the best in the country: Here's how to get there

As high temperatures persist through the end of June in North Carolina, one swimming hole location is honored on a list of the best in the nation.

Outside Magazine, which focuses on outdoors subjects such as hiking, cycling, climbing and more, includes a location on the N.C. side of the Great Smoky Mountains National park on a recent list of nine best swimming holes.

The list, published June 20, 2025, features mainly locations in Western states including two spots in California and two in Colorado. However, one location in the 500,000-acre park shared by N.C. and Tennessee was too good for Outside writers to pass up.

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Here's what writers say about the swimming hole and park, plus swimming safety tips, the full list and more.

Midnight Hole, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Midnight Hole on the N.C. side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is included on the list at No. 9. Though the park is "packed with potential swimming holes, from rope swings on the edges of lakes to deep pools at the bottom of waterfalls," Midnight Hole takes the cake in Outside's opinion.

"Local legend has it that the hole is so deep, nobody has ever touched the bottom," the article says. "That’s not for a lack of trying; the waterfall is surrounded by tall, round boulders offering a variety of launching pads for leaping. The stream is crystal clear; bring goggles and you can see fish downstream of the popular pool."

How to get to Midnight Hole: Outside appreciates Midnight Hole in part because it is relatively easy to access, providing an "ideal balance of scenery and adventure." Writers explain that the waterfall is located on the northern edge of the park, on the N.C. side of the border. From the Big Creek Trailhead, follow the Big Creek Trail along the river for 3 miles until you see the falls on your left. "It’s an easy hike on an old road grade," writers add.

Midnight Hole in 2020.

Are swimming holes safe? Outdoor swimming safety tips

The Outside article includes a section on safety, noting that swimming in the wild comes with certain risks that aren't an issue at your local swimming pool. Writers suggest testing water depth before jumping from any height and scouting eddies before swimming.

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"Currents can be swift, obstacles can be hidden under the surface of the water, and there could be parasites or bacteria lurking in that inviting blue pool."

The Vermont Department of Health also published a list of suggested rules specific to staying safe at swimming holes, including:

Remember that water is wild - Extra caution should be exercised when swimming in natural bodies of water, as heavy rains, floating or lodged debris and extended periods of heat and drought can all change currents, affect depths and alter the underwater structure of a wild body of water.

Don’t swim alone - "Drowning only takes a few minutes, and emergency responders may be 15-20 minutes away. Swimming alone is never a good idea, but especially not in natural water bodies."

Know the conditions - Swollen rivers and fast-moving currents can create dangerous conditions for days after a heavy rain event. Make a habit of checking the weather, and consider recent levels of precipitation even if it is a clear, calm, sunny day.

Observe your surroundings - Observe currents when you arrive at a swimming hole, listen for the soundof unusually loud rushing water and observe the path that debris takes as it floats downstream.

Swim sober - Drugs and alcohol can dull your senses, impair your judgment and slow response time. Swimming under the influence, especially in natural bodies of water, is unsafe.

Bring a rope - "Most natural swimming holes are not equipped with safety or rescue equipment. Saving a life could be as simple as adding a long, sturdy rope to your beach bag for the day. If conditions are bad and someone is struggling, don’t get into the water with them. Instead, throw them a rope and pull them in from shore."

Beware of slippery rocks - Many deaths at swimming holes and other natural bodies of water are caused by falls. Extreme caution should be exercised when climbing or maneuvering on wet rocks.

Don’t swim above, or under, waterfalls - "Heavy currents can wash people over falls, and undertows can trap swimmers underwater. Avoid swimming above, or directly beneath waterfalls."

Be realistic about your own abilities - Understand your own limits - don’t over-extend yourself, and don’t assume that rescue is always an option, especially when swimming in the wilderness.

Best swimming holes 2025

The full list of best national park swimming holes published by Outside June 20, 2025:

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Muir Rock, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Bass Lake, Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Ely Creek Falls, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah

Firehole Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho

Sandbeach Lake, Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado

Doubtful Lake, North Cascades National Park, Washington

Little Falls, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Alabama

Steel Creek Campground, Buffalo National River, Arkansas

Midnight Hole, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Swimming holes in Western NC: This spot named one of the nation's best