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
5.0 based on 662 reviews
A park within easy driving distance from Hendersonville that offers hiking, camping and fishing.
Reviewed By tomtI3003XC - Concord, United States
Pisgah Forest has some beautiful streams, waterfalls, mountains, and unspoiled forest that can’t be beat! Whether you are site seeing , hiking , trout fishing, camping or Mountain biking there are more than enough in the huge National Forest ???? The Looking Glass Waterfall is a prime example of just some of the sights to see, with very easy access to view it’s beauty right off the side of the main road coming into the forest from North Brevard NC. And just a little south of Pisgah is my favorite MTB getaway DuPont State Forest, so you can enjoy both with minimal driving.
2. Devil's Courthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By cmoney2032 - Toledo, United States
We loved it and did it with a 3 and 4.5 year old. It’s really worth the short time for the great view. It was also good practice for the kids as it wasn’t far but had some different terrain elements. This short walk/hike is not for those with mobility issues or difficulty walking steep grades/loose rocks. It’s paved about halfway on what has to be the steepest pavement I’ve ever walked on. No big deal, but pavement does not equal take a stroller or wheelchair. Can’t be done. The second half the path is loose rocks and rock/dirt steps and some tight portions of path. Again, not a big deal but be aware. We saw all ages doing it but some elderly people were really struggling. It’s really not that far but straight up. The view from the top is great.
3. Sliding Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 897 reviews
Waterfall slide, sending 11,000 gallons of water down a huge rock each minute.
Reviewed By TheRobinsons57 - Pembroke Pines, United States
This place always delivers fun, and you must slide down the rocks aleast once in your life.. Was here three years ago. And nothing change except now there charge to use the restroom thsts a bummer.. .
4. Cradle of Forestry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 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 joselync32 - Atlanta, United States
Wonderful 1 mile or 2 mile paved hike. Historic buildings related to beginning of forestry education in the US. Can bring your dog. Lovely streams, bridges and plants/bushes along the pathway. Kid, dog and adult friendly! Will go back
5. Looking Glass Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
A geological formation that is made of pure quartz and has been a sacred site of the native Cherokee Nation.
Reviewed By bradleyland - Vero Beach, United States
Looking Glass Rock is an iconic location that many only see from the Blue Ridge Parkway overlook. Do yourself a favor and make the hike from the other side, look back at the Blue Ridge Parkway, and give the onlookers a wave :) This hike gains roughly 1,700 ft of (cumulative) elevation along its 3 mile route, but the incline is mostly steady, spread out over the entire distance. It's a great hike for anyone looking to step up from easier hikes that lack elevation gain. The mixed commentary here on TA is likely owed to varying fitness levels. I would not consider any part of this trail technical, but there are some sections that require you to make considerable "steps" up or down, so you'll need to be able bodied. There is only one rocky section, but it can be circumnavigated fairly easily. The hike up is somewhat varied, including wooded valleys and dense tree tunnels. Trail surface varies between light gravel, clay, stone, and even some sand. The mid section includes a series of switchbacks that show obvious signs of scrambling :( Please resist the temptation. We visited in August, with a temperature of around 75°F and clear skies. It hadn't rained for a couple of days, so the trail was reasonably dry, with some wet spots here and there. There are obvious signs of water erosion on the trail though, so if you're headed here after considerable rain, don't wear anything you'd hate to get muddy. Personally, I'd recommend hiking boots, as there are a ton of roots on the trail, but we saw plenty of people in tennis shoes and even sandals. Inadequate footwear will require extra diligence, but shouldn't slow you down. As far as wildlife, BEWARE of yellow jackets in summer months. One landed on my sock, got pinched by my boot, and stung me good. My AllTrails recording shows that we took 3hrs 10min to make the hike, with a moving time of 3hrs 6min, so basically a 30 minute per mile pace, which felt like a moderate workout, but not heart-pounding. Our fitness level is average, and we live in Florida, so elevation really kicks our butts.
6. Looking Glass Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 869 reviews
Reviewed By WaterfallLover007 - Greeneville, United States
Beautiful roadside waterfall. There is an upper viewing platform that is wheelchair accessible. Next to the platform are stairs that you can take down to the base of the waterfall. There's a small spot in the middle of the stairs with another area you can view the waterfall from if you want a closer look without going all the way to the bottom.
7. Moore Cove Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By noeloni - Sarasota, United States
We are a family of 4 - we have a 7 year old boy and a 2 year old girl. We have never ever been hiking before! We are from Florida where there are no mountains, and where being outdoors is unpleasant most of the year. So this was a first for us, and we really didn’t know what to expect. I knew my 7 year old would do great, but I was worried about how difficult it could be for the 2 year old. We chose this trail based on the reviews here, stating it was an easy hike & good for families with children, plus of course the beautiful pics posted of the waterfall. Well, I’m pleased to report all 4 of us had an absolute blast and this 1st experience with hiking was the highlight of our NC vacation! We all fell in love with hiking, and with the area surrounding Asheville, so we cannot wait to visit again & go on more hikes! It took us approximately 30 minutes to get to the waterfall, and I believe it’s about 3/4 of a mile each way, for a total of 1 hour round-trip. Plus whatever time you spend taking pics and enjoying the 50 foot waterfall before heading back! It’s gorgeous. We had so much fun along the way, tons of neat stuff to see throughout the forest, and my 2 year old had no trouble with the trail at all. I was so impressed with her! The path is mostly very wide and easy to navigate and very few inclines. The temperature in March was so cool & comfortable, it was approximately 50 degrees and perfect!! So don’t be scared to go on this trail if you’re inexperienced, or if you have a toddler in tow. You’ll love it and your kids will too!
8. Courthouse Falls
9. Ecusta Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By haliek2016 - New Orleans, United States
The bar tenders are super nice and treat everyone like a neighbor. Beers are also quite tasty I got the Pink Beds Sour after hiking and it was great. Dog friendly also!
10. Pisgah Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By emilymaehood - Long Island, United States
The Pisgah Ranger Station and Visitor Center is worth a stop. They offer public restrooms, water fountains, an educational area, gift shop and a Ranger hosted park information center. We could not resist a nice sticker as a travel badge for our car and some Smokey Bear paraphernalia. We were also able to get our Passport to National Parks stamped along with some great tips on our visit.
TAGS
