Highway 64 Map - Waterfalls Byway Map

Highway 64 Scenic Drive - Walkthrough

Hwy 64, The NC Waterfall Byway begins at the intersection of North Carolina 215 (part of the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway) and Highway 64, just outside of Rosman, NC. The drive along Highway 64 provides scenic views, waterfalls, and visits to some popular and unique small towns in Western NC. Be sure to take your time, and enjoy all the wonderful things this drive offers.

The views along this scenic byway are fantastic during the Fall Color season.

Here's the full walkthrough of the Waterfall Byway Scenic Drive along North Carolina's famous Highway 64:

Rosman NC - Official Starting point

You drive along Highway 64 NC begins in the small mountain town of Rosman NC, where you'll pick up Highway 64 and head west.  You'll soon cross the famous French Broad River that goes through Asheville NC and Biltmore Estate.

We begin this drive in Brevard NC, but the official beginning isn't until Rosman NC.  Brevard is just an easier starting point for us from Waynesville NC and for those starting from Asheville NC.

Toxaway Falls and Lake Toxaway

After about Go 7 miles, you'll cross the Toxaway River and the first waterfall, Toxaway Falls.  The 150' tall Toxaway Falls will be on your left under the bridge, and Lake Toxaway on your right.  

For a better view of Toxaway Falls, there are pull overs on the right side of the road heading west on hwy 64.  You can park here, and carefully cross the road to see the falls.  The view is Gorges State Park, home to many other waterfalls including Rainbow and Turtleback Falls.

Gorges State Park and Whitewater Falls NC

Three miles past Toxaway Falls is the small resort town of Sapphire NC.  For a fun side excursion, head south on Highway 281 to Gorges State Park where you can hike to Rainbow and Turtleback Falls.  Drive a little further down Highway 281 for Whitewater Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi.

Cashiers NC

Cashiers, NC is about 10 miles west of Toxaway Falls on Highway 64 West.  Cashiers is a great small mountain town to stop, take a break, and explore..  Pronounced "Cashers" by locals, Cashiers is one of the oldest resort towns in Western North Carolina.

Highlands NC

From Cashiers, continue West along Highway 64 for 12 very curvy miles to Highlands, NC. Highlands is the highest incorporated community on the East Coast, at 4,118 feet in elevation. Highlands is a neat town, plan to spend some time here shopping and looking around.

Lake Sequoyah and Sequoyah Falls

Continue West on Highway 64, and cross Lake Sequoyah on the outskirts of Highlands and see Sequoyah Falls, the waterfall caused by the Dam. If you are travelling east into Highlands on 64, you'll see a gravel parking area on your right just before the dam and falls. You can park here to view the falls.

There is a small scramble trail down to the bottom as well. Just be careful, as there is another waterfall below this one, and a slip could send you down over it!

While it doesn't sound like much, it's a really pretty waterfall, even if it's not natural.

Bridal Veil Falls Highlands NC

Continue on Highway 64 West for two more miles to the popular Bridal Veil Falls, a 120 foot tall and roadside waterfall. Pull over, and walk under the falls for a refreshing natural shower.  

In the past you could drive under this waterfall, but it is now closed to cars and motorcycles because of storm damage.

Dry Falls

A little further down, you'll pass by Dry Falls, one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dry Falls has ample parking, bathrooms, and a handicap friendly upper viewing platform.  

Be aware that you have to pay to park at Dry Falls now. The fee is $3.00/vehicle.

If you walk down to Dry Falls along the short paved trail, you can walk behind the waterfall. Dry Falls is named for the ability to walk behind it and remain dry ... well, mostly.

Bust Your Butt Falls (Quarry Falls)

Bust Your Butt Falls, formally known as Quarry Falls, is a waterfall and a very popular swimming hole on the Cullasaja River near Highlands, North Carolina. You'll reach Bust Your Butt Falls about 6.5 miles after leaving Highlands NC and heading west on Highway 64.

The falls are a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and cliff jumping. There are several pull-offs along the highway where you can park and access the falls. 

