Pisgah National Forest
Explore a natural wonderland of cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas in Pisgah National Forest.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy tranquility
Pisgah National Forest
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a natural wonderland of cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas in Pisgah National Forest.
"Pisgah National Forest is a waterfall lover's paradise with stunning views!"
Pack for Adventure
Wear sturdy shoes for hikes! Water shoes are great for Sliding Rock. Bring layers as mountain weather changes quickly. :athletic_shoe:
Waterfall Wonders
Don't miss Moore Cove Falls – you can walk behind it! Many other falls are easily accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sliding Rock
Near Brevard
Experience the thrill of sliding down a 60-foot natural rock slide into a refreshing pool. Lifeguards on duty seasonally!
Looking Glass Falls
Along US 276
A stunning, easily accessible waterfall where you can feel the mist. A must-see for its sheer beauty and accessibility.
Moore Cove Falls
Near Looking Glass Falls
Walk behind this beautiful cascade for a unique perspective. A relatively easy 1.5-mile roundtrip hike.
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
Near Mt. Pisgah
Climb this historic fire tower for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Views
Navigating Pisgah's Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for Adventure
Wear sturdy shoes for hikes! Water shoes are great for Sliding Rock. Bring layers as mountain weather changes quickly. :athletic_shoe:
Waterfall Wonders
Don't miss Moore Cove Falls – you can walk behind it! Many other falls are easily accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. :water_wave:
Sliding Rock Safety
Lifeguards are present during peak hours. It's cold but exhilarating! Be prepared for lines. :ice_cube:
Scenic Drives
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers incredible views. Stop at overlooks like the one near Milepost 320.8 for Linville Gorge vistas. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for Adventure
Wear sturdy shoes for hikes! Water shoes are great for Sliding Rock. Bring layers as mountain weather changes quickly. :athletic_shoe:
Waterfall Wonders
Don't miss Moore Cove Falls – you can walk behind it! Many other falls are easily accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. :water_wave:
Sliding Rock Safety
Lifeguards are present during peak hours. It's cold but exhilarating! Be prepared for lines. :ice_cube:
Scenic Drives
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers incredible views. Stop at overlooks like the one near Milepost 320.8 for Linville Gorge vistas. :car:
Visitor Center Help
Rangers are super helpful! Grab pamphlets for trail info and waterfall details. Great starting point. :information_desk:
Camping Tips
Roadside campsites are popular. Arrive early or consider a trailhead parking spot if arriving late. :tent:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Pisgah National Forest, particularly its numerous waterfalls and scenic mountain vistas. The accessibility of many attractions, like Looking Glass Falls, is a major plus. Some find Sliding Rock a unique and exhilarating experience. However, crowds can be significant at popular spots, and the cold water at Sliding Rock isn't for everyone.
"We didn't go inside the visitor center but did the Andy cove trail. It was an easy .7 mile loop trail. Started at the back of the visitor center. It has a nice hanging bridge too. Kid friendly trail."
Sanjeeta Pai
"Stopping into the station is the best decision to have your questions answered. The Rangers at the desk are very helpful! From there you'll decide what trails to take."
Erin Best
"Went for the hike behind the station with my grandson and son. It was lovely! Make sure to pick up the pamphlet to search for interesting things you might otherwise overlook. The kids slept well that night and said it was the best part of their day. The swinging bridge was something I would normally skip, however, it wasn't bad at all! Loved it. Even my autistic son crossed with us. This made my Momma and Nana heart so happy to have made precious memories!"
Emily Lowery
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pisgah National Forest is accessible via multiple entrances. The most popular access points are from Asheville and Brevard, NC. The Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) runs through the forest, offering numerous overlooks and trailheads. For specific attractions like Sliding Rock, follow US 276 South from the BRP. Download offline maps as cell service can be unreliable. +1
The Blue Ridge Parkway is generally open year-round, but sections can close temporarily due to weather, especially in winter. Always check the official BRP website for current road conditions before your visit.
Yes, you can drive through Pisgah National Forest via scenic roads like US 276 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Many popular attractions are accessible directly from these roads. Some forest service roads may require 4WD or high-clearance vehicles.
For general navigation, use GPS or a mapping app. However, due to spotty service, it's highly recommended to download offline maps of the area. Many visitors use the Blue Ridge Parkway as a central artery for accessing different parts of the forest.
Pisgah National Forest itself does not have an entrance fee. However, some specific attractions or facilities within the forest, like the Sliding Rock area during peak season, may have associated fees for parking or amenities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pisgah National Forest is a public land and does not require an entrance ticket. You are free to explore its trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives without purchasing admission.
