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 to mountain water slides. Bookmark this list to stay cool as a cucumber all summer long.
Public pools
Beginning Saturday, May 25, Buncombe County’s and the City of Asheville’s public pools will be open on weekends only (plus, Memorial Day). Starting Monday, June 10 for city pools and Tuesday, June 11 for county pools, facilities will be open seven days a week.
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 | $3 | 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 | $3 | 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 | $3 | 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 | $3 | 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 | $3 | Enjoy a mountainous backdrop to your summer splashing, swim lessons, and sun-drenched relaxation.
Recreation Park Pool | Seasonal, daily | 65 Gashes Creek Rd., Asheville | $3 per day, $100 individual season pass, or $150 family season pass | Once you’ve gotten your fill of swimming, stop by the playground or basketball courts — or make your way to the nearby WNC Nature Center.
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 | Seasonal, daily | 51 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $20 per day | 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 will go on sale in June, and day-of passes are first come, first served. The heated pool will open in July and close at the end of October.
Asheville Jewish Community Center | Year-round, daily | 236 Charlotte St., Asheville | Memberships start at $36 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.
Patton Park and Pool | Seasonal, daily | 114 E Clairmont Dr., Hendersonville | $5 per day | This outdoor, Olympic-sized YMCA pool is open Memorial Day through Labor Day and also offers swim lessons.
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 | $4 per person | 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 roundtrip.
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.
Lake Lure Beach | 2724 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure | $10 | Lake Lure’s privately owned and maintained beach offers a waterslide, swimming area + water park starting Saturday, May 25.
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.