Cullasaja Gorge and Callasaja Falls

Continue West on Highway 64. Six miles past Dry Falls, you'll enter Cullasaja Gorge. The road here will narrow significantly, and cling to steep cliffs that form the gorge. This portion of the road is an "adventurous" mountain drive.

Four miles from Dry Falls is Cullasaja Falls, which is viewable from the narrow parking area. The waterfall drops 310 feet into the gorge. While viewing the falls, watch for Falcons that inhabit this area.

Gneiss NC

The community of Gneiss is 2 miles past Cullasaja Falls. Gneiss is known for the treaty council held here between Sir Alexander Cuming and the Cherokee Indians in 1730.

Franklin NC

Asheville NC Travel GuideMany visitors end their drive on the Hwy 64 Scenic Byway in the town of Franklin, NC, because of the number of options available here to loop back to their starting point. But you can continue down Highway 64 to Murphy, NC.

Franklin NC is a charming town in the southwestern part of the state. Franklin offers visitors a mix of natural beauty, small-town charm, and a rich cultural heritage. There are lots of restaurant options, shopping, and outdoor activities.  The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a must-visit for those interested in geology and gemology.

Our friends at Nurture & Nature Glamping are also here if you're looking for a cool place to stay while visiting.

Franklin to Cartoogechaye Township

Take U.S. 64 West/U.S. 23/441 South for 7.5 miles to Cartoogechaye, then another 4 miles to Winding Stair Gap, one of the earliest western passages along the famous Appalachian Trail.

Hayesville NC

The next 10 miles will take you along the ridgelines of the Chunky Gal Mountains. There are many scenic views and overlooks here.

Four miles east of Hayesville, you'll pass Lake Chatuge, and TDA lake, that is now part of the Hiawassee River. Hayesville contains Fort Hembree, a gathering place for Cherokee Indians, before they were forced to leave for Oklahoma along the "Trail of Tears".

Murphy NC

Murphy, North Carolina, is a picturesque town nestled in the western part of the state. Murphy has a wonderful downtown to explore, and was the southern terminus for the Murphy Branch of the Southern Railroad that begins in Asheville, NC.  

Murphy offers residents and visitors a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a welcoming community. For those seeking entertainment and excitement, Murphy is home to Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino. The casino offers a variety of gaming options, live entertainment, and dining experiences.

Waterfalls near Murphy NC include: Leatherwood Falls, Hemlock Falls, Shoal Creek Falls and Bald River Falls.

Find more North Carolina Scenic Byways in the NC DOT Scenic Byway Guide.

Tips for traveling the Highway 64 Waterfall Byway Scenic Drive

Driving the Highway 64 Waterfall Byway Scenic Drive can be a very memorable experience, showcasing the beauty of North Carolina's waterfalls and landscapes. The byway is really a great scenic drive, and one of our favorites that we have done many times. 

While on our adventures, we've picked up a few tips that will help your drive be more enjoyable for you:

1. Allow Ample Time - The scenic drive offers many opportunities for sightseeing and exploring. Plan for extra time to fully enjoy each waterfall, take photos, explore the small towns and all they offer, and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery and surrounding mountains.
2. Plan Your Route - Before setting off, familiarize yourself with the route and identify the waterfalls you would like to visit. Make a list of the waterfalls and towns you don't want to miss and plan accordingly.
3. Drive Safely - The scenic drive includes winding roads and varying terrains. Observe posted speed limits, and drive cautiously, especially around curves and steep sections. Highway 64 has many of these.  Be mindful of other vehicles, pedestrians, and wildlife along the route.
4. Bring a Map or GPS - While cell phone reception may be limited in some areas, it is recommended to have a physical map or a GPS device as a backup. This will help you navigate the route and ensure you don't miss any turnoffs or attractions.  Our experience is that cell service is pretty good, but you just never know in the mountains.
5. Pack Essentials - Bring essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. Some waterfalls may require short hikes, so be prepared with appropriate footwear, attire and extra water.
6. Respect Nature and Follow Rules - When visiting waterfalls, be respectful of the environment and follow any posted rules or regulations. Stay on designated paths, avoid littering, and leave no trace behind.
7. Capture Memories - The waterfalls along the scenic drive provide excellent photo opportunities. Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the beauty of the cascades and surrounding landscapes. Remember to use caution when taking photos near waterfalls and cliffs.

