Most Popular Things To Do in Pisgah National Forest

Come visit the home of the white squirrel. Surrounded by sprawling mountain views and the coolly crisp North Carolina air, Brevard sits cozily just outside Asheville, NC.

It makes for a splendid adventure for your vacation escape. Get off the radar and find a wide range of riveting and active Brevard things to do to get further connected with nature.

Perhaps no place is better for this than nearby Pisgah National Forest. With over 500,000 incredible acres full of impressive waterfalls, thick forests, and impressive Appalachian peaks, the outdoor exploration here never ends.

Below is your introduction to the many recreational activities to participate in while visiting this vast, highly touted and protected forest.

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Hiking

Backpackers enter the forest every day to wind through the many cathartic hiking trails in the forest.

Some of the more popular options include Black Mountain, Babel Tower, and Shortoff Mountain trail which leads you right to Table Rock.

Trails are usually split into two distinctions: backpacking trails and day trails. Backpacking trails are for ambitious hikers and may take multiple days to complete.

Biking

You can find expansive road and mountain biking opportunities at Pisgah. At this current time, there are about 116 different dedicated mountain biking trails interweaving throughout the national forest.

While some loop trails are only a few miles at most, other trails, such as Avery Creek, Bear Branch, and trails with the Appalachian Ranger District, are soaring and ambitious runs through the forestry.
The Point Lookout Trail and Brian Bottom Bicycle are both accessible road cycling options for enthusiasts looking for some open and flat riding.

Fishing

Pisgah National Forest has a network of gorgeous rivers and streams for some elegant and isolated fly fishing. The Pisgah Ranger District, encompassing Sunburst Campground, Davidson, and Coontree, are all rewarding spots to fish.

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Climbing

Rock climbing is a challenging activity, and the opportunities for it in Pisgah are rich. The peaks here are some of the highest in the Southern Appalachians.

You can find exemplary rock climbing adventures in Linville Gorge in the Grandfather Ranger District. It averages 1,400 feet deep and features a variety of different climbing routes from easy to challenging.

The Amphitheatre and Table Rock are top options for a less challenging path, while Shortoff and Hawksbill are for more experienced climbers.

Little Lost Cove Cliffs do not allow for fixed anchors or bolts, so come prepared for a serious challenge on this ambitious Pisgah uphill path.

Sliding Rock

Sliding Rock is an incredible sight and something you can easily take the whole family to. It is the name of one of Brevard’s most iconic natural sights.

Located in Pisgah National Forest about eight miles out from town, you can freely slide down this sloping waterfall along the silky smooth rocks. You can expect to see about 11,000 gallons of water rush along this waterfall every minute.

Visitors will attempt to spin as they glide excitedly down the rocks. The waterfall ends in an eight-foot-deep pool. Lifeguards are on duty during opening hours and seasons.

Book Your Asheville Vacation Rental with Pete Key Properties

Pisgah National Forest is part of an extensive map of national forests, including Croatan, Nantahala, and Uwharrie.

Always heed safe and responsible environment and hiking practices while exploring Pisgah National Forest.

Do not keep food storage containers open, respect the wildlife, wear proper fitting attire, avoid hiking alone or inform friends and family of your location, carry a compass and map, and always stay on noted trails.

Visit the Pisgah National Forest Service website for further details, rules and restrictions, and other user activity information.

Give us a call at (828)-577-3435 for help finding amazing vacation rentals in Brevard NC to come back to after a day adventuring through the forests and finding revitalizing local sights and sounds.