Sliding Rock Opens After Flood Damage

Sliding Rock Recreation Area, one of the Pisgah National Forest's most popular tourist locations, opens up again 

on April 30 for the first time since Tropical Storm Fred blasted through on Aug. 17, 2021.

The storm generated significant flooding, causing damage to the spot's infrastructure and dumping debris into the Davidson River, posing a threat to anyone attempting to slide down the rocks. It's already reopened, but damage restoration and renovations are still ongoing and will take years to complete.

The lower observation platform was severely damaged and will not be rebuilt in time for when it reopens, but visitors will be able to stroll down to the stream and watch the sliding action from the top observation deck.

Sliding Rock is a 60-foot natural water slide with an 8-foot-deep pool of water at the bottom. Sliding Rock has restrooms open seven days a week from April 30 to October 9, then weekends only from October 15 to October 30. It is staffed and managed under permit by Adventure Pisgah. Every day from May 2 to September 15, lifeguards are on duty.

Due to the popularity of Sliding Rock, visitors are advised to arrive early and avoid the busiest hours of midday to 4 p.m. When the parking lot is full, it is shut down until more spaces become available. Due to strong rain, lightning, or excessive water levels, the facility may be temporarily closed.

Driving Directions
Note: GPS is often not accurate and gets you lost in this area! And cell service is limited. Use these directions! From Asheville (38 miles from downtown), 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 Brevard, watch for 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. From the Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 412, take US 276 South about 7.5 miles.

Sliding Rock
7851 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Photo by: Explore Brevard on Facebook page

Wnctimes by Marjorie Farrington March 19, 2022