Boone Fork Trail
Blue Ridge Parkway MP 296.5

This trail has lots of little swimming holes located on paths off the trail, some 8 feet deep. Some have slippery rocks that you can slide down at your own risk. The falls are located 25 feet down the trail from the Julian Price Park picnic area

Wildcat Lake
Banner Elk NC

The 13-acre lake is the centerpiece of a public-access facility that includes a white sand beach, swimming pier and fishing dock. The most popular activities at Wildcat Lake are swimming, sun bathing, fishing and boating. Lifeguards are on duty during summer hours. Boating is limited to non-motorized boats along with canoes and kayaks. Free cornhole/ lawn game rentals are available.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission stocks the lake with bluegill, largemouth bass and three varieties of trout. Fishing is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk, and NC state fishing licenses are required for those who wish to fish.

Many people say Wildcat Lake reminds them of an old-fashioned swimming hole, and it draws upwards of 20,000 visitors each summer.

An adjacent park (Tufts Memorial Park) provides a bath house, picnic tables and three picnic shelters, all open to the public at no charge. Alcoholic beverages and pets are prohibited. All trash must be packed out.

The park is open seven days a week, weather permitting. The park is owned and managed by Lees McRae.

Fort Hamby Park

Located at Kerr Scott Reservoir in Wilkesboro, Fort Hamby Park has a classic sandy lake beach! Picnic tables, grills, playground, basketball courts and horseshoes pits can also be found nearby the beach area.

The beach is open April 15- October 15th.

Blowing Rock NC Swimming Pool

The only public outdoor pool in the area, Robbin's Pool at Broyhill Park opens Memorial Day week and is open through Labor Day.  The pool is great for all ages. There is a baby pool area with a water feature, and a large water slide for kids. For adults, there is a lap swim section that is open for adults only at certain times.

Dive-In Swimming Pool

The Avery County (Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Newland area) heated pool complex features locker rooms, family restroom, accessible zero entry, two slides, spray fountains and diving board. It is fun for all ages on our summer days.

The outdoor pool’s maximum depth is 10 feet and lifeguards are on duty. Open every day Memorial Day weekend through mid August, then weekends through Labor Day Weekend: Monday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM and Sunday 2-5 PM