Sliding Rock

I visited Sliding Rock in Pisgah Hills in September and had an amazing time! The place is peaceful and perfect for some outdoor fun. The natural water slide is thrilling, but remember it’s all at your own risk, so safety is important. The drive there is an adventure too, with winding roads that make the journey just as exciting. I would definitely recommend this spot to everyone visiting the area.

quite an interesting waterfall where you can have fun riding, but be careful when you dive, it is a bit uncomfortable to get out of the water, there are big stones under the water and they are very slippery, not safe

Our family had big fun here! So beautiful! Refreshing natural water slide!

Off season visit, had the rock to myself. Two slides into the hypothermia waters for this florida boy was enough!! It was awesome to check out, very cold, but I was also surprised at how quick I recovered from the water temp. It was over cast 69° outside

Awesome experience for the whole family! Warning: the water is cold! Be ready to wait in a long line. I think the line is well worth the wait. This is a great place! The kids can play in the creek a little ways from the sliding rock and you can explore a little ways down stream. The sliding was a lot of fun, but don’t be surprised if you hit a knee on a rock when you’re getting out. Definitely worth a visit! It’s great they have life guards here! We had to park a little ways away and walk in as the parking lot was full. Definitely recommend getting here early!

Totally worth the price, $5 a person for unlimited sliding. Very cold water but easy to warm back up. They do watch the hidden trails to get in, just keep that in mind if you think you can sneak in. The line didn't even take 5 minutes and the parking lot was full.

Great place to cool down. Get there super early to a ride the fees

We enjoyed this place. With a group of 7 people of all ages, there was something for everyone. Nice trails, restrooms, places to change, lifeguards, places to observe, places to sit, plenty of parking. Potential chaos is well organized but not too structured. Just jumping along rocks in the cold river is fun for many. It is dog friendly too.

Swimming hole when the weather is warmer. $5 to pass the gate if there are lifeguard on duty. Natural water slide. Pool is 8ft deep.

I didn't go here with the family! I just know that when they returned, the smiles said it ALL!! My hubby, and my sister in law took our granddaughter here. We in town for my husband's and sister in law's Mother's funeral. Our granddaughter has lost her father (my son) a few months back, so some fun was needed in their lives! They were there about a week before the official grand opening! The water was cold, but that didn't stop them from sliding down the rock multiple time!! A much needed good time was had by all 3 of them

Another hidden gem in Pisgah National Forest is this place. To enter, you need to go through the gated entrance which is currently unmanned until the tourist season begins which I believe is coming up soon. Then it will be $5 per person, not car. It was nice watching people enjoy the water.

This site definitely did not disappoint! We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with the family. I was surprised that my granddaughters were not afraid to go down the rock slide. I was the family photographer. I certainly had lots to photograph! There was ever a great rock to lean against for taking pictures. My suggestion is that you bring along a change of clothes, wet shoes, snacks, a camera, sunscreen and life jackets for the little ones. I forgot my wet shoes and my son forgot a change of clothes. There is a rest room where you can change clothes. There are also lifeguards until 5 PM. They stayed open after 5, but did not charge admission. When we return we will go later in the afternoon. The lines are shorter and after 5 you don't have to pay the $5 per person admission charge. I definitely will return when we visit the area again. We enjoyed a great time!

Sliding Rock is not to be missed!! It's a $4 per person charge whether to observe or slide down!! It opens in the Spring through fall. Just be sure to check out their website or call as this is where you will receive their most accurate info regarding openings or closings. I had checked the website prior to heading to Asheville and it said it will open this year on April 30, 2022. However, when we stopped by the Pisgah Visitor center I received some conflicting answers. I'm glad I went with my extinct to just check myself. (They were friendly at the Pisgah center but just saying you'll get more accurate info on the Sliding Rock website.) They have lifeguards on duty and a changing room with bathrooms and cubby holes. However, DON'T leave valuables there. The less you bring with you, the better. Or better yet, leave them in your car or with a friend who's observing. I would recommend wearing aqua shoes as the rocks can get slippery. Seriously, one fall and I can see broken bones, a concussion or death happening. Just be careful. While I didn't slide myself because of the above potentials, it looks like great fun!! I was happy just watching other people go down and it was relaxing just enjoying nature, slightly modified ;-) They have signs listing the nearest hospital in case anything happens and the exact location to tell the dispatcher. The signs also say if you cannot swim you cannot slide. As the 60 foot waterfall kicks you out into an 8 foot deep pool of 55 degree water. The distance to swim to land is not far, but I can imagine the water temperature is enough to give you a bit of a shock to the senses. The signs also say if you have to get rescued, you're cut off and cannot slide again. Fortunately when we went it was the day or day after of opening day and it wasn't crowded. But I can imagine it being a mad house when it gets warmer. There is a hand rail to the left if you're facing the waterfalls from the bottom. At the top of the rail are orange cones where to start scooting on your bottom. If you're going down the falls the path closest to you is the slow place to slide, in the middle a medium paced slide and the far left closer to the lifeguards. They ask you to side scoot on your bottom to where you want to slide because if you're standing, a gush of water can easily knock you off your feet or you can slip on your back and hit your head. NO ONE WANTS THAT. Please. Go out and have some fun!! Just be careful and cautious! Parking is available and a short walk down. There are several steps to negotiate but no ramp. Once you reach the end of the path it's all rocks to negotiate to slide down.

