Location: Pisgah Forest
Top Things to do in Pisgah Forest
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina (NC)
Pisgah Forest is an unincorporated community in Transylvania County, North Carolina, United States. It sits at an elevation of 2100 feet (640 m) along U.S. Route 64, northeast of Brevard. It is approximately a 30-minute drive from the Asheville Airport. The community lies in an area noted for its many waterfalls and white squirrels. Pisgah Forest is a popular retirement area, at least partly because of the many hiking trails and trout streams of the nearby Pisgah National Forest and the DuPont State Forest.
Restaurants in Pisgah Forest
1. Pisgah National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 662 reviews
A park within easy driving distance from Hendersonville that offers hiking, camping and fishing.
Reviewed By tomtI3003XC - Concord, United States
Pisgah Forest has some beautiful streams, waterfalls, mountains, and unspoiled forest that can’t be beat! Whether you are site seeing , hiking , trout fishing, camping or Mountain biking there are more than enough in the huge National Forest ???? The Looking Glass Waterfall is a prime example of just some of the sights to see, with very easy access to view it’s beauty right off the side of the main road coming into the forest from North Brevard NC. And just a little south of Pisgah is my favorite MTB getaway DuPont State Forest, so you can enjoy both with minimal driving.
2. Devil's Courthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By cmoney2032 - Toledo, United States
We loved it and did it with a 3 and 4.5 year old. It’s really worth the short time for the great view. It was also good practice for the kids as it wasn’t far but had some different terrain elements. This short walk/hike is not for those with mobility issues or difficulty walking steep grades/loose rocks. It’s paved about halfway on what has to be the steepest pavement I’ve ever walked on. No big deal, but pavement does not equal take a stroller or wheelchair. Can’t be done. The second half the path is loose rocks and rock/dirt steps and some tight portions of path. Again, not a big deal but be aware. We saw all ages doing it but some elderly people were really struggling. It’s really not that far but straight up. The view from the top is great.
3. Looking Glass Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 869 reviews
Reviewed By WaterfallLover007 - Greeneville, United States
Beautiful roadside waterfall. There is an upper viewing platform that is wheelchair accessible. Next to the platform are stairs that you can take down to the base of the waterfall. There's a small spot in the middle of the stairs with another area you can view the waterfall from if you want a closer look without going all the way to the bottom.
4. The Hub and Backcountry Outdoors, featuring the Pisgah Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By rebokr
Honest, fairly priced, and supportive of getting you outside in nature with the right gear. I always make an effort to stop in The Hub when I am in the area because I enjoy supporting local businesses. They have a relaxed vibe throughout the shop which makes it a comfortable environment to ask questions and get the help you need. I had a recent trip to The Hub in which I had purchased the wrong size shoe. The staff at The Hub talked about the proper fit of the shoe, the different types of the shoe, and kindly helped me get the RIGHT shoe. It seems small, but I left with comfortable shoes, a positive experience, and a smile on my face. I am a dedicated customer of The Hub and will continue to recommend the shop to anyone who asks. 10/10 shop, people, and mission. Shame to go anywhere else.
5. Looking Glass Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
A geological formation that is made of pure quartz and has been a sacred site of the native Cherokee Nation.
Reviewed By bradleyland - Vero Beach, United States
Looking Glass Rock is an iconic location that many only see from the Blue Ridge Parkway overlook. Do yourself a favor and make the hike from the other side, look back at the Blue Ridge Parkway, and give the onlookers a wave :) This hike gains roughly 1,700 ft of (cumulative) elevation along its 3 mile route, but the incline is mostly steady, spread out over the entire distance. It's a great hike for anyone looking to step up from easier hikes that lack elevation gain. The mixed commentary here on TA is likely owed to varying fitness levels. I would not consider any part of this trail technical, but there are some sections that require you to make considerable "steps" up or down, so you'll need to be able bodied. There is only one rocky section, but it can be circumnavigated fairly easily. The hike up is somewhat varied, including wooded valleys and dense tree tunnels. Trail surface varies between light gravel, clay, stone, and even some sand. The mid section includes a series of switchbacks that show obvious signs of scrambling :( Please resist the temptation. We visited in August, with a temperature of around 75°F and clear skies. It hadn't rained for a couple of days, so the trail was reasonably dry, with some wet spots here and there. There are obvious signs of water erosion on the trail though, so if you're headed here after considerable rain, don't wear anything you'd hate to get muddy. Personally, I'd recommend hiking boots, as there are a ton of roots on the trail, but we saw plenty of people in tennis shoes and even sandals. Inadequate footwear will require extra diligence, but shouldn't slow you down. As far as wildlife, BEWARE of yellow jackets in summer months. One landed on my sock, got pinched by my boot, and stung me good. My AllTrails recording shows that we took 3hrs 10min to make the hike, with a moving time of 3hrs 6min, so basically a 30 minute per mile pace, which felt like a moderate workout, but not heart-pounding. Our fitness level is average, and we live in Florida, so elevation really kicks our butts.
6. Courthouse Falls
7. Moore Cove Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By noeloni - Sarasota, United States
We are a family of 4 - we have a 7 year old boy and a 2 year old girl. We have never ever been hiking before! We are from Florida where there are no mountains, and where being outdoors is unpleasant most of the year. So this was a first for us, and we really didn’t know what to expect. I knew my 7 year old would do great, but I was worried about how difficult it could be for the 2 year old. We chose this trail based on the reviews here, stating it was an easy hike & good for families with children, plus of course the beautiful pics posted of the waterfall. Well, I’m pleased to report all 4 of us had an absolute blast and this 1st experience with hiking was the highlight of our NC vacation! We all fell in love with hiking, and with the area surrounding Asheville, so we cannot wait to visit again & go on more hikes! It took us approximately 30 minutes to get to the waterfall, and I believe it’s about 3/4 of a mile each way, for a total of 1 hour round-trip. Plus whatever time you spend taking pics and enjoying the 50 foot waterfall before heading back! It’s gorgeous. We had so much fun along the way, tons of neat stuff to see throughout the forest, and my 2 year old had no trouble with the trail at all. I was so impressed with her! The path is mostly very wide and easy to navigate and very few inclines. The temperature in March was so cool & comfortable, it was approximately 50 degrees and perfect!! So don’t be scared to go on this trail if you’re inexperienced, or if you have a toddler in tow. You’ll love it and your kids will too!
8. Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By F9612TXmichaelw - St. Augustine, United States
This is probably as you would expect for a state or federal run place. It’s clean and well organized. It has information about the local wildlife and wilderness. It can help fill in the blanks that google just can’t. They have maps and current regulations that can save you time and headaches. The people are friendly and know their stuff. They can help you turn a good experience into a great one.
9. Ecusta Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By haliek2016 - New Orleans, United States
The bar tenders are super nice and treat everyone like a neighbor. Beers are also quite tasty I got the Pink Beds Sour after hiking and it was great. Dog friendly also!
10. Pisgah Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By emilymaehood - Long Island, United States
The Pisgah Ranger Station and Visitor Center is worth a stop. They offer public restrooms, water fountains, an educational area, gift shop and a Ranger hosted park information center. We could not resist a nice sticker as a travel badge for our car and some Smokey Bear paraphernalia. We were also able to get our Passport to National Parks stamped along with some great tips on our visit.
