Sliding Rock, a natural 60-foot mountain waterfall in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard and Asheville, North Carolina, offers a unique summer adventure. Thousands flock to this natural waterslide each year, eagerly awaiting their turn to plunge down the smooth, sloping rock face into the refreshing, eight-foot-deep pool below.
A Natural Wonder in Pisgah National Forest
Fed by 11,000 gallons of rushing water per minute, Sliding Rock provides a thrilling ride and a welcome respite from the summer heat. While open year-round during daylight hours, the peak season runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty and changing rooms/restrooms open from 10 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week. Expect a crowd, especially between noon and 4 PM, and plan your visit accordingly.
Plan Your Sliding Rock Adventure
Admission to Sliding Rock recreation area is $5 per person when staff is present, with children 3 and under admitted free. While free during “off” hours, restrooms are closed, and donations are encouraged. Sliding is prohibited during high water or thunderstorms. Credit cards are now accepted for payment.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Ride:
- Observe Before You Slide: Ample observation areas provide excellent vantage points for those who prefer to stay dry.
- Swimming Skills Required: The pool at the bottom is eight feet deep; swimming ability is essential.
- Supervise Young Children: Children under 7 must slide with an adult.
- Gear Up: Water shoes and durable swimwear are recommended for the rocky surface. Only life jackets and children’s puddle jumpers are permitted as flotation devices.
- Beat the Rush: The parking area often reaches capacity, especially on summer weekends. Arrive early, particularly before noon on Saturdays and Sundays, to avoid delays. Weekdays in July can also be busy.
- Slide Safely: Maintain a seated position while sliding.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of drinking water, especially during hot weather.
- Unplug and Connect: Expect limited or no Wi-Fi and mobile phone reception. Embrace the natural surroundings.
- Leave No Trace: Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are welcome on a leash but are not allowed to slide. Picnicking is not permitted in the parking area to minimize congestion; consider nearby Pink Beds or riverside tables along US 276 for a post-slide meal.
- Nearby Food Options: The Cradle of Forestry Cafe is four miles away (turn left from Sliding Rock). Brevard, offering diverse dining, breweries, and ice cream shops, is eight miles away (turn right).
Getting to Sliding Rock: Directions and Navigation
Important: GPS is often unreliable in this area, and cell service is limited. Rely on these directions:
- From Asheville (38 miles): Take I-26 East to Exit 40 (Highway 280/Asheville Airport). Turn right onto Highway 280 West and travel 16 miles toward Brevard. Upon entering Brevard, look for a large shopping center on the right (with Wal-Mart). Just past it, turn right onto US Highway 276 North (Forest Heritage Scenic Byway) into Pisgah National Forest. Continue 7.6 miles to the parking area on the left.
- From Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 412: Take US 276 South for approximately 7.5 miles.
Explore More: Waterfalls, Hiking, and Swimming
Sliding Rock is situated along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, offering easy access to other attractions within Pisgah National Forest. Explore nearby Looking Glass Falls, hike to Looking Glass Rock, Daniel Ridge Falls, or Pink Beds. The Cradle of Forestry, just four miles away, features family-friendly trails, historic buildings, and children’s activities. Discover more swimming holes in the Blue Ridge Mountains for extended aquatic adventures. For a comprehensive guide, consult a Pisgah Forest Waterfall & Hiking Map.
