Sliding Rock, Natural water slide in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, US.

Sliding Rock is a natural water slide in Pisgah National Forest where water flows over smooth granite, creating a slippery descent that ends in a deep pool. The entire feature is formed by the landscape itself, with no artificial construction involved.

Sliding Rock has long been used as a natural water slide by locals and adventurous tourists, and the US Forest Service later developed the site into a recreation area with a parking lot, steps, a railing and a viewing platform. A second, lower viewing platform was destroyed by a rainstorm and the resulting river flooding in summer 2021. Adventure Pisgah, formerly Pisgah Hospitality Partners, now provides the staffing.

The name comes from the slide itself: the rock has long been used as a natural water slide by locals and visitors. Sliding is allowed only in an upright sitting position, and children below a certain age must slide with a competent adult. Non-swimmers may slide only in a Coast Guard-approved flotation device; pool noodles, inner tubes and inflatable water wings are not permitted.

Access is from a large lot off U.S. Highway 276, about 7.7 miles north of the intersection with U.S. 64 and NC 280; staff close the lot when it fills in summer. Steps lead down to the pool, and a railing on the left side helps sliders climb the rock. Sliding is allowed only in an upright sitting position, and the rock closes during high water, storms or lightning.

The plunge pool is about 8 feet deep in the middle, and the churning current means sliders must be able to swim or tread water. Non-swimmers may only slide in a Coast Guard-approved flotation device; pool noodles, inner tubes and inflatable water wings are not allowed.