2026 Update: Hurricane Helene Recovery

Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway in late 2024, resulting in extended road closures and repair work throughout the Graveyard Fields area. The good news is that Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields and the surrounding trail system are once again open, allowing visitors to enjoy one of the Parkway's most popular waterfall hikes.

While the trail is in good condition overall, you may notice areas where erosion, fallen trees, and cleanup efforts have subtly changed the landscape. Crews have worked hard to restore access while protecting the surrounding environment, and most visitors will find the hike much as they remember it before the storm.

As with any trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway, it's always a good idea to check current road conditions before heading out. Temporary closures due to maintenance, storm cleanup, or weather can still occur from time to time.

Our Videos

Join us as we hike down to Lower Falls:

Here's another video of Second Falls we took in the Fall of 2011:

Lower Falls Graveyard Fields Trail

Lower Falls (also called Second Falls) is one of two large waterfalls in the Graveyard Fields area. Of the two, Lower Falls is the easiest to access from the main parking lot and the shorter hike. Lower Falls also has a fairly large and deep pool of water below it, making it a very popular summer swimming hole.

Much of the trail down to Lower Graveyard Falls is now either pavement or wooden decking. The first part of the trail down from the parking lot is paved and crosses through a forest of dense rhododendrons. In late April and May, the trail is surrounded by purple flowers.

After exiting the canopy of Rhodos, you'll walk down a short set of wooden stairs to a bridge that crosses Yellow Prong, the creek that is the water source for both upper and lower falls, and Skinny Dip Falls as well.

To reach the falls, continue across the bridge to yellow prong, and walk along the wooden deck walkway on the other side. You'll see a dirt trail that leads to the left; this takes you to Upper Falls about 1.5 miles away. To reach Lower Falls, continue straight.

After crossing a small creek, the wooden decking will stop, and you'll be hiking on dirt again. You'll pass a couple of access trails to the left that lead to the Mountains to Sea Trail. You'll also pass a few informal trails to the right that take you down to Yellow Prong and above Lower Falls. - We do not recommend doing this, as it's dangerous.

Soon you'll reach a long set of wooden stairs heading down. Take these, you should hear Lower Falls at this point, and reach it at the bottom of the stairs.

As of May 2026 - Be aware as you walk down the wooden decking that some sections have rotted and fallen apart. You'll want to watch where you step to avoid holes, sharp wood, and rotted wood that may collapse. We hope these issues get addressed by the park service soon.

Lower Falls

The area just below the falls is where people often enjoy a good swim. The water is deep enough to allow for jumping off the rocks into the water. Just be careful, as Hurricane Helene changed the depth of the swimming area some.

There are also many shallow areas where younger and smaller children can safely wade and play in the water. We often bring our children here to swim, as do many others. This is a very busy and active area in Graveyard Fields, as you can see by the photos taken on Labor Day weekend.

Lower Falls from the Parkway

For those that aren't able to hike, if you don't have time to hike, or just want a different view of the Falls, Lower Falls is viewable from the Parkway and Handicap Accessible from your car and roadside pullover.

If you are driving towards Asheville on the Parkway, pass the main Graveyard Fields parking lot. Just a little past the parking lot, you'll see a wooden guardrail to your left and a gravel/grass pull over to your right. Lower Falls is viewable from the guardrail. Just be very careful, as there is a turn just past this, and cars come by fast.  

Where to Stay When Visiting Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields

If you're planning more than a day trip, we recommend staying in either Brevard or Waynesville. Both towns make excellent base camps for exploring this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway and offer easy access to waterfalls, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and local restaurants.

Our Pick: Prospect Hill on Main (Waynesville)

If you're looking for a memorable place to stay, Prospect Hill on Main is our top recommendation. We had the opportunity to tour the inn with the owners shortly after it reopened, and it's quickly become one of our favorite places to recommend.