Pisgah National Forest is open 24/7, as it is a vast natural area. However, individual facilities like visitor centers, campgrounds, and specific attractions (e.g., Sliding Rock with lifeguards) will have their own operating hours. Always check the specific hours for any facility you plan to visit.
The forest itself is free to enter. Costs may arise for parking at popular spots like Sliding Rock during peak times, camping fees if you plan to stay overnight, or any purchases at lodges or gift shops.
Generally, popular attractions like waterfalls do not require reservations. However, for specific activities or if you plan to camp, it's advisable to check for reservation requirements, especially during peak seasons.
The Pisgah Visitor Center is an excellent resource. Rangers provide helpful information, and you can pick up pamphlets detailing trails, waterfalls, and points of interest.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Top waterfalls include Looking Glass Falls (easily accessible), Moore Cove Falls (walk behind it!), Sliding Rock (natural waterslide), and Roaring Fork Creek Falls. Many others like Triple Falls and High Falls are also popular. 
Sliding Rock is a natural rock slide and can be slippery. Lifeguards are present during peak hours to ensure safety. It's exhilarating but requires caution. +1
Pisgah offers a wide range of hikes, from easy, short loops like the Andy Cove Trail to more strenuous climbs like Looking Glass Rock. Many trails lead to waterfalls or scenic overlooks.
Swimming is permitted in designated areas, such as the pool at the bottom of Sliding Rock. Always check local signage for any restrictions. Be aware of strong currents and slippery rocks.
The Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower offers incredible panoramic views. Overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, such as the one near Milepost 320.8 for Linville Gorge, also provide stunning vistas.
📸 📸 Photography
Waterfalls like Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are highly photogenic. The panoramic views from Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower and various Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks are also spectacular. Sunrise and sunset can offer magical light.
Many waterfalls, like Looking Glass Falls, are easily accessible from the road or short trails, making photography straightforward. For others, like Moore Cove Falls, a short hike is required. Be prepared for mist and potentially wet conditions. +1
Early morning often provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of waterfalls. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful light. Midday sun can be harsh and create strong shadows.
The main challenges include managing mist from waterfalls, dealing with changing light conditions in the forest, and navigating potentially crowded areas. Waterproof camera gear or protection is advisable.
For sweeping landscapes, head to the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower or any of the numerous overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The fall foliage season offers incredible opportunities for vibrant landscape shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities can be spread out. The visitor center offers educational materials and ranger advice that can make the trip more engaging for children. Consider a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic spots. Remember to supervise children closely near water and on trails.
🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
Key attractions like Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock are easily accessible from the Parkway or connecting highways like US 276. You can create a fantastic itinerary by stringing together these roadside wonders. Consider visiting the Pisgah Inn for a meal with a view.
🥾 Hikers & Backpackers
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower provides a shorter hike with incredible panoramic views. Beginner backpackers will find suitable routes, and the forest provides a genuine wilderness experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Chasing Waterfalls in Pisgah
+2Other notable falls include Sliding Rock, which is more of a natural waterslide than a traditional waterfall, and Roaring Fork Creek Falls, a beautiful long cascade. Many of these are clustered along US 276 or accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it possible to visit several in a single day. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as trails can be wet and slippery, and always check conditions before you go.
For those seeking a more challenging waterfall hike, consider the trails leading to Triple Falls and High Falls in the Gorges State Park area, which borders Pisgah. These offer more strenuous hikes but reward with impressive cascades. The Andy Cove Trail near the visitor center also features a nice hanging bridge and is a family-friendly option.
Hiking and Views: Beyond the Waterfalls
For a less strenuous but equally impressive panorama, the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower provides 360-degree views after a short 1.5-mile roundtrip hike. The Blue Ridge Parkway itself is a destination, offering numerous pull-offs and overlooks with breathtaking scenery. Consider stopping at the overlook near Milepost 320.8 for views of the rugged Linville Gorge.
Many trails are accessible directly from the Parkway, making it easy to combine scenic driving with hiking. The Mt. Pisgah Trail offers a moderate climb to summit views, with amenities like a campground and inn nearby. For those interested in backpacking, Pisgah is a fantastic destination. Beginners can find suitable trails, and the forest offers a true wilderness experience. Always be prepared with navigation tools, as cell service is unreliable.
The Pisgah Inn and Blue Ridge Parkway Experience
Dining at the Pisgah Inn Restaurant provides a chance to savor local cuisine while soaking in the majestic scenery. Even if you're not staying overnight, it's worth a visit for a meal or a cup of coffee. The inn also has a small store for souvenirs and essentials.
Being located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway means easy access to numerous overlooks and trailheads. This makes it an ideal starting point for day trips or longer excursions into Pisgah National Forest. Remember that the Parkway can experience closures due to weather, so always check conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit