Where to Swim Near Winston-Salem

Christy Bellis

June 10, 2026

It’s no secret that summers in North Carolina are hot. Luckily, you don’t have to go that far from the city to cool off in a river, lake, watering hole, or waterfall. Keep reading to find out where to swim near Winston-Salem!

Updated June 2026

Water Activities

Pedal boats at Tanglewood Park

Explore Mallard Lake at your own pace and soak up the views. Rentals are available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Kayaking at Salem Lake

Glide across the lake on single or tandem kayaks. Note: Rentals for the 2026 season are not available yet.

Paddleboarding with TriadEco

Learn to paddleboard (or polish up your skills) and take a tour of Salem Lake. Available through the end of September.

Tubing at Dan River

The Dan River is a 214-mile waterway that winds through Virginia and North Carolina. Aside from tubing, there are also trails, camping, and plenty of other outdoor activities!

Check out these outfitters to book your tubing adventure:

Kayaking, Canoeing, or Tubing at Yadkin River

Stretching across multiple North Carolina counties, the Yadkin River State Trail offers miles of paddling opportunities by kayak or canoe. Note the access points when planning your trip.

More interested in tubing? Check out the following outfitters:

Local Swimming Holes

Shacktown Falls at Shore-Styers Mill Nature Park

ADDRESS | 1400 Styers Mill Rd, Yadkinville (~20 minutes away)

Less than 100 feet from the parking lot, this 10-foot waterfall stretches across a wide stream and is perfect for wading.

Good to Know: Bring a towel or chair to sit on and water shoes

Carrigan Farms

ADDRESS | 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville (~1 hour away)

Cool off with a swim in the quarry, grab a bite at Carrigan Farms’ restaurant, and soak in the scenic surroundings. Just leave the coolers at home — outside food and drinks aren’t permitted.

Good to Know: Reservations are recommended | All guests must wear a lifejacket unless they have passed the Carrigan Farms swim test | Only cash and check are accepted at their restaurant | No pets allowed

Carter Falls

ADDRESS | 921 Pleasant Ridge Rd, Elkin (~50 minutes away)

Just a half-mile hike from the nearest parking lot, Carter Falls is a popular spot for both waterfall views and swimming. Be cautious when visiting, as the rocks can get slippery.

The falls can be accessed by following trails from the parking lots at Carter Falls Trailhead, Byrd’s Branch Campground, Grassy Creek Vineyard Trailhead, and Isaac’s Trailhead. Use this map from Elkin Valley Trails!

Good to Know: Be prepared for crowds if you go on a Saturday afternoon

River Park at Cooleemee Falls (The Bullhole)

ADDRESS | 645 Erwin Temple Church Rd, Woodleaf (~40 minutes away)

Float in a tube, splash around in the water, or ride the park’s gentle rapids before stretching out on the sandy beach. Just don’t forget your water shoes — the rocks can be slippery, and the riverbed is rocky.

Good to Know: The current can be strong | Restrooms are available | Entrance fees from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend + on weekends in April, May, September, and October

Stone Mountain Waterfall

ADDRESS | 3042 Frank Pkwy, Roaring Gap (~1 hour away)

Even though you can’t swim here, the shallow water is perfect for kiddos to splash their feet in. This is a great spot to end your Stone Mountain hike, or you can skip the hike altogether and head straight to this water attraction! The waterfall is very close to the “upper trail” parking lot.

Good to Know: There’s a massive staircase to get to the lower part of the waterfall

Hanging Rock Lake

ADDRESS | 2847 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Westfield (~40 minutes away)

Lower Cascades | A 35-foot drop into a swimming hole surrounded by dramatic rock outcroppings.

Window Falls | Named for the natural hole in the rock right beside the falls. There’s nothing else like it in the region!

General Water Area | Spend the afternoon at the lake, where you can swim, rent a canoe or kayak, or simply relax by the water. Swimming is available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and the diving board is open when an attendant is on duty.

Good to Know: Fee charged for all swimmers | Free swim from 5-5:30 PM

Lake Norman State Park

ADDRESS | 759 State Park Rd, Troutman (~1 hour away)

Spend the day swimming, boating, fishing, or hiking at Lake Norman State Park! The swim area features a sandy beach, plus a bathhouse with showers, lockers, restrooms, and a concession stand. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Want to get on the water? Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats are available to rent from 9 AM–3 PM on a first-come, first-served basis.

Important to know: There is a fee (cash only) when a lifeguard is on duty

Lake Hampton

ADDRESS | 1200 Crystal Lane, Yadkinville (~35 minutes away)

Lake Hampton is a great spot to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing! Don’t have your own gear? Rent a jon boat or a single or double kayak by the hour or for the entire day. The park also features a dog park, playground, disc golf course, shelters, and restrooms.