Cashiers Sliding Rock

Categories: Play, Kid-Friendly, Fishing, Waterfalls, Outdoor Fun, Fishing for Wild Trout, Swimming Holes, Kid Friendly Spots

Highlights

  •  Great Family outting area near Cashiers NC
  •  Large swimming hole at bottom of sliding rock 
  •  Natural "slide" on rock face into pool 
  •  Headwaters of the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River 
  •  A couple of trails leading to swimmig area from parking 
  •  Fish for Wild Brown Trout ABOVE bridge only due to private property below bridge
  •  Close to Cashiers, as well as Highlands

The Local Scoop

Cashiers Sliding Rock is a great place to bring the kids and even yourself to play in the cold headwaters of the Chattooga National Wild & Scenic River. Play in the pool at the bottom of the sliding rock or take the short trail to the top for a short, but exciting slide into the pool below. There are a couple of trails that lead from two parking areas, but are not hard to pick up and follow through some thick Rhododendron. You'll hear the rushing water once you get out of your car.
This is a popular spot in the summer due to it's convenient location to Cashiers, NC. Bring a towel, river shoes, swimming trunks and a camera to enjoy this wonderful outdoor area. If Dad wants to fish, then bring your pole and fish for some Wild Brown Trout that call this river home. We recommend this spot for families with small childern due to the fun sliding rock and pool area at the bottom. It's a popular place so be prepared to see some other folks there in the summer months. One caution would be to stay to close to the trail side of the sliding rock when sliding down. Reason being, there are some "pot holes" in the rock face when you get out towards the middle that years of water and small pebbles have created. They could pose a danger, but if you pay attention and evaluate the area upon arrival, it should be a very safe experience.

The Local Directions

Cashiers
From Cashiers, NC drive South on N.C. Hwy-107 for 1.7 miles to a Right onto "Whiteside Cove Road." Take this road for 2.7 miles crossing a bridge just before the parking area(s) on your Right. Pick up the trail(s) beside the parking area(s).  Limited parking for approx. 8 -10 vehicles.

Highlands
From main intersection of U.S. Hwy-64/ N.C. Hwy-28 in Highlands, NC drive through main street until the road turns into Horse Cove Road (just past Mountain Fresh Grocery on your Right). Take this winding road down the plateau for 4.5 miles, going through approx. 40 curves on the way down. At 4.5 miles you'll come to a fork in the road with a mileage sign in front of you. From here take the Left onto "Whiteside Cove Road". Follow this road for 5 miles to parking and trailhead on your Left. If you cross a bridge near 5 miles, you've gone too far.  

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Difficulty Levels

  • Hike1What's this?
  • Waterfalls3What's this?
Coordinates
Parking:  35.07391, -83.10731
Slide Area:  35.07534, -83.10800
Hike Distance
0.15 mile
Access
Easy via short trail
off of Whiteside Cove Road 
Nearest City
Cashiers
County
Jackson County
Distance From
Cashiers, 4.4 miles
Highlands, 9.5 miles