Sliding Rock Swimming Area In Pisgah National Forest
Swimming hole in Asheville, North Carolina · Other
Sliding Rock Swimming Area In Pisgah National Forest is a natural waterslide / plunge pool swimming hole. It is at 7851 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC. Fee notes: About $6 per person during staffed Memorial Day–Labor Day hours (kids under 5 often free)…. Best season: Staffed summer mornings before the lot fills.
Typical season: Staffed summer mornings before the lot fills
About Sliding Rock Swimming Area In Pisgah National Forest
Sliding Rock is a 60-foot natural waterslide on Looking Glass Creek in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina. one of the most searched swim spots in Western NC from Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Cold mountain water sheets down smooth bedrock into an ~8-foot plunge pool. In summer (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) a USFS concessionaire staffs the site roughly 9 a.m., 6 p.m. with lifeguards, restrooms, and a per-person entry fee (about $6; young kids often free). Off-season the area is typically free but unstaffed. ride at your own risk and watch water levels after rain.
The signed lot on US 276 fills and periodically closes on summer weekends. Arrive early or have a backup Pisgah stop. For more Blue Ridge swimming, see Looking Glass / Asheville, Brevard spots and our North Carolina swimming holes guide.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 7851 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
- Water type
- Natural waterslide / plunge pool
- Water body
- Looking Glass Creek
- Fee
- About $6 per person during staffed Memorial Day–Labor Day hours (kids under 5 often free); typically free/unstaffed off-season
- Nearest town
- Asheville
- State
- North Carolina
- Coordinates
- 35.31142, -82.78718
- Best season
- Staffed summer mornings before the lot fills; shoulder season for solitude (cold water).
- Access difficulty
- Easy short walk from parking to slide; moderate strength needed for multiple climbs back up.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Nearby Pisgah / Davidson River campgrounds; no camping at the day-use slide.
- Land manager
- U.S. Forest Service
- Activities
- Natural rock sliding, swimming, photography
- Facilities
- Staffed season: restrooms/changing areas and on-site parking. Off-season: limited or closed facilities.
- Last verified
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Staffed summer mornings before the lot fills; shoulder season for solitude (cold water).
- Access Easy short walk from parking to slide; moderate strength needed for multiple climbs back up.
- Facilities Staffed season: restrooms/changing areas and on-site parking. Off-season: limited or closed facilities.
- Camping nearby Nearby Pisgah / Davidson River campgrounds; no camping at the day-use slide.
Highlights & features
- Iconic 60-foot natural water slide
- Pristine swimming holes for all ages
- Diverse wildlife and plant life
- Photography-friendly landscapes
- Easy accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere
- Natural rock slide
- Variety of swimming holes for all preferences
- Historical significance of Pisgah National Forest
How to get there
GPS can be unreliable under forest canopy. save offline directions. Address: 7851 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768. Cell service is spotty; check Naventure / USFS social channels for lightning and high-water closures.
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1. From Brevard: take US 64 to US 276 north about 7.5–8 miles; Sliding Rock parking is signed on the left (west side of US 276).
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2. From Asheville: I-26 east to Exit 40 (US 280), west toward Brevard, then US 276 north ~7.6 miles to the lot.
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3. From Blue Ridge Parkway near MP 412: take US 276 south about 7–8 miles to the recreation area.
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4. Pay at the gatehouse when staffed, park in the designated lot, and walk the short path to the slide and pool.
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5. If the lot is closed/full, do not block US 276 — divert to nearby Pisgah day-use stops and try later.
Plan your visit
Sliding Rock Swimming Area In Pisgah National Forest works well as a day trip from Asheville or Brevard. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Boone Region Swimming Holes or browse more North Carolina other spots in our directory. For the full list in North Carolina, see our state directory.
Access & fees
A parking fee is required for Sliding Rock. Other nearby water features may not have fees, but this is not guaranteed. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends; arriving early is recommended. Restrooms and changing facilities are available at Sliding Rock.
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What to pack for Sliding Rock Swimming Area In Pisgah National Forest
Gear we compare side by side for other swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Sliding Rock cost?
During staffed Memorial Day–Labor Day hours the fee is typically about $6 per person (young children often free). Credit cards are preferred; off-season access is usually free but unstaffed. Confirm the current rate at the gate.
Where is Sliding Rock NC?
In Pisgah National Forest at 7851 Pisgah Highway (US 276), Pisgah Forest, NC — about 8 miles north of Brevard and roughly 40 minutes from Asheville.
Can you slide at Sliding Rock year-round?
The rock is generally accessible in daylight when water/weather allow, but full services (lifeguards, restrooms, gate) run Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, often 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Off-season means cold water and no staff.
How deep is the pool at Sliding Rock?
The plunge pool is commonly about 8 feet deep at the bottom of the ~60-foot slide. Depth and current change with rainfall — follow lifeguard or posted guidance and skip runs after storms.
Does the Sliding Rock parking lot fill up?
Yes. On summer weekends (and some July weekdays) the lot fills and the gate may close until spaces open. Arrive before late morning; midday is the busiest window.
Is Sliding Rock suitable for kids?
Many families ride it, but the water is cold, the slide is fast, and rocks are hard. Younger kids need close adult help. Staffed hours with lifeguards are the safer window for first-timers.
Do you need a National Forest pass for Sliding Rock?
The staffed recreation site collects a per-person entry fee at the gate rather than a separate Adventure Pass for the lot itself. Follow signs for any additional forest day-use rules nearby.
What should you wear at Sliding Rock?
Wear a swimsuit you can slide in and water shoes if you want grip on wet rock. Avoid loose jewelry. Bring a towel and dry clothes — mountain water stays cold even in July.
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Map & location
Culture & history
Located in Pisgah National Forest, one of the first national forests in the eastern U.S., with ties to Cherokee history and Appalachian heritage.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles, respect wildlife habitats, and avoid disturbing aquatic ecosystems.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.