Looking for some summer water fun in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina? Look no further than Sliding Rock NC, a natural water slide that’s been a favorite for families, friends, and thrill-seekers for generations.
Located in the heart of Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock is a one-of-a-kind experience where you can slide down a smooth, 60-foot rock face into a refreshing, crisp, and cool pool of mountain water.
For beating the heat, family bonding, or a natural water park adventure, Sliding Rock is perfect. This iconic destination has drawn visitors for decades, offering a unique blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and fun that keeps people coming back year after year.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to make the most of your visit—from what to bring and when to go, to insider tips for an unforgettable day at Sliding Rock. We're locals, and visit often.
So grab your swimsuit and let’s dive into one of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ most beloved summer spots!
Updated: 3/24/2025 - Reformatted and additional information added on 2025 opening. Information on damage from Hurricane Helene added and along with current photos.
Need to Know |
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Location: On Highway 276, 8 miles outside of Brevard NC |
Accessible: Yes to the viewing area, but not to the bottom or top of the falls themselves |
Dog Friendly: Yes, but must be on a leash |
Features: Waterfall, swimming, restrooms and a large parking lot. |
Directions: Take US 276 North from Brevard NC for eight miles. Or take U.S. 276 South from the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 7 miles. There will be a sign at the entrance. |
Recommended Gear: Camera, water, water shoes, sunscreen and towels, change of clothes. When sliding down the rocks, it can very quickly wear out a bathing suit. We recommend bringing cut off blue jeans to wear over your bathing suit, or something else made of thick material. |
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.
Plunge pool at the bottom, about 8 foot deep
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!
- 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.
- 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.
- No floatation devices (like tubes, floaties or noodles) are allowed. Only life jackets are permitted.
- 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.
- 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.
- No alcohol or picnicking is allowed.
- 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.