As many times as I have been to North Carolina and driven by Asheville, not once have I been to sliding rock. A visit was planned a couple of years ago, but it rained the whole time we were in the state. Since then I have been trying to get back up here and slide down that rock. My son has been a trooper this trip. Didn't complain at all on our long drive to Asheville and pretended to be a tour guide at the Biltmore. Today was about him having fun. He told me he wanted a place to play in the water. Tubing down around springs in Florida, we were prepared for the cool water temperatures. The out of water temperatures was what we needed to adjust to. It was a warm day and the water felt great while in it. Getting out, my body didn't warm up until I came home and took a warm shower. Maybe a change of clothes was needed. We both had our water shoes which I suggest as you walk over to the slide. My son's Keen's were great and he didn't fall/slip once. We don't need to talk about my non Keen shoes. We walked up to the top of the slide, were given instructions as this was our first visit, and down we went. So. Fun!!!! Three trips down the rock and I could have done that all day. There was a "turtle" side and a "hot tub" side according to my son. He did not enjoy the "hot tub" side because you went too fast and could get turned around on the slide. That didn't stop him from sliding over and over. I was able to get him to walk a little bit around the area and take in the scenery. There we saw small fish and he played where the water rushed over some rocks. The rocks are slippery. Please be careful. I fell, not hard or bad. My wrist will be bruised and swollen for a day or two though.

$4 for unlimited entertainment?! Can't beat it. I recommend getting there right when it opens! We got there 15 minutes after and were able to get a close parking spot and it wasn't too crowded. We left around 11 and about that time it started getting crowded. There is someone at the top of the rock letting you know when it is your turn and there were three lifeguards on the side when we were there. There is a sign letting you know which side of the rock is slower vs faster. The slower side is obviously smoother but it's still a rock so scrapes and bruises come with the territory but nothing too bad. There were people of all ages participating. The restrooms were open and have changing rooms. We brought a bag down to the location; there was no designated space to put it, we just left it on the observers deck. I kept an eye on it but I felt it was safe. I normally don't wear clothes over my swim suits in the water but I did for this and I was glad I did! The water is very cold and the shorts helped protect more of my legs from scrapes. Everyone was dressed differently though so anything will fit right in. A lot of people had water shoes which would be helpful because you have to walk in water to get to the line and there are big rocks to climb over. Depending on what side you go down, the water at the bottom gets up to 8 feet deep.

Yes, it's literally a massive Rock you slide down and what better way to spend time in the water ? This sliding rock was so much fun! The water is FREEZING! It's a great time in rain or shine. They have life guards at the top of the rock and at the bottom monitoring everyone to make sure this is a safe and fun experience for everyone. It's a perfect place to visit for families and even for a date. It was packed when we went but the line moves so fast to slide down the rock which is great!! A question I get most about this experience is how the rock itself was, and how safe. It's safe but you need to be smart and listen to the life guards because you could very easily get hurt, remember it's a slippery Rock. And certain sections of the rock are more rough than others and I have the marks on my butt to prove it. Make a half a day of it, have a picnic... enjoy the waterfalls within walking distance if this location. There are plenty. There is also a fee to pay to get inside the park!

Very incredible natural waterfall slide! Great for the kids and the parents to come. Really cool for a date if you don't mind a little crowded area. At the beginning there were lifeguards but they ended up leaving at 6:00pm because that is when the life guard shifts are over and the e bathroom closed. The good part though is that they did not close the area at all so everyone continued to slide and have fun! Not too much exploring could be done but it is really nice just to be at the natural waterfall right near the blue ridge parkway and looking glass falls!

