Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Forest: Hours, Address, Pisgah National Forest Reviews: 5/5
Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest
5
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
A park within easy driving distance from Hendersonville that offers hiking, camping and fishing.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Pisgah National Forest
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
34 within 6 miles
Looking Glass Falls
893
1.6 miWaterfalls
Sliding Rock
914
1.9 miGeologic Formations • Waterfalls
Looking Glass Rock
152
1.4 miGeologic Formations
Crystal Mountain Gem Mine
344
Mines
Moore Cove Falls
155
1.6 miHiking Trails • Waterfalls
Cradle of Forestry
263
Historic Sites • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Oskar Blues Brewery Brevard
230
Breweries
Skinny Dip Falls
60
Waterfalls
Pisgah Visitor Center
35
1.8 miVisitor Centers
Daniel Ridge Falls
13
1.9 miWaterfalls
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
677 reviews
Excellent
580
Very good
82
Average
9
Poor
1
Terrible
5
Texas_Traveler71
Paris, TX1,156 contributions
Our family of four (with teens) was enjoying some downtime in Asheville for a few days earlier this month when we decided to have a hiking afternoon in the Pisgah National Forest. Are we glad we did! The area is amazing beautiful and is a very easy drive from Asheville. We found a couple of easy hikes for our family (as we certainly don't profess to be expert hikers) that we really enjoyed. The sites are amazing and I would highly recommend even just driving through the area. A couple of great sites are just off the main road as well. Highly recommend seeing this beautiful part of the country in person.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa S
Fort Myers, FL9,878 contributions
Couples
I can’t seem to locate a separate review for this trail so I’ll leave it here.
First I’ll say there is very limited parking at the trailhead sign and the portajohns smell is horrendous! It might be easier to park at Lake Powhatan and begin hiking or biking from there.
Yes you will encounter bikers and hikers although not all the way around.
We started from the smelly parking lot and at the dead end we went right. As we came to the bridge over the stream we should have stayed straight to continue around the lake. Instead we crossed the bridge and again missed the loop path and walked uphill for 30 minutes before turning back around. We encountered many bikers here as well as a few hikers.
Once we returned to the bridge and stream we got back on the paved path and walked to the fishing pier at the lake. Very nice area, portajohns there if emergency. We walked the path to the other side of the lake where there is a beach, not a great one but one. The parking lot and restrooms are up higher so never saw those.
The path back from this point was narrower but not hard. Nice little pretty much flat hike.
First I’ll say there is very limited parking at the trailhead sign and the portajohns smell is horrendous! It might be easier to park at Lake Powhatan and begin hiking or biking from there.
Yes you will encounter bikers and hikers although not all the way around.
We started from the smelly parking lot and at the dead end we went right. As we came to the bridge over the stream we should have stayed straight to continue around the lake. Instead we crossed the bridge and again missed the loop path and walked uphill for 30 minutes before turning back around. We encountered many bikers here as well as a few hikers.
Once we returned to the bridge and stream we got back on the paved path and walked to the fishing pier at the lake. Very nice area, portajohns there if emergency. We walked the path to the other side of the lake where there is a beach, not a great one but one. The parking lot and restrooms are up higher so never saw those.
The path back from this point was narrower but not hard. Nice little pretty much flat hike.
Written September 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wohdonkey
Newark, OH1,948 contributions
Couples
We were staying very close to the forest so we spent as much time seeing waterfalls and hiking here as we could. We loved the Pisgah National Forest! So many waterfalls to see! We also did the Looking Glass Rock Trail which was my favorite hike! Not a lot of cell service once you are in the forest, so I would recommend downloading a map first. The visitor center is also worth the stop.
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leslie J
Cary, NC30 contributions
Definitely stop at the Pisgah Ranger Station! The rangers were very helpful with everything from parking to mosquito levels! We went on a Sunday late morning on the Daniel Ridge Loop trail (go clockwise) and we only saw a few people out hiking the whole time. Beautiful trail. A little muddy/ hilly near the waterfall at the end. Rocky and rooty. Great trail!
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TYPSUKR
Arlington, VA723 contributions
Pretty much any time we got out of the car and a few steps off of Blue Ridge Parkway itself, we were in the Pisgah National Forest. Hence, many of our wilderness experiences were technically in the Forest, as opposed to on the Parkway. One of the highlights we had in that aspect was hiking along a Forest Service road from the Parkway to the Frying Pan Lookout. At the summit, alongside some broadcast towers and monitoring stations, there is a fire lookout tower that you are free to scale....if you have the courage :)
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bandit2118
Columbus, GA732 contributions
Couples
Amazing beauty all around and a Hikers paradise as you can spend a week here and enjoy it immensely hiking both trails and finding marked waterfalls and unmarked waterfalls.
Camping paradise as well and always be prepped for those colder nights and Rain out of the Blue!
Botanists and Animal lovers alike would love it too and we saw many bikers simply biking and stopping throughout this paradise.
Enjoy the Mountainous Paradise of Pisgah National Forest! Nature at its Best!
Camping paradise as well and always be prepped for those colder nights and Rain out of the Blue!
Botanists and Animal lovers alike would love it too and we saw many bikers simply biking and stopping throughout this paradise.
Enjoy the Mountainous Paradise of Pisgah National Forest! Nature at its Best!
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peggy G
Jacksonville, FL3 contributions
Couples
My family has been going to to Pisgah Forest every year for the past 40 years. There is a variety of hiking trail lengths and levels of difficulty. The trails are well marked and the staff at the visitors center are very helpful. Beautiful place for kids and seniors. Don’t miss Sycamore Flats and The Cradle of Forestry.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deanne D
12 contributions
We visited just for the day, but were impressed by the mountains, trails and waterfalls. Definitely stop by the rangers visitor center and they can provide the best trails for your experience level and the type of day. We did Slide Rock, Looking Glass Falls, John Rock and Jackson Falls! Definitely worth the hike!
