9 Incredible Natural Waterslides

Water parks—with their splashy slides, chutes and tunnels—are one of the best things about warmer weather, but nothing beats Mother Nature's own version of the slip-n-slide: natural waterslides and sliding rocks. Featuring smooth, slippery rocks, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear pools down below and stunning views of the outdoors, these natural playgrounds offer hours of good, clean (and refreshing) fun.

Here, we take a tour of some of the world's most epic natural waterslides. If planning a visit, make sure to check the water levels of the site first, especially in the dry season.

(​MORE: Natural Phenomena You Have To See In Summer)

1. Slide Rock State Park, Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona

Located in picturesque Oak Creek Canyon, 7 miles north of Sedona, Arizona, Slide Rock State Park is named after the famous Slide Rock, a stretch of slippery creek bottom adjacent to an apple orchard. The site, which is also a popular spot for picnic, hiking and wildlife watching, can be crowded (try to visit during off-peak periods), but no one can deny that sliding down its rock water slide that cascades into a series of swimming holes is one of Arizona's most thrilling adventures.

2. Las Paylas Natural Waterslide, Luquillo, Puerto Rico

Rushing waters Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest, a rainforest, have made the river rocks of Las Paylas into natural playgrounds, complete with pools and water slides (or chorreras, in Spanish). There are two slide areas to choose from: a bigger, faster one, and a smaller, slower one. Visitors say the site may be hard to find but be persistent, or ask a guide or local for directions to this hidden gem. "It is a beautiful place to see even if you don't do the slide," posted one TripAdvisor member. "Nice walk down and back but difficult to find, which makes it even better!"

3. Ryumon-no-taki Falls, Oita, Japan

Oita Prefecture, located on the island of Kyushu in Japan is famous for its hot springs. But there's another natural wonder luring visitors to the area every summer. Ryumon-no-taki Falls is a  double-layered waterfall measuring about 131 feet wide with a drop of about 65 feet. Visitors enjoy its swimming holes and cascading waters, which create natural waterslides on smooth, sloping rocks. The area is also a popular camping spot.

4. Sliding Rock, Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

North Carolina boasts one of the country's most famous (and perhaps, most enjoyable) natural waterslide—Sliding Rock in the Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard. Here, bathers line up to slide down a 60-foot smooth rock waterfall into a pool of chilly water, measuring seven feet deep. It is a stunning sight, and visitors come here even in the winter months. "It is great to view, or take a chance and go down nature's most beautiful slip-n-slide!" said one TripAdvisor contributor. There are two observation platforms, and lifeguards on duty during the season, according to VisitNC.com.

Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest just below the confluence of the Dicks and Waters Creek, Dicks Creek Swimming Hole features a sliding rock where visitors can slip-n-slide down to a chilly pool, a perfect way to cool off during a hot summer day.

6. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, Pinson, Alabama

Located just 15 miles north of urban Birmingham in Pinson, Alabama, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve has hiking trails, a waterfall, clear, spring water—and a fun, moss-covered natural waterslide. Families flock here in the summer months. "The clear, spring-fed water is always cool and fresh even on the hottest of days," posted one TripAdivsor reviewer. But the area is also stunning in the fall. "The fall leaves were just beautiful and the hike along the creek was very peaceful ... [there are a] number of benches so you could just sit and enjoy the sights and sounds," said another TripAdvisor member.

7. Meadow Run Natural Waterslides, Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania

Located at the southern reaches of the Laurel Ridge, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands. For some refreshing fun, visitors can sit in the creek bed and ride the water through two natural waterslides cut out of the bedrock by Meadow Run. A popular destination in the spring and summer, the waterslides can be very crowded, especially during the weekends. 

8. Papase'ea Sliding Rock, Apia, Samoa

Papase'ea Sliding Rock in Apia, Samoa, is a natural waterpark set in a lush, tropical rainforest. Adults and kids enjoy the slides, which cater to all adventure levels and feature a 16-foot slide and three smaller ones. Make sure to save some energy after frolicking in these natural slip-n-slides. The path down to the pool comprises a steep, slippery, 200-step stairway, according to Lonely Planet. TripAdvisor reviewers recommend the site for a fun, day trip. "It was so much fun sliding down the rocks," said one member. "There are a lot of pools for hanging out for those who are a bit more cautious."

9. 27 Waterfalls (Damajagua Cascades), Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Carved out of limestone by the Rio Damajagua, the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua in the Dominican Republic is the ultimate aquatic adventure. Guides lead visitors on a hike to all 27 waterfalls, some up to 30 feet tall. Adventurous types can jump off some them, swim in the pools, or slide down the smooth limestone, natural waterslides. According to Lonely Planet, you’ll need around four hours to make it to the 27th waterfall and back, although you can choose to just go up to the seventh or 12th waterfall.

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