The 7 Best Things to Do in Pisgah National Forest

The great thing about Pisgah National Forest is that even though it isn’t in Asheville, it’s only around 30 miles away. Plus, Brevard (the area you have to drive through to get to the forest from Asheville) is an adorable mountain town full of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Now, Pisgah National Forest covers more than 500,000 acres. It has six waterfalls, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and dozens of other attractions scattered through both the forest itself and the surrounding Pisgah Forest area.

Because the forest is so large, it’s split into three districts: the Appalachian Ranger District, the Grandfather Ranger District, and the Pisgah Ranger District.

With that in mind, there’s no way I can cover everything there is to do in Pisgah Forest. This article would be absurdly long.

Instead, this is simply a list of some of my favorite things to do, specifically within the area of the forest closest to Brevard, NC, or the Pisgah Ranger District.

I’ve included a few of the best hikes in Pisgah National Forest, some of the most gorgeous waterfalls, and a couple of other fun activities. Whether you’re going for a day trip or spending a week, these are some of the best attractions to add to your list.

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1. Davidson River Recreation Area

Let’s talk about the Davidson River Recreation Area/Campground first, because if you’re spending more than a day in Pisgah National Forest, you’re going to need somewhere to stay! The Davidson River Campground is among the most popular Pisgah National Forest camping spots and is conveniently located, a short drive from every other attraction listed here.

Both tent and RV campers are welcome at the campground. Each campsite is equipped with tent pads, picnic tables, campfire rings, grills, and lantern posts.

The campground is divided into 8 loops, each with its own restroom with hot showers and flush toilets. And if you’re in need of supplies, you can buy ice and firewood on-site!

The best part about this campground, however, is that it doubles as a recreation area. It’s adjacent to the Davidson River, where you can swim, tube, and trout fish. So after a morning of hiking and outdoor adventuring, you can come back to the campground and take a dip in the cool waters of the river!

For campground maps and reservation information, take a look at the USDA Forest Service website.

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2. Pink Beds Trail

If you’re looking for an easy Pisgah National Forest hiking trail the whole family can enjoy, look no further than Pink Beds Trail. Though it’s 5 miles long, it’s almost completely flat, making it more of a leisurely stroll through woods and meadows than a hike.

Short history lesson. When the settlers arrived in the area, they cleared away the forest and named it Pink Beds Valley. Without the trees, the seemingly endless blooms were visible for miles.

The area has since been reforested, but Pink Beds Trail is still bursting with color. You’ll walk along creeks, past beaver dams, and over rare mountain bogs on wooden footbridges, all while taking in the sights and smells of the beautiful Mountain Laurel and other native wildflowers.

Here’s the thing, though. The bog can and should be marveled at. But the bog, in combination with the many creeks and river crossings, also makes for an extraordinarily muddy trek that becomes even muddier after a rain shower. You’ll definitely want to add your waterproof hiking boots to your packing list!

In addition, if you’re bringing kids along for the hike, it might be a good idea to bring swimsuits or towels. Though most of the water crossings have bridges, some of them do not. This means rock-hopping or splashing through the shallow water to get to the other side.

If you have energy, you can take a detour when you reach the Barnett Branch Trail intersection. About 0.3 miles in, you’ll reach the base of a small waterfall (about 25-30 feet high).

Whether you choose to take the detour or not, the end of Pink Beds Trail features a few large meadows in the forest. These are man-made clearings created for local wildlife to graze – be on the lookout for deer and wild turkey as you pass through!

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3. Sliding Rock

For adventurous kids (and kids at heart), there’s nothing better than Sliding Rock. As a kid, I could spend a full day going up and down the 60-foot waterfall, and, honestly, I still can. The slide isn’t too steep or too scary, so it can be enjoyed by all ages.

The main thing to keep in mind is that the water, both on the rock slide and in the pool at the bottom is cold. Like, 50 degrees Fahrenheit cold. Like, you might want to work up a sweat on a hike before you slide cold.

It’s not that the temperature of the water takes away from the fun. On the contrary, if you go on a hot day, it’s pretty refreshing. I just wanted to give fair warning to those who are sensitive to cold temperatures, as you’ll be partially in the water the entire time you’re in line and while you’re sliding, then plunging into it once you reach the bottom.

Speaking of which, though the pool at the bottom isn’t very large and the current does most of the work getting you to the side, it is 8-feet deep. So, if you have any hesitant swimmers, a life jacket is a good idea.

Now, Sliding Rock is a unique attraction and extremely popular. As such, it’s often packed during the peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Sometimes even the parking lot fills up, at which point you’ll be directed to park elsewhere or come back later.

To minimize the risk of running into this situation, avoid visiting between the hours of noon and 4 pm during the summer months.

The admission fee is $4.00 per person during the peak season. You can go during the week in the off-season for free, but there won’t be any lifeguards on-site or access to restrooms.

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4. Looking Glass Falls

Of all the Pisgah National Forest waterfalls, Looking Glass Falls is the most breathtaking. It’s tough to miss, as it’s right off the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway (US-276) and there are always dozens of cars parked along the road nearby.

You might think that the popularity of Looking Glass Falls takes away some of the magic, but I promise it doesn’t. There are a couple of options for viewing the falls. The first is simply to use the roadside observation deck – no hiking required.

If you want a closer look, you’ll need to use the staircase located not far from the road. Walking down the stairs (there are quite a few) will bring you to the edge of the pool, where you’re welcome to hop in! You can even swim under the waterfall, should you so choose.

Because, like Sliding Rock, this attraction is so popular, I recommend planning your visit wisely.

