The Skinny on "Skinny Dip Falls" in The Blue Ridge Mountains

While it's name may elude to something less than kid friendly, Skinny Dip Falls in North Carolina is a perfect little Summer cool down spot for the whole family. We had started out our day on a mission to find a new swimming hole and after a few wrong turns and some rain showers, we ended up finding this amazing spot just as the sky cleared.

 Being the over prepared mom that I am, I always have changes of clothes, food, water shoes, towels, water, and plenty of gas. Which is a good thing too because finding this particular swimming hole was a bit more challenging. We had started off in the Pisgah National Forest and drove all the way up past Sliding Rock until we reached the Blue Ridge Parkway. Having never been on the Parkway, we were excited to take in all the beautiful overlook viewing areas. Once you reach that point, you begin to head South on the Parkway passing by the most breathtaking views at an elevation of over 4,000 feet. There were no signs for "Skinny Dip Falls" but you will see a viewing area for "Looking Glass Rock" on your left. That is where we noticed people parking and happen to see several of them coming out from across the street. Low and behold, that was the path that would lead you to this incredible swimming hole.

  The path to get down to the falls was truly one of the most unique hikes we have taken so far. Filled with little streams, pebble staircases, and even a tree that we named "The Dragon Tree" which looks as if a mythical creature had been frozen into the forest. The hike itself was easy for kids of all ages and slightly under 1/2 a mile. We could hear rushing water the entire time which made the path feel like it was alive. The kids imagination was certainly running wild.

  Once we had reached the bottom, there was a little bridge that took you over to the top of the falls that cascaded down into multiple little pools. Of course we were excited to get in even though the water was most definitely chilly. There were several larger rocks that kids were jumping off into a deeper section of the falls, so mom had to give it try as well. Once we were in the water, we got used to the temperature but having a hoodie is always a good idea for the way back out. Because the area is so densely covered with trees, the sun was not as warming compared to some of the other swimming holes, but the scenery was just magical.

 Skinny Dip Falls, although a short hike to get to, was probably my favorite hike so far because it felt like walking in a storybook. The drive along the way to reach it was breath-taking, and the falls were for both the adventurous and laid back sort of folk. A perfect Summer adventure from start to finish.