It’s getting hot out here y’all, and we know we’re not alone in our search for relief from the heat. Luckily, Asheville is home to great outdoor swimming spots, from pools to waterfalls and mountain water slides. Bookmark this list to stay cool as a cucumber all summer long.
Public pools
Beginning Saturday, May 24, Buncombe County’s and the City of Asheville’s public pools will be open on weekends only (plus Memorial Day). Note: Only one of the city’s three public pools will be open this season due to closures and impacts from Helene.
Starting Monday, June 9, for city pools and Tuesday, June 10, for county pools, facilities will be open seven days a week. Hours vary and are subject to weather and special events. Check city and county websites before heading out.
Pro tip: Anyone with a Buncombe County Public Library card can get a ZOOM pass for free pool admission.
Cane Creek Pool | Seasonal, daily | 590 Lower Brush Creek Rd., Fletcher | $4 | Nestled in the valley of rising mountains, this outdoor pool is surrounded by the natural beauty of Cane Creek Park.
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool | Seasonal, daily | 285 Livingston St., Asheville | $3 per day, $100 individual season pass, or $150 family season pass | The first new public pool to open since 1970, this community center spot has lots of room for activities and events.
Erwin Pool | Seasonal, daily | 58 Lees Creek Rd., Asheville | $4 | The spacious outdoor pool has a reputation of being well-maintained and offers plenty of space for sun + fun.
Hominy Valley Pool | Seasonal, daily | 25 Twin Lakes Rd., Candler | $4 | If you’re headed to this outdoor spot (which also has baseball fields + a basketball court nearby), we recommend stopping by Sand Hill Kitchen for an award-winning fried chicken sandwich.
Splasheville | Seasonal, daily | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville | Free | Though not technically a pool, the interactive splash pad is certainly worth dipping your toes into. Plus, you don’t have to wait — it opens early in the season.
North Buncombe Pool | Seasonal, daily | 892 Clarks Chapel Rd., Weaverville | $4 | Get swimming lessons for the little ones, rent the pool for a party, or just cool off with some family fun.
Owen Pool | Seasonal, daily | 117 Stone Dr., Swannanoa | $4 | Enjoy a mountainous backdrop to your summer splashing, swim lessons, and sun-drenched relaxation.
BCS Aquatics Center | Year-round, daily | 18 Ensley Stadium Lp., Asheville | $5 | A partnership between YMCA of Western North Carolina and Buncombe County Schools, this 10-lane, climate-controlled pool is perfect for practicing swimming skills or renting for trainings like water polo, kayak rolling, and lifeguarding.
Membership or day pass pools
Aloft Asheville + Moxy Asheville | Seasonal, daily | 51 + 61 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $20 per day, $300 seasonal pass | Have a glamorous day at the newly renovated hotel pool while you sip on drinks from the Splash bar and lounge under a rentable cabana. Seasonal passes are available to purchase at the front desk of either hotel and include guest passes, drink coupons, access to pool parties, DJs, and workouts. Day-of passes are first come, first served.
Asheville Jewish Community Center | Year-round, daily | 236 Charlotte St., Asheville | Memberships start at $30 per month (plus current annual JCC membership) | This hybrid indoor-outdoor pool offers lap swimming, a competitive-grade diving board, a kid-friendly splash pad, and an outdoor pavilion with gas grills + picnic spaces.
Asheville Racquet Club | Year-round, daily | 200 Racquet Club Rd. + 27 Resort Dr., Asheville | Monthly membership | Both locations offer indoor and outdoor pools, and the downtown spot also features a jacuzzi, saltwater pool, and steam room.
Swimming holes + lakes
Note: Use caution when venturing out to any of these places and swim at your own risk. Always take into consideration freezing water temperatures, changing or hidden currents, unseen rocks in the water, and slippery surfaces. Never climb on or around waterfalls.
Hooker Falls | 210 Staton Rd., Hendersonville | Free | The only waterfall area in Dupont State Forest that is safe for swimming — it also has spots to watch the fun or have a picnic.
Looking Glass Falls | US 276, Brevard | Free | You can see this 60-ft waterfall from the road, but pull over and take the stairs down to the base to be treated to the full view. Swimming is safest when water levels are low.
Silver Run Falls | NC Highway 107, Cashiers | Free | Chill out on the beach by this 25-ft fall that cascades into a calm swimming pool.
Sliding Rock | 7851 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest | $5 per person | Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the 60-ft mountain water slide in Pisgah National Forest is busiest from 12 to 4 p.m., so we recommend arriving early.
Turtleback Falls | 976 Grassy Ridge Rd., Sapphire | Free | This sliding rock + swimming hole ends in a deep plunge pool, but use caution because the current can be strong. The hike in and back is 3.5 miles round-trip.
Lake Glenville | 425 White Squirrel Trail, Glenville | Free | This lake is sitting pretty at 3,494 ft (that’s the highest elevation of any lake east of the Mississippi, btw), so head to the Pines Recreation Area to swim, opening May 22.
Wildcat Lake | Hickory Nut Gap Rd., Banner Elk | Free | This High Country lake offers 13 acres for swimming starting on Memorial Day — plus beaches for sunbathing, picnics + other sandy fun.
