Sliding Rock in Asheville, NC Offers Lots of Family Fun

A favorite summer attraction in the Asheville, North Carolina area, Sliding Rock is a naturally-formed water slide that has been developed into a tourist destination by the National Forest Service. Located within the Pisgah National Forest, about eight miles from the town of Brevard, this 60-foot flat, sloped boulder has long been a favorite part of this forest for many visitors, both locals and those from outside the area.

This natural waterslide is fueled by some 11,000 gallons of water per minute, running down the smooth rocks and providing the perfect slide adventure. Accessible any time of the year but best enjoyed in the warmer summer months, Sliding Rock attracts literally hundreds of visitors each day during peak tourist season, more on the weekends.

Riders are welcome to enter the slide one by one and enjoy a quick journey that ends in an 8-foot pool of water. Because the slide is in a cool, mountainous area, the water is generally quite chilly and sliders are advised to wear jean shorts and water shoes to enjoy the ride to its fullest potential. Life guards are on duty from Memorial Day until Labor Day though visitors can try out the slide at any time at their own risk. In the winter time, Sliding Rock freezes over, and though it's impossible to slide at that time, the ice formations on the rock area are very picturesque.

It costs only $1 for visitors to the Pisgah National Forest to enter this recreation area. That small fee allows riders to sail down the water slide as many times as they wish. However, the summer season brings lots of visitors so long lines should be expected and visitors should plan their time accordingly. All ages may ride upon Sliding Rock but anyone under the age of seven must slide with an adult. Parents should exercise great care when sliding with younger children. The pool at the bottom is deep enough to demand that all sliders be able to swim. Life jackets are the only form of floatation device allowed at Sliding Rock. Sliding is permitted in sitting position only.

Those who do not wish to slide can enjoy watching others journey down the rock from one of two observation areas available at Sliding Rock. Non-sliding guests may also take advantage of the other attractions within Pisgah National Forest, which include water fall visits, mountain climbs, and more. Pets are permitted in the area of Sliding Rock but must be on a leash and are not permitted to slide with their owners. Picnicking is not permitted near Sliding Rock but can be enjoyed at nearby Pink Beds, just a few miles from the rock.

Camp sites are not located in the Sliding Rock area but can be found at the Davidson River Campground, the closest facility to the rock. Reservations can be made through the National Forest Service.