This beautifully restored historic inn combines modern comforts with classic charm and is just a short walk from Waynesville's vibrant Main Street, where you'll find locally owned shops, restaurants, breweries, and galleries. Its convenient location also makes it easy to explore both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Brevard

If you prefer to stay closer to Graveyard Fields, Brevard is an excellent choice. Located about 30 minutes from the trailhead, Brevard is known as the "Land of Waterfalls" and is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. It's an ideal home base if you plan to visit several waterfalls during your trip, and the downtown area offers plenty of restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and locally owned stores to enjoy after a day on the trail.

Both towns offer a different experiences, and you really can't go wrong. If your trip focuses on waterfalls around Pisgah National Forest, Brevard is the more convenient choice. 

Sunburst Swimming Hole

Sunburst Swimming Hole is a natural mountain water swimming hole, so the water is crisp, clear, fresh, and cold. Sunburst has two primary swimming areas.

• One has a large rock that you can jump off and plunge into the deep, cool waters. There is even a rope here that you can use.
• The second area is more beach-like, with shallows that slowly transition into deeper waters for swimming.

The shoreline of Sunburst Swimming Hole is unique as well, as it has a very beach-like feel to it, and makes for a great place to spread out a blanket, take in some sunshine, or even have a picnic.

Sunburst Swimming differs from Sunburst Falls, which is about 8 minutes further south on Highway 215.  Visitors often get these two locations confused. Sunburst Falls is a roadside waterfall, and not a safe or good swimming hole.

During the summer months, Sunburst is a very popular location for both local families and vacationers to hang out and swim. On a typical weekend from June - August, you'll often find Sunburst very busy and parking on the roadside parking lot can be a challenge. If all the parking is full, drive down to Forest Srv. Rd. and park on the side there.

Is Sunburst Swimming Hole Worth Visiting?

Yes!

We've visited nearly every popular swimming hole in Western North Carolina, and Sunburst remains one of our favorites because it's incredibly easy to access, has room for both swimmers and families relaxing along the shore, and sits in one of the prettiest stretches of Pisgah National Forest. It's also not far from our home, just outside of Waynesville, so we visit often during the summer.

If you don't mind sharing it with others on summer weekends, it's absolutely worth the trip.

Local Tips When Visiting

Here' are a few tips to make your visit to Sunburst Swimming Hole more enjoyable:

• We recommend getting there early, or arriving later in the afternoon/evening to avoid the crowds and parking issues.
• There are no restroom facilities here.There are restrooms at the nearby campground, but in our personal experience, access is limited depending on who the campground host is.
• Bring some chairs and/or a blanket. There aren't many rocks to sit on, so chairs and/or a blanket will come in really handy.
• Bring a cooler with water, drinks, and snacks. There aren't really any stores nearby.
• Dogs are allowed, but should be on a leash per national forest rules. In our personal experience, dogs are often not on leashes.
• There are no lifeguards or officials here, so please watch your kids and pets. The water is deep further out, and there is a current.

Where to Stay When Visiting Sunburst Swimming Hole

If you're planning a trip to Sunburst Swimming Hole, we recommend staying in either Waynesville or Maggie Valley. Both towns offer a great selection of hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals while providing easy access to NC Highway 215 and many of Western North Carolina's best outdoor destinations.

Our Pick: Waynesville

Waynesville is our recommended place to stay when exploring this part of Haywood County. Its vibrant historic downtown is filled with locally owned restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and unique boutiques, making it the perfect place to relax after a day by the river. Waynesville also provides convenient access to Sunburst Swimming Hole, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and many of the area's most popular waterfalls and hiking trails.

Also Recommended: Maggie Valley

Just a short drive from Waynesville, Maggie Valley offers a quieter mountain-town atmosphere with beautiful views and plenty of lodging options. It's an excellent choice if you also plan to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Waterrock Knob, Cataloochee Valley, or other nearby attractions. Staying in Maggie Valley gives you the best of both worlds—a peaceful mountain getaway with easy access to Sunburst and the surrounding region.

Whether you choose Waynesville or Maggie Valley, you'll be within about a 30-minute drive of Sunburst Swimming Hole, making either town an excellent home base for your mountain adventure.

