Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, is a top destination for outdoor activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, challenging mountain biking trails, and whitewater rafting. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of must-visit sites, including waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and historic sites. There are also a number of activities to be had, such as fishing, horseback riding, and camping. No matter what you're looking for, Pisgah Forest has something for everyone. So come explore the best trails and activities that this area has to offer.
Top Spots in and near Pisgah Forest
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Sunset, South Carolina
Kayak to Laurel Fork Falls
4.0This stunning waterfall tumbles down 80 feet before spilling into Lake Jocassee between a slot of shear rock cliffs. However, the catch is not many people see this beautiful location unless you have a boat or are willing to hike a streneous 8-mile hike one-way along the Foothills Trail.But I am s...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls in Gorges SP
4.53.91 mi / 778 ft gainRainbow Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. The Horsepasture River swells in the rainy season, dumping a cascade of water 150 feet. The plume of mist at the bottom creates a distinct rainbow effect, giving the falls its name. Hike to Rainbow Falls ...Read more -
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Paradise Falls
4.30.74 mi / 167 ft gainTo the north of Panthertown lies a chain of dammed lakes that are some of the most peaceful waters in Western North Carolina. These make up the headwaters of the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River. The gorges that run between the top lakes are wild, scenic, and adventurous to even the most experie...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Hike to Schoolhouse Falls and Little Green
5.03 miTrail signs in Panthertown Valley are limited. Be sure to bring a map! Starting at the Cold Mountain parking lot, hike to Schoolhouse Falls. This is a nice waterfall with a pool at the bottom. In the summer, you are bound to run into other fellow hikers here. From Schoolhouse Falls, you have the...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Hike to Warden, Jawbone, and Riding Ford Falls
4.5 miWarden, Jawbone, and Riding Ford Falls are three waterfalls located along the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River in Panthertown Valley. Not far from the Cold Mountain trailhead, these falls are quite popular in the summer. On a weekend, you will often find people playing in the pools below the fa...Read more -
Saluda, North Carolina
Hike Bradley Falls
4.82.3 mi / 312 ft gainThis is a really nice hike along Cove Creek that leads to a beautiful, 100 foot waterfall. While most of the trail is a relaxing stroll, the end of the hike provides a little adventure for those who feel up for it. Starting from the parking lot, follow the main trail into the woods. Early in the ...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Hike Glassy Mountain
5.01.3 mi / 200 ft gainThis view never gets old and it is super easy to access. It's also only like half a mile down and then half a mile back up, so if you do watch the sunset, the walk back is easy. The trail is out by Glassy Mountain Church in Pickens, SC and it's accessible year round. The hike is very simple, and ...Read more -
Glenville, North Carolina
Hike to Frolictown Falls
1.5 mi / 350 ft gainThis is an awesome hike to do if you're short on time or have hours to kill. Because it is so easy to access, it doesn't take very long to get down to it and can be accessed by two separate trails. Both trails are well maintained, however, while there are some blazes, it is not heavily marked. Th...Read more -
Glenville, North Carolina
Hike to Granny Burrell Falls
2.4 mi / 440 ft gainPanthertown Valley has a unique system of trails, with each trail having a specific number. Some of the trails listed at the information hut in the parking lot are accessed by taking one or two other trails to get to the start of the trail you are seeking. That is the case when hiking to Granny B...Read more -
Glenville, North Carolina
Hike to Wilderness Falls
1.4 mi / 300 ft gainWilderness Falls offers a beautiful hike with a simple yet captivating falls. All of the maintained trails in Pantertown Valley are marked by a number system (there is an information hut in the parking lot with information about other local trails, distance of different trails, and emergency cont...Read more -
Glenville, North Carolina
Hike to Blackrock Overlook
3 mi / 700 ft gainThis is probably one of my favorite hikes I've done in Panthertown Valley. Its also one of the easier views to access. You start from the Salt Rock Gap Parking lot, taking the Blackrock Trail (447) up Blackrock Mountain. This trail is located about 100 yards to the left if you are standing lookin...Read more -
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Hike to the Top of Bearwallow Mountain
5.02 mi / 583 ft gainOnce you have parked along the roadside near the trailhead, pass through the big gate on the right side of the road and take the trail off to the right. The trail winds up the mountain for a mile before it empties out onto the bald atop Bearwallow. Once on the bald, you can follow the gravel road...Read more -
Fairview, North Carolina
Hike the Trombatore Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures
5.05 mi / 1350 ft gainPark along the road at Bearwallow Gap - this is also the parking area for Bearwallow Mountain. Starting at a little over 3600ft, the Trombatore Trail has been well marked by the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy with red blazes. Parts of the trail border private land, so pay attention to the sig...Read more -
Sapphire, North Carolina
John's Jump Falls and DEW Falls
4.00.59 mi / 39 ft gainJohn's Jump Falls and DEW Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Sapphire, North Carolina.Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Run through Carrier Park
If you're in Asheville, NC and want a fun place to be outside, buzzing with activity-- you'll need to check out Carrier Park. Here, you can run along the trails, bike in the Velodrome (former race track), launch your kayak or inner tube from one of the free launches, hammock from a tree, do yoga ...Read more -
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Hike to Cedar Cliff Rock
2.4 mi / 830 ft gainCedar Cliff Rock is one of those local places that exemplifies the Blue Ridge mountains oh-so-well. From the top you can see the Tuckaseegee River along with both Cedar Cliff and Bear Creek Reservoirs. While there are a few homes in between, much of the view is untouched, allowing a big mountain ...Read more
