When I growing up as a Boy Scout in the early sixties, a venue that was always popular and a highlight of the summer was the trip to Sliding Rock, outside of Brevard in the Pisgah National Forest. It was always combined with a meritorious hike – minimum five miles — to satisfy a merit badge requirement or equivalent in rank progression. Then, you parked on the side of the road, scrambled down the bank; and if you weren’t already in your “slid’in pants”, there was a primitive shelter for changing into cut-offs. Even though I have been by this natural attraction a thousand times since 1963 when I wore a shoulder patch that said “Daniel Boone Council”, I never stopped — until last week. I had noticed over the years that the Forest Service had allowed the vegetation to grow up near the highway to screen the fun and screams from onlookers. Parking became restricted years ago at about the same time I heard they were expanding their parking. And from the shallow curve of US276 in a reduced speeding zone, there was prominently displayed the sign — “Fee Area” — another disincentive for stopping at a place that had been a literal free-for-all as a kid.
A couple of weeks ago over Labor Day weekend, I stopped – on purpose. It took a few minutes to reach the check-in station where the entrance fee was not posted, only a notice that there was a “10 minute wait” to go down the slide. I had a five ready anticipating what would be a reasonable fee in a forest service area. “That will be a dollar”. The uniformed volunteer made change and I gloated at being able to gain entrance so cheaply; maybe because there was only me.
“The rock” has not changed and it is still 8 feet deep at the bottom, but significant viewing platforms have been constructed to accommodate camera-ready onlookers. A new change station and restrooms have been constructed — nicely done to blend in with the dying hemlocks which have created a shade sanctuary for this popular spot.
My images will remind me that I do not have to go back for another 50 years; but a thought and smile will endure for all of those who do go back to connect with their past or for a new memory to provide a connection for them in the future.