| Changing rooms and restrooms are open during the summer swimming season and the area is lifeguard protected from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. It is extremely popular on hot summer weekends, so be ready for big crowds.
Things to Know Before You Go:
- There are several observation areas to watch the sliders. So it's a great place to visit even if you don't want to get wet.
- The pool at the bottom of the falls is eight feet deep. So you must know how to swim!
- Children under 7 years must slide with an adult
- Lifejackets are the only flotation device allowed
- Blue jean shorts and water shoes are recommended for sliding on the rock
- Slide in sitting position only.
- No alcohol is permitted.
- Pets are allowed in the area, but they must be on a leash and cannot slide down the rock
- To avoid congestion in the parking lot, no picnicking is allowed. Picnic areas are nearby at Pink Beds, four miles away.
From Asheville, drive I-26 East to Exit 40 for Highway 280 (and the Asheville Airport). Take a right onto Highway 280 West and go 16 miles toward Brevard. As you enter the Brevard area, you will see a big shopping center on the right (with Wal-Mart). Just past the center, turn right onto US Highway 276 North (Forest Heritage Scenic Byway) to enter the Pisgah National Forest. Go 7.6 miles to a parking area on the left. It is near Looking Glass Falls, Looking Glass Rock and Cradle of Forestry. From the Blue Ridge Parkway, take U.S. Highway 276 South at Milepost 412 for eight miles.
More wet and wild places
Other swimming holes in Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville area include:
Looking Glass Falls
Drive two miles down U.S. 276 (toward Brevard) from Sliding Rock and you will come upon Looking Glass Falls. At the bottom of this 60 foot waterfall is a pool perfect for wading. See our Looking Glass Falls Guide.
Gorges State Park
Turtleback Falls on the Horsepasture River features more wet rocks to slide on. See our Turtleback Falls Guide.
The "other" Sliding Rock
See the less-known Cashiers Sliding Rock.
Green River
Rent a tube and set sail for a lazy day on the calm, Green River, another popular swimming hole. Head east on I-26 from Asheville to Saluda. Take exit 59 and head north on Holbert Cove Road to Green River Cove Road and turn left to the swimming area at the bottom.
Sunburst
Under the bridge along route 215, not far from Cold Mountain (on which Charles Frazier’s book and the recent Miramax Films movie is based) is a popular swimming hole that appeals to families. Restrooms and picnic facilities are within a short walk. Take the famed Blue Ridge Parkway south out of Asheville to the Route 215 exit and head north about 8.5 miles.
Lake Lure Beach
Enjoy a sandy beach in the mountains on Lake Lure, near Chimney Rock. See our Lake Lure Guide.
Whitewater Rafting
Enjoy the rivers on a raft or inflatable kayak. See our Whitewater Rafting Guide.
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