It's a bumpy, bruising ride over rocks into a very cold pool of water. If that sounds like fun, then don't miss Sliding Rock. I've been doing it since the early '50s when there were no lifeguards, and some of the restrictions that now exist didn't. But even with those rules and added safeguards, it's fun. And in the summer months, it can get very crowded with pretty lengthy lines waiting a slide. Still, those lines move quickly, partly because some people back out at the last minute. There are a couple of areas to watch the goings-on, and that's fun, too. We especially enjoy the screams when the sliders hit the water at the end. Before and after the summer months, there's no fee charged to slide, and there are no lifeguards. You're on your own, and though the parking area closes, we've seen folks there in December. Now that's a gutsy decision...

Dope slide we went when it was to cold to slide down but it still was beautiful. Beside the tree that fell down and almost crushed my truck not bad .

Cool place to take the kids and go sliding. Kind of stinks you have to pay $10 to get in.

This review is strictly based on aesthetics as we came here in December. It was cold outside and even colder water. Plus it was closed for swimming for the winter. Like I am going to try that cold water. I have heard about this spot for some time and just wanted to check it out. Actually it looks pretty cool and understand why this is such a popular place to come in the summer. I overheard some people that were there and they said that even in the summer, the water is still pretty cold. Really cool place and from what I have seen, it would be a lot of fun.

I haven't had this much fun in a while! We went on a weekday in the shoulder season so there wasn't too many people there. I'm sure this place is not as fun when it's super crowded. Be prepared for cold water, but it's really not that bad. Once you're in, it's fine. A great spot!

Nice to look at. For safety reasons, I highly discourage traveling downstream as we all busted butt on the rocks...one with an injury that required a trip to the ER. The rocks remained undefeated against our group of fourteen.

A secret park, that is great family fun. Visit during the week day and early to avoid lines.

Great fun! Kinda busy but line went fast and it didn't seem crowded at all. The water was it that cold at all. Very refreshing! My husband had a little fall and the awesome lifeguards were there right a way to bandage him up. Thanks for the fun memories!

Visited Sliding Rock Waterfalls with Noel and Tony. We had Sammi with us so we couldn't go into the water. It looked like so much freaking fun. The water seemed to be rather deep when the people went down the slide and landed into the water. It looks like a nice swimming hole, but it was so busy. I bet it was fun before it became so full of tourist and day users. There is a small fee to slide, but it is so nice there. Nice and shaded. There is a large parking lot and that is where you pay the fee. Whether you actually slide or not, you pay the fee. This is off another website to give you more details to share: Sliding Rock is a 60' natural rock slide with a 6-7 foot deep pool at the base - perfect for you folks looking for a waterfall to slide down. The slide is a Forest Service recreation area with lifeguards and staff are on duty from Memorial Day week end through Labor Day. Beginning in May 2014, the fee to access the parking area will increase to $2 per person (from $1 per person). You can also buy a season pass for $25. Parking is somewhat limited, so go early if you can. It will be crowded on a summer week end. I think kids have to be a certain size to slide alone, but can sit on the lap of an adult. There are bathrooms which are open in season. For more info, call the US Forest Service at 828-877-3350. Directions: From the intersection of Hwys 64, 280 and 276 north near Brevard, drive north on Hwy 276 for 7.5 miles and turn left into the parking area and up to the booth where you pay. You'll see a 'US Fee Area' sign before the turn - there's also a sign before the turn if you are coming south on 276 from the Blue Ridge Parkway. I've seen people sliding off season, so I assume you can do it at any time at your own risk. The lines will be a lot shorter, but the water may be a little chillier. The water is cold in the summer also, but it feels great.

This king of swimming holes, located in the mountains of Transylvania County near Asheville, is a 60 foot natural water slide. Ride down a well-worn slab of rock that has been providing summertime entertainment long before water slides became standard fare. Sliding Rock is a 60 foot natural water slide that ends in a 8 foot deep pool of water. There are 2 observation platforms, and is staffed during the season. This is a heavily used recreation area, come early. Restrooms are open daily Memorial Day - Mid August. Cost is $2 pp or $25 annual pass. It is cash only so don't forget to bring cash there are not many (if any) ATM's or bizzes to stop along the way out here. Also, pro-tip - you don't just look at this rock YOU CAN ACTUALLY SLIDE DOWN IT! We found this spot in a photography book so we didn't realize it was actually highly trafficked and used for swimming. We forgot out swimsuits and had serious fomo. Pack a towel and an old bathing suit (maybe some water shoes) and mark this off your bucket list!

