This Natural Waterslide in North Carolina Plunges You 60 Feet into a Chilly Pool 

Inside: What it’s really like to slide down Sliding Rock in Brevard, NC, plus lots of tips to make it an epic day trip. We did it and now we’re sharing it.

If you’ve ever wanted to slide down a huge natural waterslide into the freezing cold water during the heat of summer, Sliding Rock in Pisgah Forest, less than two hours from Greenville, SC, is the place to go. 

While there are a few places with the name “Sliding Rock”, the one in Pisgah Forest right outside of Brevard, NC in Western North Carolina is certainly the most famous. It’s an iconic summer experience that everyone should do at least once. Maybe more if you’re super brave and have lost all feeling in your body from your first cold plunge at the base of the falls. 

While Brevard did get hit from Hurricane Helene, the damage was nowhere near as extensive as other places, which they are very grateful for. Western NC is open and there are many places to go and support recovery through tourism. Sliding Rock is one of them. 

Watch! Sliding Rock

Here’s what you’ll see at Sliding Rock in Brevard, NC.

Taking the Plunge 

Sliding Rock is less than two hours from Greenville, SC and a hundred percent worth the day trip or weekend adventure. I’ve been exploring this area for years and it never ceases to leave me amazed. On the days I venture to Pisgah Forest, I always hate to leave. There is so much beauty in that area, so many waterfalls to explore, trails to hike, restaurants to try, and peace and fun to be had. 

Sliding Rock in Pisgah Forest is super cool for a few reasons: 

• It’s literally a natural waterslide. 
• It’s in the midst of a stunningly beautiful forest. 
• It has lifeguards over the summer from 9 am – 6 pm daily Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Cold plunging is good for your body, according to Google. 

Sliding Rock is just past Looking Glass Falls and the trailhead for Moore Cove Falls off Highway 276, which winds its way through Pisgah Forest. If you’re coming from Greenville, Sliding Rock will be on your left. 

Sliding Down Sliding Rock

Once you pay the $5 admission, you’ll be able to park, grab your towel and courage, and head over to the waterslide. You’ll pass the bathrooms and changing rooms, walk down some stairs, and then  you’ll have to cross the river to get to the rock itself where you’ll slide down. 

The crossing is about 10 feet in length and not deep. I recommend getting at least up to your chest wet here so your body isn’t as shocked when you plunge into the cold water from sliding. Be mindful of where you put your feet as the rocks are slippery. 

After you cross, you’ll grab the railing and make your way up the left side of Sliding Rock. Once you get to the top, you need to sit down and scoot your way to the best position. If you’re at the top looking down the rock, the right side is the slow side (that’s the side I chose!), the middle is a little faster, and then the left side is the fastest. A lot of water flows down Sliding Rock each minute: 11,000 gallons per minute!

The deepest part of the plunge pool is about 8 feet. I never got to that point because I was wimpy and chose the right side, which is also pretty shallow. 

Going down that first time was exhilarating and really fun. I’ve been down natural waterslides before but not with this kind of cold water. It was absolutely frigid. But the sun hits the railing area and the entire rock face, which is helpful in trying to warm back up. 

You won’t have any control once you start sliding so just go with it and be prepared for a dunk. There are lifeguards to help if you need but they told me most people actually need to be helped before they ever go down the rock due to falling and hurting themselves on the river crossing to get to the railing. 

Sliding Rock Tips 

A few things to note about Sliding Rock that will make your experience even better:

• The best times to go are before Noon and after 4pm if you want to avoid the crowds. 
• They have bathrooms and changing rooms.
• You MUST be able to swim to do this.
• Wear jean shorts and water shoes since the rocks, while slippery, could tear up a bathing suit bottom.
• Bring a change of clothes and towels. Riding home in wet clothes is no fun. 
• No tubes, floats, or boards allowed. Life jackets are permissible. 
• Pets are allowed but must be leashed and cannot slide down. 
• Kids 7 and under must slide with an adult.
• Sliding Rock is 7.6 miles from the entrance to Pisgah Forest coming from Greenville, SC. 
• Leave No Trace – pack out what you pack in and leave the place cleaner than when you got there.

Be Waterfall Aware 

There are more than 200 waterfalls in Pisgah Forest alone and about 500 in Western North Carolina. This means there is incredible beauty to behold but also lots of room for fatal mistakes. 

