Skim down the gentle slope and drop into the mountain swimming hole at western North Carolina’s beautiful natural water slide.
Slide down the 60-foot (18-meter) natural water slide at this popular recreation area. Visit other nearby waterfalls, hike woodland trails and picnic along the Pink Beds Hiking Trail only a short distance from the slide.
Developed by the U.S. Forest Service, Sliding Rock has become a highlight for visitors to the Pisgah National Forest. A remarkable 11,000 gallons (42,000 liters) of water flow down the rock per minute. Speed down the face of the smooth boulder and drop into the refreshing plunge pool at the base.
Wear a bathing suit to enjoy the wet, exciting slide. Water shoes are recommended for crossing slippery rocks. If you want to stay dry, watch sliders from one of the site’s several observation areas. Visitors often stay all day, sliding for hours.
Visit the surrounding waterfalls including Looking Glass Falls, Slick Rock Falls and Moore Cove Falls. Looking Glass Falls is one of the most impressive natural structures in the Pisgah National Forest and worth the visit before or after your sliding experience.
Picnic at the nearby Pink Beds Hiking Trail in Pisgah National Forest. Discover the beautiful site only 4 miles (6 kilometers) from Sliding Rock. The popular woodland hiking area is known for its grand pine trees and rare mountain bogs.
Sliding Rock is located on Looking Glass Creek in the Pisgah National Forest. Find parking for Sliding Rock in a large lot above the site. Access the falls via a short boardwalk trail. Lifeguards are on duty periodically over the summer months however, you can view the falls year-round during daylight hours. When lifeguards and rangers are present, the site has a small entry fee. Annual passes are available. Restroom and changing room facilities are provided.
Enjoying the wet and wild ride down Sliding Rock is an excellent way to cool down after hiking the surrounding trails of the Pisgah National Forest.