Should have gone sooner in my life! Yes, the line was long. But it moves fast! Yes, the water was really really cold! And the 8' deep water was maybe 10' deep now. Swim quickly to the exit rock so as not to get squished by the next drop behind you! Kids 6& under ride with an adult. And if you don't swim, you must wear flotation device. You can rent one for 6$ there. Life guards are on duty. But if you Don't want to go down the sliding rock.. there are shallow waters near by to wade in. Fun times to be had by all! A must for family trips and visiting company!

We saw Sliding Rock as a highly recommended place to visit, and it lived up to the hype! Glad we made the drive out. Parking was tricky because the lot was full, so we had to drive up the street and park on the side of the road. It was $4 per person, and we were able to go down the rock a few times. It was slippery so be careful when you're walking. I would go back.

We visited sliding rock in April so of course the water was too cold to go swimming but it was a great place to relax and listen to the water flowing! No one was there so we were all alone! If you come this way you should stop and check this place out.

So much fun!! I went to sliding rock last fall and it was so much fun!! The water is pretty deep at the bottom and there are lifeguards which is nice. The mountain water is COLD (went in September). Long lines and bath house. Very popular swimming spot in the gorgeous mountains

SUCH AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE! Natures own water park. The line may look long but it moves very quickly. The water was chilly when you first submerge but as soon as I was out I was warm. Would recommend bringing river or water shoes since the rocks are slick. Also, if you get motion sickness like me... be prepared for the drive up and down the mountain to get there! I would 100% go back.

What an experience! My boys loved it. The water is crazy cold but it's worth it. Wear shorts to slide down the rock, new swimmers should wear a life vest because the water is so cold you forget to swim. It gets really busy so get there early. But even when the line gets long it moves quickly.

The cold rush of water when you splash in the pool bottom is breathtaking!!! I mean you gasp for a breath of air it is so cold and refreshing. As soon as you get out you get warm again, plan on going again before summer ends.

Paid $4 to get in. Had a good amount of parking. There were restrooms available and open during this pandemic, so that was great. Beautiful scene!!! Slid down the rock myself and it was soo much fun! The wait to slide was not long at all. Definitely a place to be able to bring kids. Researched that the water is 50 degrees and under. Water was definitely cold but as soon as I was submerged it was warm. Lol

My brother and I have been coming here since we were little kids, and my grandparents have been going there since they were teenagers. This place never disappoints! It's a beautiful creek and a fun slide, even though that water is absolutely freezing. It's worth paying for the visit and waiting in the line! PRO TIP: WEAR OLD JEANS IF YOU'RE SLIDING!! It can definitely bruise and scrape you if you're only wearing a swimsuit. Also recommend visiting nearby Looking Glass Falls!

FUN WITH NATURE WITH ALL THE AMENITIES [Warning: Young adults from Central Florida in for vacation] Although it looked like a crowded area, parking and waiting wasn't that bad (perhaps because I'm coming from an area with hour-long waits at Florida theme parks. LOTS, BATHROOMS, PLATFORM This was probably the most unnaturally natural part of our visit to this area. The natural rock slide is the focus of course, but there was also a nice platform to view (and take photos) of those sliding down the rock, as well as decent bathrooms, and lots of railings to prevent kids from going places they shouldn't. PRETTY COOL EXPERIENCE OVERALL The parking lot wasn't that big, but we were able to find some parking after driving in a circle a bit. Despite the line snaking down the rock, over the stream, and at the bottom of the stairs, I think we only waited in line 30 minutes? Hint: Aim for the middle of the rock when you slide. When you're facing the platform, the right side is too shallow and the left side has pockets where you can get stuck.

What a draw dropper this place is! Nothing but smiles and laughter. The water was freezing and the rocks are pretty steep to walk over but we had water shoes so it was perfect! They had viewing decks all over for great pictures! What a scary drive when your use to flat land but so worth it. It's absolutely mesmerizing and you see all ages doing the sliding rock. The great thing is there are lifeguards on duty to keep an eye out and keep it orderly with the line moving consistently. Good job sliding rock, we had the best time ever!

It's free after 7. When they close. All my friends love sliding rock. In December the water actually heats itself. Weird.

Sit up your hammock and enjoy the laughter of watching people slide into the freezing water! The water was a little deeper than expected, no fee required when we went, and it's about a 4 minute drive away from Looking Glass Falls! Pretty rad place

So much fun! Our kids had a blast. Very easy short walk from the road. Well worth the stop.