Our Personal and Local Picks

We're NC mountain locals,and have been visiting waterfalls and local swimming holes as a family for over 16 years. While our kids are all grown up now, we had a blast hanging out on hot summer days at these wonderful swimming holes.

While there are certainly many more, these are our top picks for the very best NC swimming holes.

Sliding Rock

One of the most popular natural water slides in the US and definitely the most popular in North Carolina is Sliding Rock.  

Near Brevard, NC, in Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock has been a popular swimming and sliding destination for many years.

You'll slide down a 60 foot long smooth rock waterfall and plunge into a deep pool of cool, but refreshing water.

Sliding Rock has a large parking area, bathrooms, and multiple observation areas. During the prime summer months, lifeguards are also on duty.

Sliding Rock is a brief walk from the main parking lot and easily accessible. There is a small fee during the summer.

Bust Your Butt Falls - Highlands, NC

Located right next to Highway 64 near Highlands, NC, Bust Your Butt Falls is a very popular summer swimming hole and waterfall.

The waterfall is a gently cascading fall, with a significant amount of water, allowing swimmers to not only swim in the large and deep pool at the bottom, but you can also slide down the waterfall itself.

The falls are roadside, and there is a medium-sized parking area that is roadside you can use. Additional parking is located at a couple of locations on the other side of Highway 64 as well.   

There are several trails that lead down to the base of the falls and to the area above the falls. It's a beautiful area, and a really nice swimming hole.

Graveyard Fields - Lower Falls

One of our favorite NC swimming holes is Lower Falls in Graveyard fields.

Lower Falls (or second falls) is a simply gorgeous water fall with a swimming hole below it. The swimming area is surrounded by many large rocks that are ideal for jumping off and into the crisp and cool water.

Graveyard Fields is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, east of Waynesville NC and south of Asheville NC.

Lower Falls is a moderate 1-mile hike from the parking lot. Even if you don't plan to swim, Graveyard fields and specifically Lower Falls is a wonderful destination to see and enjoy.

Skinny Dip Falls 

Update: We're leaving this one on our list, but the Skinny Dip Falls swimming hole, as most knew it, is gone. There is still a small waterfall and a few pools here, but there are better swimming hole options in the area.

Skinny Dip Falls suffered massive damage because of the severe flooding from Tropical Storm Fred in 2021.

Midnight Hole

Hurricane Helene Impact: The entire Big Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Midnight Hole is currently closed because of damage

Another very popular swimming hole with a very tall "jump off rock" is Midnight Hole, in the Big Creek Section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  

Midnight Hole has a small beach area that is ideal for young kids to play in, deeper water for older kids, and two enormous boulders that older children, teens and even adults can jump down from.

Midnight Hole is a very popular destination in the summer. On a typical weekend, there are usually 40-50 people swimming and jumping from the rocks. Just be careful. The rocks and the climb up to them can be very slick. There are no lifeguards on duty and you are a long way from any medical facilities.

While you're there, walk the extra 1/2 mile up Big Creek trail to Mouse Creek Falls, a small but beautiful waterfall.

Mill Shoals Falls at Living Waters

Located along Highway 215 in Balsam Grove, Living Waters is home to one of our favorite places to cool off during the summer. Mill Shoals Falls and French Broad Falls sit side by side, with Shoal Creek and the North Fork of the French Broad River coming together in the rocky swimming area below. The two waterfalls, historic red mill, and surrounding forest make this one of the prettiest swimming holes in Western North Carolina.

We’ve visited and swam here with our family and friends for many years. There are plenty of large rocks where you can relax, along with shallow areas for wading and deeper spots where older children and adults can swim. It’s a wonderful place to spend a warm summer afternoon enjoying the waterfalls and cool mountain water.

It’s important to know that Living Waters is privately owned and serves as a religious retreat. The owners generously allow the public to visit the waterfalls and enjoy the swimming area. Please be respectful of the property, obey all posted signs, pack out everything you bring, and avoid disturbing retreats or other activities taking place during your visit.

There are no lifeguards, and water levels and currents can change considerably following heavy rain, so always use caution and supervise children closely.

