Winding throughout the mountains of Western North Carolina are the expansive streams and rivers of the French Broad River Watershed. Looking to experience our local waterways around Asheville and explore new swimming holes with your friends and family? Check out the guide below for RiverLink’s recommendations for summer swimming.
Staying in the City
Azalea Park
Beyond offering a plethora of soccer fields and a community dog park, the stream at Azalea Park is a hidden gem for swimming. There are shallower areas for wading and exploring the water, a small beach, and deeper holes up and downstream of the beach for swimming. Be mindful of the current, as the pull is strong for younger children.
- Beach area: Yes
- Bathroom access: Yes (15 min walk)
- Water quality: Moderate
- Parking availability: Widely available
- Map Link
Charles D. Owen Park
Located just east of Asheville in Swannanoa, Charles D. Owen Park hosts a large playground, a lake, and the Swannanoa River. Many sections of the Swannanoa here are deep enough for swimming. Explore the trail that runs along the far side of the lake for a place to hop in, or venture down the river trail to find a secret spot for swimming with your friends.
- Beach area: No
- Bathroom access: Yes (15 min walk)
- Water quality: Moderate
- Parking availability: Widely available
- Map Link
Hominy Creek Greenway
Hominy Creek River Greenway offers both a lovely walking trail along the river, as well as a small beach area that is perfect for water play with younger children. For quickest access to the beach area, park on Shelbourne Road and enter the greenway, walking for about 15 minutes. The entrance to the beach area will be on the left.
- Beach area: Yes
- Bathroom access: No
- Water quality: Decent, avoid if it’s rained recently
- Parking availability: Some parking available
- Map Link
Reems Creek at Lake Louise
For people up in Weaverville, Lake Louise is a great spot to walk around and enjoy the playground area. There’s also a wonderful pool next to the big red water wheel that is great for swimming. While most of Reems Creek is too shallow for swimming, the waterfall over the old dam has created enough depth for kids to wade an swim in this spot. There is plenty of space on the stream bank to spread out as well.
- Beach area: Yes
- Bathroom access: No
- Water quality: Decent, avoid if it’s rained recently
- Parking availability: Some parking available
- Map Link
Get into the Woods
Hooker Falls
Located in DuPont State Park, Hooker Falls is one of the best swimming destinations for families. After a short half mile hike down the gravel trail you’ll be treated to a sprawling sandy area that can accommodate many groups of people. The falls themselves are short and wide with a deep pool of slow moving water at the base. These calm waters are perfect for small children and those still getting comfortable in the water.
- Beach area: Yes
- Bathroom access: Yes, in the parking area
- Water quality: Excellent
- Parking availability: Lots of parking but it fills up quickly
- Map Link
Bent Creek / Lake Powhatan
If you’re pressed for time but still want to get out of the city then the Bent Creek area is a great choice. Located right next to the NC Arboretum, the Bent Creek area is full of trails, picturesque forested pools, and the Lake Powhatan beach area. We recommend hiking into Lake Powhatan on the Hardtimes Trailhead which runs along Bent Creek itself. At the lake you’ll find a large beach with a roped off swimming area, during the summer season there’s also a lifeguard at this spot.
- Beach area: Yes at the lake, no along Bent Creek
- Bathroom access: Yes, in the parking areas
- Water quality: Good
- Parking availability: Park at Hardtimes and hike in, or drive to the Lake Powhatan parking lot (you’ll have to pay $5 per person for this option)
- Map Link
Laurel River Trail
For people looking for something North of town, you should checkout this lovely spot along the beautiful Laurel River. This 4 mile out-and-back trail is dotted with fantastic swimming spots all along the trail. Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach or rock outcroppings to jump from, there are plenty of spots along the trail to pick from. This trail is quite popular, but with so many swimming spots you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you.
- Beach area: Yes
- Bathroom access: No
- Water quality: Excellent
- Parking availability: Large gravel lot just off Hwy 70 E, it does fill up so plan to come early.
- Map Link
These are just a sample of the many wondrous places we have to dive into our local streams and rivers. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to explore them, just make sure to stay respectful of other visitors and the environment when you go.