Skinny Dip Falls is comprised of three series of small waterfalls and is about 30 feet high with a small swimming hole at its base. Skinny Dip Falls is unique in that it has a V-shaped waterfall that continues down to another waterfall and then fans out into three more waterfalls. The scenic trail is 0.8 miles and has an elevation gain of 210 feet.
To access Skinny Dip Falls, park at the Looking Glass Rock overlook at milepost 417 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and walk across the parkway to the white blazed Mountains to Sea Trail. The trail is easy to moderate, and is only an 0.8 mile hike. I would only consider the trail moderate in that part of the terrain is rocky and there are many steps. This is an in-and-out hike so you will return the way you came.
At the beginning of the trail you’ll come to a tree that vaguely resembles the head of a deer. The path goes slightly uphill, leading into a forest filled with birch, hemlock, oak and maple trees. Shortly afterward you’ll come to a short set of wooden steps. At the top, go left. The trail will become rocky at this point, but it is still easy to hike. The trail ends at a second set of stairs that lead down to the base of the waterfall. The creek then turns to the right and you cross on a bridge in front of the waterfall.
The pool in front of the waterfalls is 5-6 at its deepest part and the water is clear and cool. If you want to take a swim during the warmer months, be sure to bring your bathing suit and towel. It’s not like the name suggests and it’s cold too!
If you continue on the trail past the bridge, the trail continues to Graveyard Fields and eventually ends in the Smoky Mountains. However, this trail is not an easy trail to follow.
Be sure to visit Graveyard Fields while you’re in the area. It’s only about two miles up the road on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
What an amazing waterfall! I didn’t know this one was on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I’ve never seen any signs for it like the others on the parkway.