Take a short hike to (what used to be) one of the most popular waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. After a tropical storm in 2021, Skinny Dip Falls has been completely changed. It used to be a popular swimming hole, and lots of people would travel to take a dip in the refreshing, cold water.
Skinny Dip Falls is now made up of smaller cascades creating small, shallow pools. On a hot summer’s day, you can still cool off in the cold, crisp water! Although the waterfall looks different, it’s worth a visit!
Table of Contents
Know Before You Go
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile road that takes you through the Blue Ridge Mountains starting from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and ending in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The drive along the Parkway includes scenic overlooks, beautiful landscapes with diverse plants and wildlife, and amazing hikes.
Since the Blue Ridge Parkway is located at higher elevation, it can experience frequent closures during the winter. Sometimes closures happen in the spring and fall as well. Stay up to date on road closures along the Parkway here.
Tropical Storm Fred
In August 2021, tropical storm Fred caused immense damage to Skinny Dip Falls. What used to be a larger waterfall with a deep swimming hole is now just small cascades with shallow pools. The original bridge which led to the swimming area washed away due to flooding.
For a while, the trail to Skinny Dip Falls was closed. Thankfully, the trail was restored and re-opened to the public the following year. If you’re visiting this waterfall for the first time, don’t look at the pictures prior to 2021. It is still a beautiful spot to visit, but it doesn’t look the same as it used to.
Dear (tropical storm) Fred, no one likes you. Sincerely, everyone. 😜
Be Safe
Please use caution when exploring around the waterfalls. It is highly advised NOT to climb the rocks near the waterfall due to the risk of slipping and falling. The top of any waterfall is especially dangerous. Avoid playing in the streams above a waterfall. Always keep a close eye on your kids!
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Skinny Dip Falls via Mountain-to-Sea Trail
Location: Skinny Dip Falls is located within the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 0.9 miles with an elevation gain of 180 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 30 minutes (give or take) to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Easy to moderate depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of dirt, rocks, wooden steps, stream crossing.
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead to Skinny Dip Falls is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 417 (Looking Glass Rock Overlook).
Put this address in Google maps: Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716
OR
This address works too: View Looking Glass Rock Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716
Trail Directions
To start your hike to Skinny Dip Falls, cross the road from Looking Glass Rock Overlook. You will see a trail that takes you into the forest. Follow the spur trail to reach the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
Take a left to get onto the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Continue until you reach a small overlook of the waterfall. There is a bench conveniently placed there in case you want to sit and soak up the views.
Retrace your steps for a short distance from the overlook to find a set of stairs. Follow the narrow staircase down to the waterfall.
Cross the stream and head up another set of wooden steps to the top of the waterfall. There are a few small shallow pools. I took a dip in one of the pools when me and my husband went in 2023. It was cold!
To return to the parking lot, simply retrace your steps. Congrats, you did it! 🥳
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Hikes Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC
There are a bunch of awesome hikes to do along the Blue Ridge Parkway! Below is a list of some of our personal favorites.
Black Balsam Knob & Tennent Mountain – Hike along on one of the most scenic trails in North Carolina – Art Loeb Trail. This fairly short hike takes you through a picturesque landscape and summits two mountains with 360-degree views!
Graveyard Fields – hike 3 miles roundtrip through Graveyard Fields. Walk along wooden boardwalks and, in the springtime, see beautifully bloomed flowers. This hike offers views of a lower falls and, the more popular, upper falls.
Waterrock Knob – take a short hike (0.5 miles one-way) to this very popular spot right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a perfect spot to watch sunset!
Devil’s Courthouse – hike this short, steep trail to one of the most prominent rock formations along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The observation point provides panoramic views as far as the eye can see!
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