About This Route
The WNC Outdoor Pool Quarry in Leicester, North Carolina, just minutes from the Appalachian Trail's overlap with the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, is a premier freshwater scuba training and recreational site. Hike in via the short connector trail from the AT's Lemon Gap section, a 1.5-mile easy approach through Pisgah National Forest. This flooded granite quarry drops to 80 feet, featuring dramatic rock walls, submerged platforms, and artifacts like old vehicles, ideal for skills practice and exploration. PADI Master Trainer Ischa Vingle of Mountains to Seas Scuba Adventures frequently guides here, highlighting its calm waters and accessibility for AT thru-hikers seeking dive breaks.
Safety Considerations
Quarry edges are slippery with algae; use full hand protection and avoid solo dives per PADI standards. Zero visibility zones at depth require lights and strict buddy contact. Altitude adjustment unnecessary below 2,000 feet, but watch for overhead environments mimicking caves. Adhere to USCG dive flags; local regulations prohibit spearfishing to protect crayfish populations. Pre-dive checks for air-sharing proficiency are critical, as currents are minimal but entanglement hazards exist from debris.
Essential Gear
Opt for a 7mm semi-dry suit (Aqualung Blizzard), primary and backup lights (Ikelite DS-160), and knife from Spyderco. Trail access needs a backpack from Osprey for cylinder transport, plus neoprene booties over hiking shoes.
Emergency Tips
For lost buddy, surface and deploy SMB; call Asheville DAN referral at 828-258-1100. Quarry has no on-site EMS, so self-evacuate to nearest trailhead.