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Water activities in haywood nc

make a splash IN HAYWOOD

Splash down in Western NC with waterfalls near Waynesville, natural swimming holes near Maggie Valley and Clyde, and kayaking the Pigeon River in Canton or the calm waters of Lake Junaluska.

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waterfall swimming holes nc

Jump into crystal clear waters

With the cleanest water in the eastern US, Haywood’s natural water features are unmatched. Take a dip at some of NC’s best swimming holes like Midnight Hole, watch the double cascades at Soco Falls, or head to other waterfalls near Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton, Clyde, and Lake Junaluska.

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Sunburst Swimming Hole
Sunburst Swimming Hole
CantonAttractions
Canton
Vertical gallery

Nearby NC Waterfalls

Photo-
worthy cascades

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Sunburst Falls
Canton
Canton
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Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades
Canton
Canton
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Soco Falls
Maggie Valley
Maggie Valley

Reelin’ in some mountain fun

Wade your way through the best water activities in Haywood’s corner of Western NC, where waterfalls pour from the mountainside, swimming holes run deep, waterways are pure, and fish swim abound.

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Fishing

Try your hand at fly fishing and become a bona-fide angler when you pull in native trout, bluegill, perch, and bass from Haywood’s lakes, streams, and rivers.

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Sunburst Swimming Hole

Cool off in Haywood’s refreshing waters at popular swimming spots like Midnight Hole, Sunburst Swimming Hole or Graveyard Fields Lower Falls.

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Waterfalls

View cascades from the roadside or trek through rhododendron tunnels to waterfalls hidden along lesser-known trails.

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Kayaking

Paddle the Pigeon River, or rent a kayak, canoe or paddle board at Lake Junaluska or Lake Logan and enjoy a peaceful glide on a hot summer day.

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Local Fly Fishing Outfitters

Learn to cast the perfect line, venture out to Haywood’s holy grail fishing spots, and reel in the catch of the year with an expert angler from one of our local outfitters.

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Haywood Waterways Association

Haywood Waterways has been protecting the Pigeon River Watershed since 1938. From riverside cleanups to their annual fishing tournament, there are many ways to get involved and help keep Haywood’s waters pristine.

Learn About Haywood Waterways

All water activities in Haywood County

VISIT HAYWOOD BLOG

Get caught up in the current

See All Blog Posts
5 Must-See Waterfalls in Haywood County, NC
Trip Planning5 Must-See Waterfalls in Haywood County, NC
Wild Flowers to Wild Waters Hike in the NC Smokies
Trip PlanningWild Flowers to Wild Waters Hike in the NC Smokies
White Water Rafting Adventures in Haywood County
Trip PlanningWhite Water Rafting Adventures in Haywood County

Making memories is priceless

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Things to Do
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Events
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Eat & Drink