Slick Rock Falls
North Carolina • 30 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
150 ft
About Slick Rock Falls
Slick Rock Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. The waterfall cascades over a 30-foot rock face and is easily accessible, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking a quick and scenic outing.
The Setting
Slick Rock Falls sits at 2,680 feet within Pisgah National Forest, in the hills of North Carolina. The falls drop 30 feet.
Height: 30 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Looking Glass Falls (60 ft) lies 1.7 miles to the east. Also nearby: Second Falls (50 ft, 3.3 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Looking Glass Rock (#TR114), a 1.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 150 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
LOOKING GLASS ROCK #TR114
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
3.06 miTrail Description
The trail to Slick Rock Falls is very short and easy, leading directly from the parking area to the base of the waterfall. The path is well-worn but may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain.
What to Expect
The falls drop 30 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Slick Rock Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Slick Rock Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Slick Rock Falls is after recent rainfall, particularly in spring or fall when water flow is stronger and the surrounding foliage is vibrant.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Pisgah National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The rocks around the falls can be very slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid climbing on wet rocks. Be aware of changing weather conditions, as flash flooding can occur in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Davidson River, 5.3 miles away, not on Slick Rock Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
60 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 103 years of record
0.72 ft
Water depth at gauge
45°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge DAVIDSON RIVER NEAR BREVARD, NC (9 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
61 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
57 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
64 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Brevard hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Slick Rock Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Slick Rock Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 42°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 61 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 188 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 30 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 2,673 feet.
The ground changes about 131 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 40 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,673 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 188 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Slick Rock Falls is located off Forest Service Road 475B in Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard, North Carolina. The falls are a short drive from the town of Brevard and can be reached by following US-276 to the forest road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead on Forest Service Road 475B. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
2,680 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.293166° N, -82.797350° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the area near the falls can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.
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This easy 1.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Brevard North
Hampton Inn Brevard
Holiday Inn Express - Brevard by IHG
Oscar’s Hendo Retreat
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
COVE CREEK LOWER GROUP CAMP
1.2 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Cove Creek Lower Group Camp is one of two group campsites nestled along Cove Creek in the lush forests of the Appalachian Mountains in western North Carolina. The facility can accommodate large groups of up to 60 people and offers year-round opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing and picnicking in one of the most scenic areas in the state.Recreation Campers can easily relax with a book or deck of cards in the shaded camping area, or seek out activities close by. The area is a
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and the Cradle of Forestry in America.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Slick Rock Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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