Location: Pisgah Forest
Top Things to do in Pisgah Forest
10 Things to Do in Pisgah Forest That You Shouldn't Miss
Pisgah Forest is an unincorporated community in Transylvania County, North Carolina, United States. It sits at an elevation of 2100 feet (640 m) along U.S. Route 64, northeast of Brevard. It is approximately a 30-minute drive from the Asheville Airport. The community lies in an area noted for its many waterfalls and white squirrels. Pisgah Forest is a popular retirement area, at least partly because of the many hiking trails and trout streams of the nearby Pisgah National Forest and the DuPont State Forest.
Restaurants in Pisgah Forest
1. Pisgah National Forest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 546 reviews
A park within easy driving distance from Hendersonville that offers hiking, camping and fishing.
Reviewed By BuenosNachos2 - Indiana
brief overnight camping at Lake Powhatan. Didn't get to explore much, but had solitude and a cozy campsite.
2. DuPont State Recreational Forest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 605 reviews
This forest covers more than 10,000 acres from Hendersonville to Brevard, North Carolina.
Reviewed By LeslieinTN - Johnson City, Tennessee
My teens and I were doing a "waterfall expedition" for spring break and visited eleven waterfalls in almost a 24 hour period. After going through Brevard, Cashiers, and Highlands doing the waterfall byway route, we came back home and made a trip through DuPont State Forest to pick up our last two - Hooker Falls and Triple Falls. We really wanted to include High Falls and Bridal Veil but the day was waning and we were hungry and needing to head home.
For Hooker Falls and Triple Falls, park at the Hooker Falls lot on Staton Road. We were able to park in the upper (closer) parking lot. When you start toward the kiosk, the trail going to the right heads toward Hooker Falls. You will be walking parallel to the river. We didn't see any signage for this and even had a couple of people ask. There are wood steps going down to the falls to get closer. About halfway along the trail there are two portable toilets to the side (actually clean and not stinky when we visited). The falls is at the site of a former grist mill, where Little River drops of a 13 foot ledge into Cascade Lake. It's an easy quarter mile hike.
For Triple Falls, the parking location is the same. You will go straight across the footbridge from the entrance by the park info kiosk. The trail starts out easy and flat but then ascends 1000 feet up on a slightly steep gravel trail. A couple of us had to stop a time or two along the way to catch our breath. There are rocks to sit on on this steep section but no benches. Once you get to the top, there are several wood steps down to the three distinct cascades. It's a 1.2 mile round trip and is clearly marked. From here you can advance to High Falls (and then on to Bridal Veil Falls) or drive and park at the High Falls parking area by the visitor center.
For all of our water visits these two falls definitely had the most people of the other nine falls we visited on our trip. It was a Friday afternoon and it appeared that others were on spring break as well. It was not overly crowded though. Unfortunately, the visitor center was closed.
Remember that in parks like this you often do not have reception and cannot rely on your phone GPS to get you places. We had printed directions and were also able to use our car GPS. I mention this because I learned this the hard way years ago out west and had a lady ask directions when were about to leave DuPont.
3. Crystal Mountain Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
5 based on 156 reviews
Brevard, NC's Crystal Mountain Gem Mine brings you the unique experience of engaging in your own Gem Mining adventure! By joining us in our downtown Gem Mine - full of precious gems from private mine shafts around the world - you're able to mine for your own gemstones and try your luck at striking it rich! Just like a real prospector from the 1800's! You get to keep everything you find!
Reviewed By susantiedemann - North Palm Beach, Florida
Super fun hour. Holden, the man who helped us, was very generous with his time and expertise. We found some nice things in our ruby, sapphire, emerald bucket but I was most excited about the tiny fossil flowers I found. My daughter liked the sapphires the best:).
4. Looking Glass Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 672 reviews
Reviewed By travelgames - Chicago, Illinois
Pretty and easy drive up through the forest to the falls. Once there you can see the falls perfectly from where you park (which was no problem this time of year), but an easy walk down the steps to the bottom. The ranger station/gift shop was closed on weekends, which surprised me -- when do they think people are up there??
5. Sliding Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 729 reviews
Waterfall slide, sending 11,000 gallons of water down a huge rock each minute.
Reviewed By LeslieinTN - Johnson City, Tennessee
Honestly, I don't think I would enjoy sliding down this rock in the warm months, but it was beautiful to visit in winter in the empty solitude of just my two teens and me. It averages 11,000 gallons of water flowing down the rock each minute and signs said the deep part of the pool was 8 feet. We were the only ones in the parking lot this week which was nice. The park ranger had told us we could slide down it as many times as we wanted that day for free. Haha!
If you are visiting Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls, it is just 1.1 miles north from Moore Cove Falls.
6. Cradle of Forestry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
*Temporarily Closed for Winter Hours, reopening April 7th, 2018* Continuing a legacy of forest conservation history, the Cradle of Forestry offers a snap shot of life at America's first school of Forestry along the Biltmore Campus Trail. You can also take a picturesque walk along the Forest Festival Trail complete with a restored 1914 logging locomotive, or take a simulated ride with firefighters aboard a helicopter on their way to a roaring fire in the wilds of Idaho in the Forest Discovery Center Exhibit Hall. Come explore the sights and sounds, check out the events and activities, and plan your adventure at the birthplace of Forest Conservation in America - the Cradle of Forestry in America. We are CLOSED November-March.
Reviewed By zeekgas - Denver, North Carolina
We loved this place! Found the history inside a bit young for us, but a great place for children, very interactive displays. The paths are paved, well marked with many interactive displays for children and adults. We were here in mid fall, so most of...MoreThank you for visiting us and taking the time to leave us a review. We agree that our woods are especially beautiful this time of year.
7. Looking Glass Rock
Overall Ratings
5 based on 120 reviews
A geological formation that is made of pure quartz and has been a sacred site of the native Cherokee Nation.
Reviewed By momssharecare - Silver Spring, Maryland
Made this hike on a beautiful cool early November morning. It is 6.5 miles round trip with a steep climb up and a steep incline down. You should be fit to attemp this hike Looking glass rock is a great picnic spot with amazing views esp in the fall. Watch your footing it can be slippery.
8. Brevard Brewing company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Barbara V - Fuquay Varina, United States
A microbrewery in downtown Brevard. A nice selection of beers that taste more of the German style. The bartender is very friendly and knowledgeable about the various selections. A quiet atmosphere so it's easy to hold a conversation. Seating available at the bar and some tables.
9. Shabby Shack Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Tianna8 - Venice, Florida
If you enjoy rummaging around in an antique store...this is the place! So much to look at and enjoy!! This is the 2nd time my husband and I have been there and I know we will return on a future visit. My husband purchased more then I did this time, but even if you don't buy anything, it is fun to look around and explore
10. Moore Cove Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By Carolyn M - Hollywood, Florida
The walk is lovely ! Slow and beautiful! You pass over the creek several times on bridges! The Falls drop off a cliff and there is a Cove behind it that you can climb on! Being behind the Falls is great! Loved the walk and Falls!
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