Looking for adventure? Wanna get wet but dont want to pay the price of a water park. This is your place. We stopped here to see the famous sliding rock. My husband was set to go down this natural water slide. I was skeptical so he did it first and it was amazing. The rocks were slippery to climb but once up it was a blast to slide down. This is a must do!

We love this place. If you don't want to slide you still can enjoy watching others slide and get a great laugh when the plop into the water.

It is hard to find this place, especially with a GPS but well worth it! You have to come early or else the line gets quite long although it moves pretty fast! It is a lot of fun and safe for both kids and adults. The parking was horrendous though. The parking lot was small and filled quite quickly and they seem to have no way of tracking when vehicles left to know where there was empty parking. Most parking was down along the roadside a good walk (maybe a quarter to half a mile walk back up the road to the sliding rock entrance). The water is cold refreshing but takes your breath away even in July 90 degree weather. There is an admission fee to sliding rock. I believe it was $3/person. There is a deck observance area but it seems this is really the only place to relax outside of the water so everyone flocks to this area.

Better to visit after hours or off season in order to avoid massive crowds. Many rules and restrictions - but people seem to love it anyway. The water ranges from cold to colder; it's mountain water! Bumps and bruises are common, but worth the fun.

Oh what a fun place to visit!!! I've been here numerous times, but I haven't had the guts to slide down the cold rapid Rocks fall. I watch others slide, and they've had a blast. Have they been cold?..... Yes......I'm such a whimp. This is really a great place to stop ,,,, plenty of parking. It looks like such a fun place to slide down..... But unfortunately I know it will be a cold slide. My hat is off to the brave people. And I ca tell from their smiles it's been a blast. Try to stop by if you can. It's very entertaining even if you don't have the courage to slide.

As our first time going we really didn't know what to expect, it was super easy to get there from Asheville Highway, there are signs posted on how to get there. We went on a Saturday late in September, we were expecting it to be pretty busy (we looked it up online to give us an idea on what time to arrive and if they charged) we got there around 10 and there was only 1 other car. There was no one at the booth and was told that they were not charging and there would not be a lifeguard on duty. Water was cold but bare able, there are platforms so that people may stand and see people sliding. Unfortunately restrooms were closed and there is no picnic area. Around 11:30 - 12:00 it started to get crowded. Rocks are slippery and water shoes are highly recommended.

This place was amazing!!! Everyone should experience at least once!!! And go on a weekday as soon as it opens! It gets crowded quickly!!! Our younger kids loved it, we made sure they had life jackets on. You can wear water shoes but it's not needed. Bathing suits were just fine, my son wore old pair of shorts and the butt was wore out by the time he went down on his 7th time... great place!!

Awesome time! 12 year old daughter went down about 8 times. I went once since the cold water cramped me up pretty good.

Absolutely loved it!! Amazing ride up and so worth it! Kids had a blast. Even with a really long line it moved pretty fast. Water was about 50 degrees and refreshing. My 4 children ages 6-10 all went on it and got to go down 4 times each within an hour.

It's was amazing and fun! For all ages and sizes. We did a last minute trip and it was so worth it. I had a great time sliding and being a kid again!

This place is pretty cool! Vacationing in a nearby town, we drove to see this in person. I did not like that they charge $5 per person to get in even if you are not actually sliding down the rock. Plenty of parking and a long line to slide on the day I went. Restrooms were disgusting. A must see though!

The beach area is almost non-existent, but the draw is really the natural rock slide. The water is cold, as expected. I thought we'd have to hike in, but the walk was so short that water shoes are fine. I didn't slide down the rock, but a good number of little kids were doing it and no one got hurt while we were there. There are falls areas nearby that are probably dangerous. Consider bringing a net for kids, as there are minnows and lots of pretty rocks in the knee-deep wading area (although much of it has a sandy bottom). There were a couple snakes, or maybe we saw the same snake twice. It was in the water, but I'm pretty sure it was a harmless corn snake.

Arrived at 5:30 pm- bathrooms were closed so they didn't charge us any money. Lifeguards leave at 6pm but you can still slide after. Only recommendation would be to avoid making the very curvy trip out in the dark. Line got short then too and we got to slide several times. A really fun experience! Water shoes might be nice but we were fine without them.

Visited here twice. Last time was this past Wednesday. Very busy in the peak season but the wait isn't long to go down. Lifeguards on duty during peak as well. Natural water slide that drops you into up to 8 ft of ice cold water, brrr. Love it!

Went with family of all ages, had so much fun, mountain water was cold but refreshing. Will definitely return.

It was amazing and very fun for my first time. The water was cooold hahaha. It was very clean and beautiful. Had a great time with my cousin.