SWIMMING HOLE HIKES

These guided adventurous Swimming Hole Hikes are hosted by Engagement Manager Greg Nance from July through September. Each outing will offer an immersive experience over the mountains and through the streams to a few of our favorite swimming spots. These hikes are for intermediate to advanced hikers willing to commit to 3-6 miles of hiking through steep and rugged terrain! 

Dates, Locations, and Descriptions:

July 16: 10am-3pm - Gragg Prong in Pisgah National Forest, Linville, NC.

Explore the beautiful Gragg Prong Falls in Pisgah National Forest in Linville, NC! Gragg Prong is a tributary stream to Lost Cove Creek which flows into Wilson Creek and in the upper northern section of the Wilson Creek Wilderness Area. Learn about this area’s recreational opportunities, history and what Catawba Riverkeeper is doing to ensure this precious area and the whole river basin stays clean and plentiful for everyone and everything to thrive. There are no signs marking the parking area so finding this place is half of the adventure!

What to Bring: We’ll have a picnic above the falls and enjoy the swimming hole for around an hour before heading back. We recommend bringing hiking poles, a day pack, snacks, lunch and plenty of water.

Length of Hike: The Gragg Prong Trail is 2 miles long so expect to hike 4 miles in total on this rugged path. 

August 20: 10am-3pm - Upper Creek Falls in Pisgah National Forest, Newland, NC  

Upper Creek Falls may be the prettiest waterfall in all of North Carolina! It is in a beautifully forested setting with multiple cascades and a swimming hole complete with a rope swing! Upper Creek roughly forms the western boundary of the Harper Creek and Wilson Creek region of Pisgah National Forest and near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Learn about this area’s recreational opportunities, history about the area and what Catawba Riverkeeper is doing to ensure this precious area and the whole river basin stays clean and plentiful for everyone and everything to thrive.

What to Bring: We’ll enjoy lunch at the swimming hole and continue our hike to the lower falls and natural waterslide.  We recommend bringing hiking poles, a day pack, snacks, lunch and plenty of water.

Length of Hike: While the Upper Creek loop trail is 1.5 miles, we will walk a bit further to access to swimming hole. Expect to hike approximately 4 miles on steep terrain.

September 3: CANCELLED

Cost:

•  $30 per guest
• 10% discount for Catawba Riverkeeper members

Restrictions: 

• Must be 18 years of age to purchase tickets
• Youth must be accompanied by an adult

Weather Policy:

If we have to cancel this program due to weather, we will provide a refund to all ticketed guests. We will do our best to notify guests of cancellations at least 2 hours in advance.

Refund Policy:

You may cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before your scheduled date. If we must cancel due to weather or water level, your ticket will be fully refunded within 48 hours after your scheduled date.