Looking Glass Falls

Probably one of the most famous waterfalls in Western North Carolina is Looking Glass Falls.

Looking Glass Falls is a popular tourist stop because it's a stunning waterfall, that is both easy to access and visible from the roadside. This is a great waterfall to visit for those with accessibility needs.  

A very short paved walkway from the parking area allows easy access to the falls. Looking Glass Falls is not only a popular waterfall, but the area below the falls is also a popular NC swimming hole for kids and adults.

The area below Looking Glass falls isn't really deep, so you'll be wading more than swimming, but either way, spending time in the water below the 60 foot tall rushing waterfall is an experience to enjoy and remember.

Deep Creek Tubing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hands down, our favorite family summer water destination is Deep Creek, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  

Located just outside Bryson City NC, Deep Creek offers waterfalls, many wading areas, wonderful trails, and best of all, one of the best water tubing spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  If our kids had their choice, this is where we would spend every weekend during the summer months.

Prior to entering the park, you can rent tubes from several vendors. Once there, you can enter the creek and start tubing anywhere.

People looking for a more relaxed tubing experience should enter the Deep Creek just past the bridge that crosses the creek.

Those looking for a more "white water" experience hike up a little further to the furthest point where you can begin tubing (just below Indian Creek Falls). 

We highly recommend tubing in Deep Creek. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

Sunburst Swimming Hole

Sunburst is a popular family swimming hole for locals and tourists near Bethel, NC, in Pisgah National Forest. This popular NC swimming hole has a rope, a jumping rock, a small beach area, and lots of wading areas for younger and smaller children. It's one of the many swimming holes near Waynesville NC.

On Highway 215, at the bridge that crosses the Pigeon River and just past the Sunburst camping area. Parking is available alongside Highway 215. It will be hard to miss, especially on weekends in the summer.

Turtleback Falls

Turtleback Falls is one of three waterfalls you can see along a stretch of the Horsepasture River in Nantahala National Forest. Turtleback Falls is the second falls and is a popular swimming spot and water slide. The falls are roughly a 1.5 mile hike and 3 mile round-trip.

Turtleback falls is really only recommended for teens and adults that are strong swimmers. If water is flowing heavily over Turtleback falls, you'll want to avoid swimming, as currents can carry you too far downstream and over the 150 foot tall Rainbow Falls down river.

Even at low water levels, the currents here can be strong, so be smart and know your limits. If you're going to attempt sliding down, we recommend you bring a pair of good quality water shoes to keep you from slipping.

Hooker Falls - Dupont State Park

Hooker Falls is the fourth waterfall along Little River, which passes through Dupont State Park near Brevard NC.

The pool below the 11' tall Hooker Falls has become a popular swimming hole due to its ease of accessible and because of the calm waters below the falls.  

From the Hooker falls parking lot, it's only a short 1/4 mile hike along a gravel road to the falls. The calm waters at the base of the falls make this a safe and fun swimming hole that is popular with families.

Hooker Falls is also one of the most popular swimming holes in Western NC, so be prepared for crowds during the summer months.

While tempting, we do not recommend walking on top of the falls or jumping off the falls. People have been injured here due to the slick rocks above.

Secret Falls - Highlands NC

As the name implies, this is not a well-known waterfall and swimming hole, and is very secluded. As a result, few people know about it, offering more of a private swimming hole that is great for families.  

Secret Falls is a 50' tall waterfall on Big Creek near Highlands NC and part of the Nantahala National Forest.

The hike to the falls is a 1-mile round trip and is considered easy to moderate. The trails are well maintained and there is access to the top of the falls and the swimming hole at the bottom.

2025 Season

Sliding Rock will reopen for the 2025 season on May 23rd and run through Labor Day on September 1st. The rock will be open from 9am - 6pm 7-days a week. Admission for 2025 will be $5/person.

The Sliding Rock area is open year round, however life guards are bathroom facilities are only open during the official season. Those wishing to slide down outside of the open season do so at their own risk.

After Hurricane Helene

Sliding Rock sustained damage and debris from the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene at the end of September 2024. The massive amount of water moved rocks and changed the pool at the base of the waterfall.

