Sliding Rock Recreation Area

Sliding Rock is a 60 foot natural water slide that ends in a 8-10 foot deep pool of water, with 1 observation platform, operated by Naventure. The area is open 365 days a year, weather and water levels permitting. Lifeguards and restrooms are available seven days a week Memorial Day through Labor Day.  When not staffed, there are no lifeguards and restrooms are closed.

This is a heavily-used recreation area; come early and try to avoid visiting during the peak hours of noon-4 pm. Periodically, the parking area fills up and will be closed until spaces become available. Plan to visit other nearby areas such as Looking Glass Falls or the Cradle of Forestry and come back to Sliding Rock later. 

Sliding Rock may close due to heavy rainfall and high water levels. Picnicking and alcohol are prohibited at Sliding Rock. Picnic at nearby Pink Beds, four miles away. Or, find riverside tables along US 276. 

Safety information:

• If you can not swim, you can not slide! No exceptions! This water is cold, fast moving water and up to 10 feet deep.
• Approved personal floatation devices (PFD) only. No floats, tubes, noodles, inflatables or boards.
• Do not run. Please walk.
• Sit and scoot into position.
• Slide in an upright seated position only.
• Slide and SWIM!
• If you can not swim, you can not slide! No exceptions!

Visitors can check the Naventure website and Instagram (@slidingrocknc) for information and area status updates.

At a Glance