Sliding Rocks is a spot specifically for sliding down natural rock formations. In autumn, there is no entrance fee, but because it’s free, the restroom is also closed. Still, there are a lot of people there. I changed into my swimsuit right by the forest. The creek water was about 55°F, and it felt extremely cold and biting on the skin. Everyone moved quickly, and before I had even mentally prepared myself, it was my turn in line. The rock surface is already very smooth, so you slide down really fast. Once you enter the water, the adrenaline kicks in immediately. My legs, which were already a bit sore and tired, suddenly felt energized after being immersed in the cold water. It was fun, but the water was really freezing. A quick warning: don’t wear glasses. One guy spent a long time searching in the water and still couldn’t find his glasses.
Sliding Rock
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Sliding Rock
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Sliding Rock famous?
Sliding Rock is famous as a natural 60-foot waterslide where visitors can ride the smooth rock surface down a slippery cascade into a plunge pool below. It has been featured in the 1993 film 'The Last of the Mohicans' and is one of the most popular natural water attractions in North Carolina, drawing thousands of visitors each summer.
Can you swim at Sliding Rock?
Yes. Sliding Rock is famous for natural water sliding and swimming. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Sliding Rock?
Dogs are not allowed at Sliding Rock Recreation Area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Sliding Rock free? Do you need a permit?
Entrance fee applies ($3 per person as of recent seasons, typically Memorial Day to Labor Day). Free off-season but facilities may be limited. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Sliding Rock?
Paved parking lot on-site with restrooms and changing facilities. Parking is included with entrance fee. The slide is immediately accessible from the parking area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Sliding Rock?
Roadside (no hike). Sliding Rock is directly accessible from the parking area with no trail required. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Sliding Rock hike difficulty
Roadside (no hike). The natural waterslide is immediately adjacent to the parking lot with paved access. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Sliding Rock?
Summer (June–August) for warm weather and the best sliding experience, though water is cold year-round (50–60°F). Spring and fall offer fewer crowds. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Sliding Rock
From the parking lot, walk directly to the base of the 60-foot natural waterslide. Visitors slide down the smooth rock face into an 8-foot-deep pool at the bottom. Lifeguards are on duty during summer season. Enter at the top of the slide and ride the natural water chute down.
Sliding Rock official website
Attractions near Sliding Rock
- •Looking Glass Falls — stunning 60-foot roadside waterfall, 5 miles north on US 276
- •Pisgah National Forest — vast forest with numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives
- •Davidson River — popular fly fishing destination adjacent to Sliding Rock
- •Blue Ridge Parkway — scenic mountain highway with overlooks, about 15 miles away
- •Brevard — charming mountain town known as 'Land of Waterfalls,' 8 miles southeast
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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Linville Falls
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Triple-tier falls in the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Hooker Falls
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Wide veil falls popular for swimming.