Sliding Rock is a well-known summertime tradition in Western North Carolina. Unfortunately, with its notoriety come heat-stricken hordes seeking solace on the 60-foot natural waterslide, which runs into Looking Glass Creek in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. The water stays icy cold through the steamy summer months, as it churns 11,000 gallons per minute down the slippery rock, so waiting in line will be worth it when you splash into the seven-foot deep pool below. And heck, a natural experience like this sure beats an overpriced, over-chlorinated water park. The Forest Service has turned Sliding Rock into a recreation area. It’s open year-round, but a lifeguard is on duty from Memorial to Labor Day.