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark B
North Waterboro, ME64 contributions
Friends
I have spent numerous days in PNF riding motorcycles with friends and family. The scenery is sublime and the pavement is second to none. I've toured throughout USA and Canada and always return to PNF as my preferred source of roads, scenery and food.
Written May 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ShaFlorida
Florida40 contributions
If you're not coming from Ashville, do not follow your GPS. We were driving from Franklin & were led to the other side of the mountain where there are signs that say things like, "Your GPS lied to you." It took a LONG time to figure out how to get to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the trailhead actually is. (It's at mile marker 407.6 with an obvious parking lot.) It's a 3 miles roundtrip hike, which has some rocky sections is a bit strenuous.
Written April 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Any idea what the weather is like in late March?
Tom T
Concord, GA179 contributions
The weather in late March in western NC is usually in the low to mid 60’s during the day and mid 40’s at night. But kind of like Georgia it has snowed on rare occasions when a cold front drops down from the north. If I plan a trip I monitor the weather report weeks ahead to make sure u come prepared for a cold snap.
torriesw
Ellicott City, MD32 contributions
how was it with dogs? Any places you talk your dog?
Thank you so much for any and all information. decided NO KENNEL this weekend, taking the girls with me.
Robert R
Charlotte, NC43 contributions
Some trails on Grandfather Mtn. Have ladders that Dodd couldn’t do unless they are small enough to carry. Otherwise a 6’ leash is needed. The bears are especially active this year.
torriesw
Ellicott City, MD32 contributions
how was it with dogs? Any places you talk your dog?
Thank you so much for any and all information. decided NO KENNEL this weekend, taking the girls with me.
Paul P
GADSDEN, United States18 contributions
Like all other National Parks dogs are welcome ,but you also have the leash laws to were the dogs are on Leash or tie outs at all times. No dogs are allowed on the trails !
FallingFeather
Fort Lauderdale, FL4 contributions
Hi! We are coming up in late October from flat, boring Florida. I'm looking for an easy-ish trail that offers great views. Any suggestions?
robynrawlings
Gatlinburg, TN18 contributions
We did Catawba falls with our dog and there were a lot of people bringing kids or carrying them. It is a very doable walk in the mountains with a beautiful waterfall at the top. Looking glass falls is right in pisgah and is on the road with no hiking required but is also pretty.
ACTtherapist
Hoover, AL349 contributions
Is the picnic area at Coontree off 276 still open? I'm not seeing it on some of the maps. I love the magical swimming hole area in the far side....
emanddustin
New Orleans, LA4 contributions
We are looking for a nice cabin under $150 a night in the area. We’d love Mountain View’s
Robert P
Asheville, NC38 contributions
There is an inn near the top of Mount Pisgah called "The Pisgah Inn." I am not sure about rates or availability but should be affordable since I think its the national park service that runs it. All rooms face the mountain tops (you look out above the range) and the views are incredible!
Are hiking boots recommended for the trials in Pisgah Forest or would tennis shoes be ok?
kedkap
Leesville, SC543 contributions
I would recommend. My wife and I are 59 and always wear boots to avoid injury. Hope it helps enjoy b
I would like to camp in a pop-up camper last week in March for a week. Looks like National Forest do not open to camping until April first. Where would you suggest camping? What kind of weather would I be looking at? Are there any campgrounds with electricity? From WI never been to this area. Thank You!
Jane H
Mebane, NC293 contributions
Hello Debra N,
I stayed several times at Alpine Village in Burnsville, NC. I have never camped in The Pisgah National Forrest. There is a campground as you enter The Pisgah Forrest. It is clean and not crowded. The weather in April is still cool. The summer months are the best times to visit.
Jane H.
Food4NYCSoul
Oviedo, FL1 contribution
Can you get cellular phone service with any carrier in the forest? My recent trip had no signals via T-Mobile.
Jane H
Mebane, NC293 contributions
Your best bet would be Verizon in The Pisgah National Forrest.
Jane H.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pisgah National Forest
- Pisgah National Forest is open:
- Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- We recommend booking Pisgah National Forest tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 14 Pisgah National Forest tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Pisgah National Forest:
- Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour with Expert Naturalist (From $99.00)
- Guided Group Half Day Hike (From $125.00)
- Blue Ridge Mountains Guided Hiking Tour with Local Guide - small groups!! (From $74.00)
- John Rock Trail Running Tour with Photo Stops (From $120.00)
- Slate Rock Trail Running Tour (From $130.00)
- Hotels near Pisgah National Forest:
- (5.08 mi) The Bromfield Inn
- (4.81 mi) Pilot Cove : Forest Lodging
- (5.04 mi) Sunset Motel
- (4.49 mi) The Red House Inn Brevard
- (8.49 mi) Pisgah Inn
- Restaurants near Pisgah National Forest:
- (4.79 mi) Bracken Mountain Bakery
- (4.79 mi) Rocky's Grill & Soda Shop
- (4.76 mi) The Square Root
- (4.80 mi) The Falls Landing
- (4.76 mi) Mayberry's
- Attractions near Pisgah National Forest:
- (1.64 mi) Looking Glass Falls
- (1.87 mi) Sliding Rock
- (1.40 mi) Looking Glass Rock
- (4.80 mi) Crystal Mountain Gem Mine
- (5.48 mi) Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School