Debris came over sliding rock and settled in and around the pool at the bottom. The park service has cleaned that up.

We visited Sliding Rock on 2/5/2025; the gates were open and took these photos which show the current state of Sliding Rock post Hurricane Helene:

Our 2024 Video

Here's our YouTube we took during the summer of 2024 when visited to Sliding Rock on a busy weekday. The video even shows someone sliding down holding our GoPro!

All about Sliding Rock NC

Sliding Rock is a natural 60' water slide that you can slide down and then plunge into a deep pool of water at the bottom. The pool at the bottom is 8 foot deep, so you'll want to know how to swim.  

During busy times, the line to slide extends the entire length of the 60' boulder, along the metal fence shown in the photo above.

People wait their turn to get into their favorite spot and then slide through the 50-60 degree water. The water is cold, but refreshing. Over 11,000 gallons of water flow over sliding rock each minute to propel you down the slide and into the pool.  

Sliding Rock is incredibly popular, and can often be very busy during the summer months, especially on weekends.

Sliding Rock NC is open year round during daylight hours, and this includes during the offseason and winter. You can slide during the off-season times, but the water is colder than usual and there are no lifeguards or staff on duty.

Lifeguards are on duty during peak season from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. The cost to enter when lifeguards are on duty is $5/person. Children under 6 years of age are free. Visiting during off hours is free, however there are no lifeguards or safety staff.

There are full restrooms and changing facilities at Sliding Rock. For food, you'll need to drive to Brevard, NC were there are plenty of places to eat. The restrooms do close in the evenings when the lifeguards leave.

Where should you slide?

There are three main sliding paths from the center starting point at the top.

The left side is the slowest, and is best for those sliding for the first few times, and that have little experience

The middle track, straight down, is faster, but still only a medium speed.

The right side, where the water mainly flows, is the fastest and best for those with more experience.

In Case of Emergency

In the event of an emergency or injury, you'll want to call 911 if possible. The Transylvania County Sheriffs Dept is reachable at: 828-884-3168

Your Physical location: Sliding Rock Recreation Center, 7851 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Transylvania Regional Hospital: 260 Hospital Drive, Brevard NC 28712 - 828-213-1111

Tips for visiting

Here are a few tips to help make your visit to Sliding Rock North Carolina more enjoyable!

1. The pool at the bottom is 8 foot deep, so you need to know how to swim.  Children under 7 must slide with an adult.
2. The water is cold. Water temperatures average around 50 degrees year round.  Bring a towel to stay warm, and we recommend bringing a change of clothing.
3. No floatation devices (like tubes, floaties or noodles) are allowed. Only life jackets are permitted.
4. Wear Blue Jean shorts. Bathing suits will work, but they can get worn through pretty quickly when sliding down the rock. Water shoes are also highly recommended, as the rocks can be slick.
5. Arrive Early - During the prime time hours of summer, the parking area can often fill up. To avoid the crowd, arrive before 11am or after 4pm.
6. No alcohol or picnicking is allowed.
7. Life guards are on duty during the peak summer months, from 9am - 6pm

Nearby Locations to visit

Our Photos

Here are some photos of a family enjoying the crisp and cool waters of Sliding Rock, North Carolina on a late summer weekday, before all the visitors arrived.

Hurricane Helene Impact

In late 2024, Hurricane Helene brought severe flooding and damage to the Big Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Big Creek Trail and the surrounding area were hit hard—floodwaters washed out a 70-foot steel bridge located about five miles up the trail and caused extensive erosion and trail damage beyond Mouse Creek Falls.

As a result, both Big Creek and Big Creek Trail were closed for several months. The area has since re-opened to visitors, but Big Creek Trail is currently only open to Mouse Creek Falls. The section of trail beyond that point remains closed until further notice because of safety concerns and ongoing repairs.

Midnight Hole itself was also affected by the flooding. While the trail leading to it is open, the powerful floodwaters appear to have altered the area around the swimming hole. During our most recent visit, there were 2-3 fallen trees on the beach area (see photo above), the flooding washed away, and much of the rocky beach area. As a result, the beach area is now smaller. The deep swimming area below the falls is still there, but appears to be not as large nor as deep as it once was.

