The Warren Wilson River Trail Swimming Hole is a well shaded area near a usually shallow, slow-moving section of the Swannanoa on Warren Wilson College’s campus. The School was originally founded as a farm school in 1894 and transitioned to a four year institution in the 1960s. This site is located near the College’s Bamboo Forest and is often frequented by students and locals. The area is primarily used for swimming, wading, and sunbathing; however, it can be floated when river levels are elevated.

The swimming hole can be accessed via the River Trail that has a public parking area at Charles D Owen Park (approximately ¾ of a mile away) or there is small dirt parking area near the intersection of Old Farm Rd and Wykle Rd (approximately 1.31 miles away). Visitors should know parking nearby is limited and the river trail can be narrow and muddy at times. No public restrooms in the immediate vicinity.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Warren Wilson River Trail- Swannanoa River Swimming Hole and 8,000 other beaches.