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
-
Brevard, North Carolina
Hike to John Rock
5.05 mi / 1000 ft gainThis 5 mile loop begins at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and State Fish Hatchery near Brevard, NC. Ample parking is available adjacent to the trailhead with bathrooms and water accessible. Grab a map from inside as well. To start the hike, look at the education center, to the left is t...Read more -
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Cool Off at Sliding Rock Falls
4.6This natural mountain waterfall and slide in the Pisgah National Forest is a local favorite to cool off in and have a little fun during the warmer months. You can walk up the line to the top of the falls and have a quick wait as others go down this 60 foot boulder. This water varies between 50-6...Read more -
150 Asbury Drive, South Carolina
Hike the Asbury Trail to Moonshine Falls
5.5 mi / 800 ft gainThe trail to the Matthews Creek cable bridge crossing is easy. The cable crossing is fine - fun for some and a do-able challenge for others. After the creek, to get to Moonshine Falls, turn RIGHT at the post which indicates a trail both left and right. This is the Naturaland Trail in Caesars Hea...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail
3.01.03 mi / 266 ft gainWildcat Wayside Nature Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Cleveland, South Carolina.Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Skinny Dip Falls
4.81.03 mi / 148 ft gainPark at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook. After enjoying the view of Looking Glass Rock, gear up and head to the right side of the parking area (right side if your back is to the overlook). On the opposite side of the road you'll see a mile marker and a little trail to the left of the marker. Foll...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Graveyard Fields-Black Balsam Knob Circuit
4.49.83 mi / 1522 ft gainWhen the weather is in your favor, these treeless mountain tops will have your jaw on the floor with layers upon layers of Blue Ridge Mountains. This hike can be done in one day, but with panoramic views at multiple points, you'll want to take your time along this link of trails. This ~10-mile l...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Explore Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields
4.3Graveyard Fields got it's name years ago from wind-thrown tree trunks that gave the appearance of a graveyard, until 1925 when an intense fire swept through the area, destroying the stumps. The forest has been recovering ever since.The parking area for Graveyard Fields is located at milepost 418....Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Climb Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
4.51.5 miThis is an extremely easy trail with a minimal incline. The tower, built in 1941, standing 70 feet above the summit, can be nerve wracking, even for those who aren't scared of heights. However, most feel it's worth the view. Expect to see fellow hikers. On pretty days there can be a few people w...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Backpack the Foothills Trail through the Southeastern Appalachian Mountains
5.076.2 mi / 11036 ft gainStarting at Table Rock State Park (South Carolina) and working your 76.2 miles way towards Oconee State Park (South Carolina) is the most popular route, with a few spur trails that lead to places like Raven Cliff Falls in Cesar's Head State Park. The trail gains ~11,036 feet in elevation with ano...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Hike to Table Rock Mountain
4.57.2 mi / 2433 ft gainWhile the Piedmont Foothills may sound deceptive, this is no easy trail. The first two miles of the Table Rock Trail take you soaring through the trees at a rapid pace. The trail is extremely well kept, but harsh and tough. A little before the two mile marker is a wooden shelter which is a great ...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Summit Sassafras Mountain
5.017.2 mi / 5041 ft gainPinnacle Trail begins by the Nature Center in Table Rock State Park. Keep left at the first three splits in the trail. You will make some creek crossings, gain elevation through the forest, and pass by Mills Creek Falls (25 ft). At Bald Rock Overlook, you can catch some nice views of Table Rock M...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Shining Rock via Shining Creek Trail
4.38.69 mi / 2569 ft gainThere are several ways to access the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, but go for the main trail head off of Hwy 276. The trail is split by the Pigeon River, providing a seemingly infinite combinations of trails and routes, keeping in mind that this area intersects often with the well known Art Lobe ...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Hike Big East Fork Shining Rock Loop
4.014 miWe began this trip by camping overnight in Graveyard Fields. Those camp sites are .5 miles from the car, so we kept our food there over night. Bear activity has increased, so it's strongly advised to bring a bear canister and be wise about food storage. We woke up early the next morning made bre...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Camp at Mt. Pisgah
5.0The Mt. Pisgah campground is nestled right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Canton, NC. Since it is at an elevation of 4,980 feet the campground is a perfect destination to beat the heat and humidity that the region can be known for in the summer months. Reservations and information can be fo...Read more -
Balsam Grove, North Carolina
Hike to Courthouse Falls
4.70.07 mi / 40 ft gainFirst off, I want to say although the road is gravel it is accessible for 2WD cars you do not need a 4WD car to access this hike. The trail begins just over the bridge that crosses Panther Branch Creek. Just over the bridge there is a pullout where you can park that should fit at least 3 cars. Th...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Paddle on Lake Oolenoy
5.0Part of Table Rock State Park, Lake Oolenoy is a 67-acre lake providing private boat access for kayaks, canoes, or small boats with electric trolling motors.To get to the boat ramp, when traveling on scenic Highway 11, turn Sah Ka Na Ga View Road on the opposite side of the road as the Table Rock...Read more