While you’ve probably read tips on being waterfall aware, we are going to put it to you more forcefully: don’t be an idiot and stand on top of a waterfall. Just don’t do it. Not only are you putting your very life at risk, but you are also being a terrible example to people looking at you. This is a truly dumb thing to do, so don’t do it. 

The risk of serious injury or death is very high. Don’t believe us? Go Google “waterfall deaths NC” and you’ll read about people who fell to their deaths because they thought they would be safe stepping out just a little further or standing on a rock that looked dry but was slippery. Then you’ll read about the rescuers who risked their lives to go recover the body and who died in the process. 

It is never worth it to sit on top of a waterfall or stand anywhere near the top of one. 

Here are some more tips because we cannot reiterate waterfall safety enough: 

• OBSERVE all posted signs leading to waterfall areas.
• STAY on marked trails and observation areas.
• DO NOT jump off of waterfalls or dive into pools.
• DO NOT climb on rocks above waist height.
• DO NOT swim or wade upstream near a waterfall.
• WATCH for slick rocks around waterfalls.
• WATCH your children and pets at all times.

More Fun Near Sliding Rock 

This area of Western NC was hit by Hurricane Helene but not as powerfully as other areas and everything is open. They really need your tourism business and appreciate you coming to see the beautiful scenery, hikes, and waterfalls, and making a day of it by eating at local restaurants and shopping at the cool boutiques. 

So here are some fun things to do in and near Sliding Rock: 

Go hiking

We love Moore Cove Falls (1.5 miles roundtrip) and Fryingpan Tower (1.5 miles roundtrip) because they are beautiful and very close to Sliding Rock. You could also take a picnic or order from a local restaurant and go sit on one of the overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which you can access just by going straight up 276. For longer trails, try Looking Glass Rock or John Rock. Both will end up amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Go eat

We really enjoyed lunch at Pescado’s & Sunrise (20 Mclean Road, Brevard, NC), which is really close to the entrance to Pisgah Forest. They have sandwiches, burgers, and wraps at affordable prices. A recommendation we got but didn’t go was the Pisgah Bakehouse (1980 Asheville Hwy, Brevard, NC), which also has sandwiches and baked goods. We love Pisgah Roasters for coffee. Downtown Brevard has several restaurants. 

Go shopping

One of our favorite shops in Brevard is Next Venture Outdoors, a consignment shop for all things outdoors – clothing, gear, shoes, tents, paddles, backpacks. The original O.P. Taylors toy store is in downtown Brevard and it’s so cool! You can see other shops at Brevard’s website. Walking around Main Street in Brevard is worth it. It’s an authentic little mountain town that you’ll love as much as we do once you go and visit. 

Go tubing

Brevard Tubing is very close to the entrance to Pisgah Forest. You can tube all you want for $30. It’s a relaxing trip and the owners are really nice!

Ride an indoor helicopter

Did you know you can ride an indoor helicopter at the Cradle of Forestry just minutes from Sliding Rock? We love this cool spot for its Blue Ghost Fireflies tours, amazing display of the history of forestry in the region, beautiful trails, and old log cabins. Definitely put the Cradle of Forestry on your list when you are out that way. They are open April – November.

Check out festivals

Brevard hosts some pretty awesome festivals throughout the year so be sure to look at their latest event calendar before planning your trip. You may find your new favorite festival!

Where to Stay 

If you want to go to Brevard for a weekend, there are some great spots to stay overnight. 

Davidson River Campground

Located right off 276 with several campsites on the Davidson River, this campground is one of my favorites. It’s fun to play in the river, fish, and enjoy all the local hiking trails just minutes from your campsite. This is a very popular campground so be sure to make your reservation months in advance and/or sign up for alerts for cancellations. 

1 Davidson River Cir, Pisgah Forest, NC 

Pilot Cove

A favorite place of ours to stay in Brevard, Pilot Cove has absolutely beautiful cabins at the entrance to the forest. They have one and two bedrooms plus hammocks on the decks and full kitchens. We cannot recommend this place enough as its the perfect home base for all your mountain adventures. 

319 Gateway Junction Dr, Pisgah Forest, NC

For other options, see these recommendations from the city of Brevard.