How to have the Perfect Summer Day in Pisgah National Forest

North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest is a must-visit for nature lovers, with its abundance of waterfalls and hiking trails. If you’re looking for a fun and easy day trip, be sure to add Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock to your list! These two sights are only 5 minutes apart, making it easy to do both in one day.

Sliding Rock Falls

I recommend heading to Sliding Rock first because this is a popular area and the parking will fill up quickly! Peak hours are between 12:00pm-4:00pm so try to arrive outside of that time if possible. Sliding Rock is just what it sounds like- a natural waterslide. The natural slide is 60 ft long and plunges into an 8ft deep pool at the bottom.

There is a $5 fee per person and is paid as soon as you arrive. Sliding rock is open year round but there are only lifeguards from May 2-September 15. There are bathrooms on site, but they do close when the area is unstaffed. While it is open year round, it’s best to visit in the summer when the weather’s warm & sunny. The water stays around 55F so be prepared for a refreshing plunge at the bottom. From the parking lot, its just a short walk to the sliding rock.

Looking Glass Falls

Looking Glass Falls is a 60-foot waterfall that cascades into a pool of cool, clear water. It’s located right off the main road. There is plenty of parking on the side of the road before you reach the waterfall. If this is full you can continue past the waterfall and find more parking along either side of the road. You can view the waterfall from the road or take a few flights of stairs down to the base to get a better view. Once the stairs end, you’ll have to make your way over some rocks to reach the river floor. From here you can swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls or splash in the river. The waterfall is very powerful, so be careful if you choose to swim near or under it!

Things to Know When Visiting Pisgah National Forest

When to visit: The best time to visit Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock is during the summer, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, both spots are beautiful year-round.
What to bring: Be sure to bring a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes to both Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock.
Parking: Parking is available at both Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock. However, it can get crowded, especially during peak times. If you’re planning on visiting during the summer, it’s a good idea to arrive early.
There are no picnic tables at either falls but there are plenty of areas along the main road with picnic tables to pull off and have lunch.
Checkout the map below for more hikes in Pisgah National Forest!