Take a Ride Down a Natural Waterslide
Pisgah National Forest
US-276, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
USA
The area is open 365 days a year, weather and water levels permitting, but only has restrooms available seven days a week April 30-October 9, then weekends only October 15-30. Lifeguards are present everyday May 2-September 15. When not staffed, there are no lifeguards and restrooms are closed. No entrance fee is taken during the off-season. Sliding Rock is deemed an “enjoy at your own risk” area during the off season.
SLIDING ROCK REOPENS FOR THE SUMMER SEASON APRIL 30TH!
Open DAILY starting April 30th through the beginning of October 9:00am-8:00pm – Sliding Rock is a 60 foot natural water slide in Pisgah Forest, that ends in a 8 foot deep pool of (VERY COLD!) water. There are 2 observation areas ( *** one above and one below, but the lower one sustained severe damage as a result of the debris caused by Tropical Storm Fred in 2021 and has not yet been replaced *** ), and it is open for viewing year-round, but only staffed during the season. Children under 7 years of age must slide with an adult (one adult per child and child must be able to swim). Coast guard approved life jackets are the only approved flotation devices allowed (also available for rent).
PRO TIPS:
No alcohol, and no picnicking allowed, but there are nice picnic areas down the road a bit, so pack a cooler and make a day of it.
There are stairs, so it is not stroller or wheelchair accessible beyond the upper overlook platform.
Cell service isn’t accessible past Dolly’s Ice Cream, basically from the beginning of the approach road.
Lockers are available for rent but most people seem to leave their bags at the bottom of the stairs.
Bathrooms and changing rooms are located at the top near the upper observation platform.
The water is SHOCKINGLY COLD. We cannot stress this enough. Even the strongest swimmers get disoriented by it, so we highly recommend kids wearing floatation devices until you know they can handle it (available for rent).
We recommend well fitting water shoes for everyone. You will be climbing over rocks, climbing up a waterfall, and climbing up gravely stairs to get up to the lockers and bathrooms. The water can be a little forceful as well and will knock you out of your shoes if they are loose.
This is a heavily-used recreation area; come early and try to avoid visiting during the peak hours of noon-4 pm.
Dogs are allowed AT Sliding Rock, but not ON Sliding Rock