The Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail is an innovative education project that will link together a set of publicly accessible river sites where people can safely snorkel to experience the underwater world of streams and rivers of western North Carolina and beyond.  Each site has an educational sign, which provides safety information, a description of notable species at the site, and other information about the trail. 

The Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail is free. All of the sites are located at public access locations associated with rivers. Most of the sites are located at city/county parks. All that is required is a snorkel and mask to enjoy the snorkel trail sites.

Minimum needed to enjoy the snorkel trail is a snorkel and mask
Optional: Wetsuits can add warmth in cool water and extend your snorkeling experience at a site.

Local dive shops and river outfitters often have equipment for rent or sale. Snorkel’s can be purchased online and at most sporting goods stores.
A list of businesses that rent or sell wetsuits, snorkels, and masks will be added to the website in early May.

WNC companies with guide services, gear rentals, etc.

Nixi Aquatics – Guide services and gear rental

https://www.nixiaquatics.com/

Oxbow River Snorkeling – Guided river snorkeling trips

https://www.oxbowriversnorkeling.com/

Sites will start opening in early June and all sites will be open by August at the latest.

Yes! Most sites will have a kick-off event that will take place this summer. An updated events calendar will be available in early May on the website.

The best time to snorkel is during the summer and when water is clear. Clear water is the safest water.