Things to Do in Pisgah Forest

This informative guide covers the best things to do in Pisgah National Forest, which includes hiking trails, waterfalls, camping opportunities, and nearby Western NC towns.

Hiking in Pisgah National Forest

Hiking is the top thing to do in Pisgah National Forest. The hikes in Pisgah are unique with miles of trails winding through forests, mountains, and scenery.

  • Appalachian Trail: The AT trail beautifully weaves through North Carolina for 95 miles. It begins from the Nantahala Forest into Pisgah’s Appalachian District. Many of the hikes in this area of Pisgah are part of this extended trail.
  • Black Balsam Knob Trail: This is a 1.4-mile roundtrip hike in the Pisgah Ranger District. The trailhead is at MP 420 of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
  • Max Patch Trail: The Max Patch Trail is a relatively easy 1.5-mile loop that takes visitors to the top of the Bald.
  • Hawksbill Mountain Trail: This trail is located in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. It is a moderate 1.1-mile trail leading up to the top of Hawksbill Mountain. When you do this trail, you will climb up 700 feet. However, the end of the hike is the reward of stunning views.
  • Table Rock Mountain Trail: Table Rock is a short yet steep trail that ascends a mountain. This trail is about a mile one way with gorgeous views of the rugged Pisgah Forest landscape.
  • Roan Mountain: This mountain is a collection of five summits in the Roan Highlands. The trails are of varying lengths and difficulty, which lead up to each summit. A great trail for all levels of hikers.

Top Waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest is filled with cascading waterfalls of all sizes that are the epitome of the beautiful landscape here in North Carolina. Below are some of the most notable waterfalls you can visit in Pisgah National Forest.

  • Graveyard Fields (Upper and Lower Falls): This is a gorgeous double waterfall found. There are two treks to two waterfalls from the parking lot. The one-third-mile hike to the Lower Falls and the 3.3-mile loop to the Upper Falls. Choose your own adventure!
  • Looking Glass Falls: This is one of the more popular waterfalls in North Carolina, since it is one of the most accessible and beautiful in Pisgah National Forest. It’s a 60-foot roadside waterfall just off the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway.
  • Sliding Rock Falls: Sliding Rock is a naturally sliding waterfall you can actually slide down! If you want to visit Sliding Rock Falls, we recommend going early in the morning before it gets too busy. (link to page!)
  • Catawba Falls: This 100-foot cascade is reachable via a 3-mile roundtrip hike and features many beautiful sights along the way.
  • Linville Falls: When you trek to Linville Falls, you are treated to a massive set of cascades with drops of over 90 feet.
  • French Broad Falls, Mill Shoals, and Cathedral Falls: This waterfall trio sits on the French Broad River and is reachable via the same short hike. The first two falls are connected while the third, Cathedral Falls, is just a few minutes away. A real bang for your buck when you visit this location for waterfalls!
  • Moore Cove Falls: Moore Cove is a 50-foot waterfall with a cave behind it. If you venture behind the falls, do so cautiously as it is dangerous.
  • Douglas Falls: Douglas Falls Trail is close to Craggy Gardens. It’s a 4-mile hike, but the 70-foot waterfall offers incredible sights.
  • Crabtree Falls: It sits inside the Black Mountains with two routes to the falls: a short 0.9-mile hike and the steeper 1.6-mile trail.

Ready to Explore Pisgah National Forest?

Ash Grove Mountain Cabins and Camping offers camping and cabins for people coming out to visit the wonderful Pisgah Forest in North Carolina. We offer walk-to tent sites, which allow you to experience Pisgah Forest camping the way it was meant to be. No headlights. Virtually no traffic noise. No electronics. Relax near the campfire to the sounds of nature and a sky full of stars.

Each one of our campsites has a mulched tent pad, picnic table and a fire ring/grill. The trails by our campsite are well maintained and we provide wheelbarrows to help you load in your gear. There is also a water pump at the bath house with fresh mountain well water that tastes great and is safe to drink. Our camping sites are able to accommodate small to medium tents and are excellent for hammocks. Make the choice to book at stay and explore all that Pisgah National Forest has to offer!

Book a Stay

Make the most of your next getaway and delve into the wonders of Pisgah Forest.