8 western North Carolina spots to keep cool without breaking the bank

Western North Carolina is loaded with natural waterways, waterfalls and budget recreational activities for families that are looking to beat the heat and save money.

As the summer heats up, families are looking for places to cool off, splash around and do so without breaking the bank. Western North Carolina is abundant with natural waterways, waterfalls and budget recreational activities for families that are looking to beat the heat.

Whether you are looking to add a hike in with your water fun, hit a splash pad or just want to dip your toes in, read on for some ideas to keep cool this summer.

Catawba Falls, reopened with New Catawba Falls Ridge Trail

Catawba Falls is a local favorite for a quick hike to a spectacular waterfall just off I-40 in Old Fort. In addition to the cascading water, the trail follows a stretch of the Catawba River. It’s a great place for families to exercise, splash and play. In May 2024, Catawba Falls opened the new Catawba Falls Ridge Trail, which features 540 hand-built stairs and a 60-foot observation tower designed for visitors to take in the majestic mountain views from the top.

For more information, go here.

Nantahala Gorge

A day trip to the Nantahala Gorge is a wonderful way to soak in the majestic beauty of nature, cool off, and – if you’re up for adventure – your family can ride the rushing rapids of the Nantahala River. Families looking to relax and spectate can watch kayakers surf, rafts float and dip their toes in the frigid waters at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), also a stop for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This is a great area to get some lunch, have a drink and watch rafts and kayaks as they end their whitewater trip. If your crew is looking for a bigger whitewater splash, check out some of the guided rafting trips offered below, both offer family friendly floats.

Nantahala Outdoor Center: noc.com/whitewater-rafting

Rolling Thunder River Company: rollingthunderriverco.com/nantahala-river-rafting

Looking for tubing through NOC? Try the Chattahoochee River at noc.com/trips/chattahoochee-river-tubing-metro.

Asheville Splasheville

For families with little tikes that are looking for an easy walk to water and lots of fun, Asheville’s Splasheville is a great, free water pad located in the heart of downtown. This splash pad includes lights and water programming and is open daily from 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the summer.

Visit ashevillenc.gov/service/find-a-pool-or-splasheville-information.

Waynesville Aquatic Center and Indoor Play Area

If you’re looking for a rainy day water option, the Waynesville Aquatic Center has an indoor waterpark and pool open to the public. Featuring towering mushroom showers and a kiddie area, this is a great option on a rainy or cool day, especially for families with younger children.

For details, visit waynesvillenc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/aquatics.

Lake Powhatan

Lake Powhatan is a seven-acre lake located within Pisgah National Forest. This recreation area features a campground and picnic shelters, and it is surrounded by hiking and mountain biking trails. Located 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, Lake Powhatan is great for families that don’t want to spend the day in the car and want a variety of activities to choose from. Your family can play on its small beach, swim in the lake or fish. For more adventure, pack the bikes and hit the popular mountain biking trails before or after a swim.

For details, visit recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231995.

Black Mountain Town Square and Splash Pad

Located in the heart of Black Mountain, the Town Square covers 1.3 acres of beautifully landscaped area and includes a splash pad and covered picnic gazebo. Great for families with younger kids, this lovely town square also features a memorial garden, clock, waterfall fountain and plenty of places to sit and soak in the sun. Restrooms are located directly adjacent to the splash pad. The town square park hours are dawn until dusk and the splash pad is open daily from 10:30 a.m. –  8:30 p.m.

For details, visit townofblackmountain.org/2483/Town-Square.

Grant Southside Community Center Outdoor Pool

Grant Southside Community Center and Outdoor Pool is a great place for parents and kids to cool off, hit the gym or enjoy one of the many community classes or activities this center offers. This community center offers classrooms, a multi-purpose gym, community meeting rooms, outdoor basketball court, rain garden, and an outdoor swimming pool. It also hosts a variety of adult, child and teen programs sponsored by the City of Asheville Parks and Recreation.

For more information visit ashevillecitypools.com or ashevillenc.gov/locations/dr-wesley-grant-sr-southside-community-center.

Deep Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Just outside Bryson City, the Deep Creek portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent place to splash, wade and tube the pristine waters that flow through the Deep Creek Gorge.

Your only cost for this venture is a parking permit, now required by the Great Smoky Mountains (available online or at the park) and if you rent a tube. Deep Creek features two sections for tubing: an upper “whitewater” with stronger rapids and a lower section, with milder rapids and longer floating. Tubes are available for rent at several tubing companies located just outside the park entrance. Note that all children under the age of 13 are required to wear a life jacket while tubing.

Visit greatsmokies.com/tubing, nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm and  nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/deepcreek.htm.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: 8 WNC spots to keep cool without breaking the bank

Reporting by Emily Eileen Carter / Asheville Citizen Times

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