Named one of USA Today’s Top Ten Swimming Holes in 2013, Sliding Rock, a natural rock slide in Pisgah National Forest, draws huge crowds during the summer months. One visit and it’s easy to see why.
The 60-foot-long natural water slide has a gentle slope and ends in a large, deep pool at the bottom, making a ride from the top a fun adventure that isn’t to be missed during a summer visit to the area.
Sliding Rock—Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina: It’s not very often that the natural world and human interests conspire so perfectly, but this rock formation appears to have been created expressly for the purpose of recreation. Located in the Pisgah National Forest about 40 miles southwest of Asheville, this is one of the few swimming holes to come with a built-in delivery device: a 60-foot-long sloping boulder that carries swimmers down into a seven-foot-deep plunge pool with refreshingly chilly 50- to 60-degree mountain waters. — USA Today
In recent years the area has been developed by the US Forest Service into an official recreation area. Access to the area is through a newly constructed parking area with a $1 per person admission fee. There are two viewing platforms, steps down to the pool and railings to help climb the rocks on the left side before sliding down. Sliding down is required in a sitting position only. A restroom and changing room is provided and a lifeguard is periodically on duty especially during summer weekends. At other times, sliding down the waterfall is done at a visitor’s own risk. Children must be of a certain size to slide alone, otherwise, they may slide in the lap of an adult.
To get to the recreation area and the falls, travel north from the intersection of U.S. Highway 276, approximately 7.7 miles north of the intersection of 276, U.S. Highway 64, and NC Highway 280 in Brevard, North Carolina. En route, you will pass Looking Glass Falls and the parking area for Moore Cove Falls.
