When the afternoons turn warm here in the mountains, we have a little secret we love to share with our guests: the Blue Ridge is full of cold, clear water if you know where to look. Tucked into the folds of the hills around us are creeks and waterfalls where the air drops ten degrees the moment you step under the canopy — the kind of place where you can wade in, find a smooth rock to sit on, and let an hour disappear.

We’ve spent years getting to know these spots. So when guests ask us how to cool off on a hot summer day, here are the three we send them to. All of them are about an hour’s drive northwest of the farm, out toward Madison County — a beautiful, winding route through some of the prettiest country in Western North Carolina. Pack a picnic, bring your swimsuit and a towel, and make a day of it.

1.6 miles · easy · Hot Springs, NC

The easy one — perfect for families

If you want the gentlest way to a cool dip, this is it. The Spring Creek Nature Trail is a flat, shaded path that runs right alongside its namesake creek, with benches every half mile and plenty of spots to climb down to the water. About half a mile in, the trail meets the creek and stays with it — you’ll find a small waterfall feeding in, tunnels of rhododendron overhead, and any number of places to slip off your shoes and wade.

It’s the one we recommend for guests, or for anyone who wants the reward without the effort. Easy in, easy out, water the whole way.

2.4 miles · moderate · Shelton Laurel, NC

The waterfall hike

This is the one for guests who want to feel like they’ve found something. Hickey Fork is a peaceful out-and-back that crosses creeks along the way and ends at a tall, veiled waterfall spilling down a mossy rock face. The whole hike follows water — you’ll cross the creek more than once — and on a hot day, those crossings are half the fun.

The falls themselves are the payoff: cold, clear, and framed in green. Bring water shoes for the creek crossings, find your spot, and cool off in the spray.

The riverside ramble

7 miles · easy grade · near Hot Springs, NC

You don’t have to walk all seven miles to love this one. The Laurel River Trail follows an old railroad bed along the river, hugging the bank through tunnels of rhododendron and along steep, dramatic cliff sides. There are countless places to step off the path and down to the water, and the trail stays flat the whole way — so you can go as far as you like and turn back whenever you’ve found your spot.

Anglers wade in here for trout, and on a warm afternoon, it’s one of the loveliest places in the area to sit by moving water with the mountains rising around you. Walk a mile, walk three — the river is good company the whole way.

Make a day of it

Bring a picnic — there’s no better lunch than one eaten beside a creek. Water shoes or sturdy sandals make the rocky bits easier. And if you’d like, tell us the night before and we’ll send you off with a few of our favorite stops along the way. We love sharing this corner of the mountains with you.

Where to refuel

Cooling off works up an appetite. On your way home, downtown Asheville and our own Weaverville are full of places to land — a cold local beer at Eluvium Brewing right here in Weaverville, mountain fare at Twisted Laurel, or barbecue at Luella’s once you’re back near Asheville. Ask us, and we’ll point you to whatever you’re in the mood for. We’re always happy to help with a reservation, too.

Stay with us

The best summer days start slow — with a farm-to-table breakfast on the deck — and end slower still, back on the porch with the day’s adventures behind you. Stretch your stay with our summer midweek special: book three midweek nights and get $50 off your third night. See our current specials, browse our area tour packages if you’d like us to plan more of your days, and then book your stay whenever you’re ready.

With warmth from the farm,

Erica & Daniel

Where are the best swimming holes and waterfalls near Asheville, NC?

Some of the best are in Madison County, about an hour northwest of Asheville: Spring Creek Nature Trail near Hot Springs (easy, family-friendly), Hickey Fork Falls in Shelton Laurel (a moderate hike to a tall waterfall), and the Laurel River Trail near Hot Springs (a flat riverside walk with many spots to cool off).

What is an easy waterfall hike near Asheville for families?

The Spring Creek Nature Trail near Hot Springs is a 1.6-mile, flat, shaded trail that follows a creek with a small waterfall and many spots to wade. Benches along the way make it well-suited to families.

How far are these swimming spots from Inn at Amaris Farms?

All three are roughly an hour drive northwest of the inn, in Madison County, NC. Inn at Amaris Farms is in Weaverville, about fifteen minutes north of Asheville, making it a convenient base for day trips into the surrounding mountains.

What should I bring to a Blue Ridge swimming hole?

Water shoes or sturdy sandals for rocky creek beds, a swimsuit and towel, drinking water, and a picnic. Many of these spots are best enjoyed as a relaxed half-day or full-day outing.

Where can I stay near these Asheville-area swimming holes?

Inn at Amaris Farms is a six-room bed and breakfast on a working farm in Weaverville, NC, fifteen minutes north of Asheville and within easy reach of Madison County creeks and waterfalls. It offers farm-to-table breakfast and a summer midweek lodging special.