During our visit, a large tree had also fallen across the large rock to the left that people often jumped from.

If you plan to visit, the hike to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls is still a beautiful and worthwhile adventure—just be aware of the limited trail access and ongoing restoration efforts beyond that point.

Our Midnight Hole Videos

Here is our latest video, highlighting damage and affects of Hurricane Helene:

Here are our other videos from our visits to Big Creek and Midnight Hole

Midnight Hole

Midnight Hole NC is probably one of the most scenic and beautiful natural swimming holes in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The water is crystal clear, and the waterfall surrounded by huge boulders makes for a natural place to swim, jump, and cool off in the hot summer. Jumping from the rocks into the pool is a very popular activity for the younger crowd.

Midnight Hole is often very busy, especially between 10am and 4-5 pm. The water and rocks are full of families, teens, and adults. It isn't uncommon for there 50-100 people there on a summer weekend day. 

The water is pretty cold, but very crisp and refreshing, especially after the 1.4 mile hike in.  

Hiking to Midnight Hole

Midnight Hole is in the Big Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, on Big Creek Trail.  The trailhead begins on the road, just before the parking area, on the right. You'll pass the trailhead on your way to the park.

Come prepared! Be sure to review our Day hiking Essentials before hitting the trail.

Big Creek is often very busy during the summer, and if the main parking area is full, you can drive back down the entry road and park in the horse camp parking area. Just be sure not to block in any of the horse trailers.

There is a trail from the bathroom area to the trailhead. There are also bathrooms in the main parking area.

Big Creek trail up to Midnight Hole is an old railroad grade, and not steep, but it is a gradual climb all the way up to Midnight Hole, at 1.4 miles in. Along the way, you'll hike creekside to Big Creek, which is gorgeous.

You can't miss Midnight hole, as you'll either hear the people swimming, yelling and having fun.  

The trail is also heavily travelled up to Midnight Hole. You'll likely encounter lots of people and families walking on the trail, either going to or coming back from the falls.  

You'll know you're close to Midnight Hole when you cross a small wooden bridge. To get to the falls/swimming area, just walk down the narrow path to the left. The trail is rocky, so young children will probably need some help.

Things to do at Big Creek and Midnight Hole

Next to the parking lot is a really nice picnic area next to Big Creek. This is a great place for families with younger children, as the water is a great depth for wading and splashing.  

Midnight Hole has more shallow areas as well, but few. Most of the water areas in Midnight Hole are 1-2 feet deep 2 feet, minimum, and the current is fairly strong, so small children should be watched closely.   

Big Creek Trail is an old railroad grade that was used to haul timber and lumber during the logging boom, prior to the area becoming a national park. Horses are allowed on the trail, and while we haven't seen any the times we've been there, we would recommend watching where you step, just in case!

If you hike up the trail another 1/2 mile, you'll come to Mouse Creek Falls.  The falls are 41 foot high, and just beautiful to see and take pictures of.  

Where to Stay When Visiting Midnight Hole

If you're planning to visit Midnight Hole, we recommend staying in either Waynesville or Maggie Valley, North Carolina. As mountain locals, we've spent years exploring this part of the Smokies, and these two towns offer the best combination of convenience, lodging options, and things to do. In fact, they are where we live.

Waynesville

Waynesville is our favorite base for exploring the eastern side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its charming, walkable downtown is filled with locally owned restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and unique boutiques, making it a great place to unwind after a day on the trail. You'll also be within easy driving distance of Midnight Hole, Cataloochee Valley (home of the Elk), Waterrock Knob, and many other Smoky Mountain attractions.

Maggie Valley

Located just a few minutes closer to the park, Maggie Valley offers a quieter mountain-town atmosphere with a wide variety of hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals. It's an excellent choice if your primary focus is hiking, scenic drives, or exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You'll also find several local restaurants, shops, and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

No matter which town you choose, you'll be less than an hour from the Big Creek area, making either one an excellent home base for your Smoky Mountain adventure.