There are going to be far more people at the falls if you go during the peak season, particularly on the weekends. If your trip is planned during this time, try to go first thing in the morning, as it’s typically busier in the afternoon.

Taken from the right angle, a photo of Looking Glass Falls appears as if you stumbled upon some secret cove deep in the forest, and a pool full of people does tend to ruin the vibe, you know?

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5. Moore Cove Falls

Though Moore Cove Falls might not be quite as impressive as Looking Glass Falls, they’re still well worth the short hike to get there. The first portion of the trail features a fun walk over a wooden pedestrian bridge followed by a gentle climb (nothing too tough, I promise). Once you’re past the first few hundred feet, it’s an easy walk through lush, shaded forest.

After about a mile, you’ll reach the 50-foot waterfall. What makes Moore Cove Falls special is that you can walk behind the falls and into the shallow cove itself.

Keep in mind, however, that the rocks are wet, making them slick – be careful not to slip! You should also avoid climbing on top of the falls. Yes, it’s on the smaller side, but the rushing waters are still extremely dangerous.

This hike is perfect for small children and beginner hikers interested in a casual walk through trees and wildflowers. In the spring and summer months, it’s also great for bird watching!

Because of the creek that runs along the trail, there are a few muddy areas. But unlike Pink Beds Trail, they’re easy to avoid. If you can, try to go on this hike after a good rainstorm, as this is when the falls are at their most impressive.

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6. Cradle of Forestry

The birthplace of science-based forest management in America, the Cradle of Forestry is a fantastic choice for history aficionados and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The Cradle offers 3 paved trails, each about a mile long, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits and attractions.

Upon arrival, you’ll enter the Forest Discovery Center with a cafe and gift shop inside. Within the exhibit hall, you’ll find games, displays, and a short (30 minute) documentary. This movie details the launch of the American conservation movement and the Biltmore Forest School.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can head over to the fire-fighting helicopter flight simulator before signing up for the nature-based scavenger hunt or checking out the wildlife beneath the forest floor.

Those who choose to explore the walking trails have their choice of The Forest Festival Trail, the Biltmore Campus Trail, and the Forest Discovery Trail. Each trail provides a unique experience, so if you have time, why not do all three?

The Forest Festival Trail winds through an ozone garden, an antique portable sawmill, and a 1914 Climax locomotive. You’re welcome to climb aboard!

As the name suggests, the Biltmore Campus Trail allows you to venture into the once-bustling Biltmore Forest School’s campus. It features several buildings from the early 1900s including a general store, a blacksmith shop, and a one-room schoolhouse.

Last but not least is the Forest Discovery Trail. This scenic path takes you above the Forest Festival Trail, giving you views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pink Beds Valley.

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7. Looking Glass Rock

As far as local trails go, Hard Times Trail is my go-to everyday “hike” (it’s more of a walk if we’re being completely honest). But if I have time to drive a little further and hike a little longer, Looking Glass Rock is my first pick. It’s the best of the Pisgah National Forest trails, as far as I’m concerned.

Depending on your experience and fitness level, it might be a bit on the tougher side, especially when you get close to the summit. However, it’s well, well worth the effort. Trust me. The view at the peak is nothing short of incredible.

As you’re going up, you’ll encounter a lot of switchbacks, particularly at the beginning of the hike. On many of them, you’ll see where people have cut through, creating their own “trails” rather than following the existing trail.

Please, from one adventurer to another, please refrain from following in their footsteps. Cutting through switchbacks can cause serious damage to foliage and wildlife. Every hiker’s goal, besides having a great time, should be to leave no trace.

Not to mention, there’s no need to rush up or down using shortcuts! Take your time, relax on a trailside rock, stop for a snack break if you need to – soak up all the outdoorsy goodness that you can.

Speaking of time, the hike is just short of 6 miles out and back (3 miles up, 3 miles down). And whether you’re part grizzly bear and can reach the summit in an hour flat or you take a few hours to make the journey, be sure to give yourself some extra time at the summit.

The flat rock surface at the top makes for the perfect spot to rest, sunbathe, or have a snack before you head back down. Not to mention, you’ll want plenty of pictures of the breathtaking sky and mountain views.

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Bonus: Dolly’s Dairy Bar

So, here’s the thing. Ice cream is my absolute favorite food. As much as I love breakfast food (and I do love it), I could eat ice cream every single day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it.

But my favorite time to eat ice cream? After a long hike. It never fails – I get to the top of the mountain and spend the entire hike back down thinking about what type of ice cream I’m going to have once I get to the bottom.

Luckily for me (and for you!), in Brevard, right on the edge of the forest, is Dolly’s Dairy Bar. When I was a kid, a day of hiking and playing at Sliding Rock was never complete without an ice cream from Dolly’s. And I feel the exact same way today.

That said, while Dolly’s does hold a great deal of sentimental value for me, they really do have great ice cream. And honestly, is there any better way to top off a fantastic day of outdoor adventure than with an ice cream cone? I don’t think so.

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Have a Great Time on Your Adventure in Pisgah National Forest!

As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Pisgah National Forest. This isn’t anywhere near a complete list of attractions, either. As I said, these are just a few of my favorites.

But if you’re prepping for your first time in Pisgah, you can’t go wrong with anything on this list. They’re all a great way to spend your day, it comes down to what type of activity you’re interested in and how much physical activity you’re willing to do.

To keep up with my adventures, follow me on Instagram, and be sure to check out a few of my other posts on outdoor adventures, breakfast food, and everything Asheville.

– See ya Out There!