Seasonal public swimming15 miLake James
Lake James State Park, Glen Alpine
Big Bear Falls
South Mountains State Park, Morganton, North CarolinaWaterfall poolSwimming permitted
Big Bear Falls is a waterfall with several deep pools on a trail in South Mountains State Park.
- Water
- Waterfall pool
- Managed by
- South Mountains State Park
Getting there
Big Bear Falls is reached by the Big Bear Falls Trail in South Mountains State Park.
35.6035, -81.6376
Get directionsRules to know before you go
- Exercise caution because rocks can be slippery.
Swimming spots nearby
All of North CarolinaSeasonal public swimming15 mi
Seasonal public swimming17 miPaddy's Creek swimming area
Lake James State Park, Marion
Public swim beach40 miLake Norman
Lake Norman State Park, Lake Norman of Catawba
Lower pool only42 miMoravian Falls
Moravian Falls Campground, Wilkesboro
Swimming allowed62 miHooker Falls
DuPont State Recreational Forest, Brevard
Seasonal swimming62 miLake Placid
Paris Mountain State Park, Wade Hampton
Something changed at Big Bear Falls? Closures and new rules help everyone.Report a change