This guide provides everything you need to know about hiking the Slick Rock Falls Trail, from where to park to trail length and what to expect along the way.
Located in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, Slick Rock Falls is one of Transylvania County’s many waterfall gems. It’s a bit off the beaten path on an unpaved forest service road but the secluded waterfall makes the trip worth it.
Best of all the waterfall is at the start of the trail, so if you’re only interested in seeing the falls, you don’t have to hike the entire trail.
The rest of the trail traverses through Pisgah National Forest for about a mile before reaching the base of Looking Glass Rock. This is a popular access trail for rock climbers attempting to conquer this iconic geological feature.
What You’ll Find In This Article
This guide shares everything to know about the Slick Rock Falls Trail before your hike, including details on parking, information about the waterfall and Looking Glass Rock and whether we recommend it for kids.
Quick Facts
Trailhead location: Headwaters Road (FS 475b)
Trail length: 1.8-mile out-and-back; only 100 feet to waterfall from the trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation change: ~600 ft
Distance from downtown Asheville: 38 miles
Drive time from downtown Asheville: 1 hour
Trail Condition: Well maintained and traveled; roots and rocks dirt trail; trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Directions to Slick Rock Falls
The trailhead is located on an unpaved forest service road just off Fish Hatchery Road in Pisgah National Forest. The trailhead is just under 40 miles from Asheville.
From downtown Asheville, the fastest way to the trail is by entering Pisgah National Forest via US-276 from Brevard.
Alternatively, you can approach the trail from the Blue Ridge Parkway, turning onto US-276, passing overlooks and attractions like Cradle of Forestry.
Once you are on US-276:
From US-276 turn onto Fish Hatchery Road (FS 475)
Follow Fish Hatchery Road for a little over a mile and take the fork to the right onto Headwaters Road (FS 475b)
Follow Headwaters Road (unpaved) for 1 mile until you see the trail sign on the right with space for roadside parking.
Check out the quintessential mountain town of Brevard after your hike. Our guide to Brevard, NC will give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit!
Parking At the Slick Rock Falls Trailhead
The trailhead has roadside parking available. Because the trail is off the beaten path, the parking area does not typically fill up. There are no amenities or facilities at the trailhead.
Slick Rock Falls Trail
Slick Rock Falls is a unique waterfall in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC. The waterfall is about 30 feet high with water cascading over a large boulder rock face. The riverbed below is also very rocky and covered with boulders making for a challenging rock scramble.
The waterfall is located near the beginning of the trail. The remainder of the trail traverses through the forest until reaching the base of the impressive Looking Glass Rock.
Slick Rock Falls Trailhead
The trailhead is located on Headwaters Road (FS 475b). You will see a trail marker on the side of the road and an information board up a few steps into the woods.
Details On The Trail
The trail is a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail that takes you past the waterfall, through dense forest and to the base of Looking Glass Rock.
The waterfall is just a few hundred feet from the trailhead making it one of the easiest waterfalls to access.
The trail starts on a dirt path through a dense forested area. After a few hundred feet you will come to a fork in the trail. Follow the fork to the right to reach the waterfall a few steps further.
Slick Rock Falls is a modest waterfall, but interesting to explore with its rock features. You can explore the area, walking behind the falls or following the boulders downstream and scrambling on the rocks to get around the waterfall. There is a cave behind the falls that is a popular feature for kids.
After exploring the waterfall area, you can head back to the parking lot or take the other path at the fork to hike to the base of Looking Glass Rock.
The remainder of the trail is a gradual uphill climb following a creekbed. The trail crosses some water with rudimentary bridges and boardwalks.
After about 3/4 of a mile, you will reach a section with boulders and a rock scramble. Near the top of the boulder field the trail veers to the right into the woods but can be easy to miss.
From there you are just steps from the imposing geologic formation known as Looking Glass Rock. The base of Looking Glass Rock is a great place to stop for a picnic. There are plenty of interesting features to explore. This is a popular spot for rock climbers to climb Looking Glass Rock.
After spending some time exploring Looking Glass Rock, follow the trail back to the trailhead parking lot.
Know Before You Go
The waterfall is at the beginning of the trail so you can skip most of the hike if you’re only interested in the falls.
The trailhead is accessed via an unpaved Forest Service Road.
Hiking With Kids At Slick Rock Falls
Slick Rock Falls is a great place to hike with kids. Because the waterfall is at the start of the trail it is very easily accessible for beginner hikers. Kids love exploring the waterfall area, climbing rocks and venturing into the cave behind the falls.
The rest of the hike is also good for kids, although there aren’t many points of interest between the waterfall and the base of Looking Glass Rock.
If you are wondering whether it’s the right trail for you, make sure to consider the length of time your kids will want to walk. Plan on a few hours to get to the base of Looking Glass Rock before turning around if your kids aren’t the trail-running type. This allows for a few stops along the way. It’s typically a bit quicker on the way back, but the whole experience can easily fill an entire morning.
If hiking with younger kids, consider bringing a backpack for child carrying to use when their legs inevitably stop working.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Slick Rock Falls Trail is a 1.8-mile out and back trail traversing from the parking lot trailhead to the base of Looking Glass Rock. Note that the Slick Rock Falls waterfall is at the beginning of the trail so the hike to the waterfall is only a few hundred feet.
Yes, the Slick Rock Falls Trail is a great hike for children. Many families only hike to the waterfall and back which is a few hundred feet from the trailhead.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Slick Rock Falls Trail. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
There is roadside parking available at the Slick Rock Falls trailhead.
No, there are no amenities or facilities at the Slick Rock Falls Trail.
