Sliding Rock
- Height
- 60 ft
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
Sliding Rock drops about 60 ft on Looking Glass Creek in Transylvania County, North Carolina. See every spot on Looking Glass Creek.
Closures and warnings
If you cannot swim, you cannot slide. Water is cold, fast-moving, and up to 10 feet deep. Approved PFDs only; no floats, tubes, noodles, or inflatables. Sit upright only. As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Height | 60 ft |
|---|---|
| Flow note | 60-foot natural water slide ending in an 8-10 foot deep pool; one observation platform. |
| Swimming allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | Swim rock |
| Typical depth | 8-10 ft |
| Entry | Walk in |
| Current | Strong |
| Lifeguards | Lifeguards on duty 9 AM-6 PM daily Memorial Day through Labor Day |
Access
| Road | Paved |
|---|---|
| Parking | 7851 Pisgah Hwy (US 276), Pisgah Forest NC 28768. Lot may close when full until spaces free up. |
| When it fills | Parking lot periodically fills and closes until spaces become available. |
| Fee | $6 per person daily when staffed; ages 5 and under free. Cash and credit accepted. |
| Hours | Open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, 7 days a week, weather and water levels permitting (365 days/year when open). |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Seasonal closure | May close day-of for lightning, heavy rain, or high water. Lifeguards and restrooms only Memorial Day through Labor Day. |
| Managed by | USDA Forest Service (Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Ranger District); operated by Naventure |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | No |
| Picnic sites | No |
| Note | Restrooms when staffed (Memorial Day to Labor Day). No potable water. Picnicking prohibited on site; picnic at Pink Beds or riverside tables on US 276. |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Sliding Rock open?
If you cannot swim, you cannot slide. Water is cold, fast-moving, and up to 10 feet deep. Approved PFDs only; no floats, tubes, noodles, or inflatables. Sit upright only. As of September 28, 2026. Seasonal closure: May close day-of for lightning, heavy rain, or high water. Lifeguards and restrooms only Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours: Open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, 7 days a week, weather and water levels permitting (365 days/year when open).
How tall is Sliding Rock?
Sliding Rock drops about 60 ft.
Can you swim at Sliding Rock?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Sliding Rock. A strong current is reported here, use caution. Lifeguards: Lifeguards on duty 9 AM-6 PM daily Memorial Day through Labor Day.
How do you get to Sliding Rock?
The road in is paved. Parking: 7851 Pisgah Hwy (US 276), Pisgah Forest NC 28768. Lot may close when full until spaces free up. Parking lot periodically fills and closes until spaces become available.
Do you need a reservation for Sliding Rock?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Sliding Rock?
The fee is $6 per person daily when staffed; ages 5 and under free. Cash and credit accepted.
When is Sliding Rock flowing?
60-foot natural water slide ending in an 8-10 foot deep pool; one observation platform.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Public land
Sliding Rock is inside National Forests in North Carolina .
Sources
1
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/recreation/sliding-rock-recreation-area (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / waterfall.heightFt, access.seasonalClosure / amenities / swimmingAllowed / lifeguardSeason / hazardNote / rules picnic/alcohol prohibited, swimmerNotes.waterType swim_rock / entryType / current / waterfall.ephemeral false / waterbodyName Looking Glass Creek, access.parking / access.roadSurface / access.permitRequired false, waterfall.flowNote / access.amenities.drinkingWater false / picnicSites false)
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