Pisgah Forest, NC

Travel Guide

Pisgah Forest showing swimming, forest scenes and a river or creek
Pisgah Forest which includes a cascade, swimming and forest scenes
Sliding Rock featuring a river or creek and forests as well as a large group of people
Pisgah Forest featuring a cascade and forests
Sliding Rock which includes a river or creek and forests as well as a large group of people

Swimming, hiking, camping and scenic driving are some of the many activities this remarkable national forest offers.  

Camp at Pisgah National Forest’s secluded sites, visit the forest’s many waterfalls, mountains and creeks and explore the wilderness. At over 500,000 acres (200,000 hectares), the forest has almost limitless ways to appreciate its natural beauty.

Skim down the Sliding Rock natural water slide into the plunge pool. This is one of many waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest. It was named Sliding Rock by locals for its 60-foot (18-meter) smooth face, perfect for summer fun. Float down the Davidson River on a tube, one of the forest’s more popular activities. Rent a tube and begin and end your downstream journey wherever you like.

Swim under the breathtaking Looking Glass Falls. This waterfall is also 60 feet (18 meters) tall and is one of the most impressive falls in western North Carolina. Tour the Pisgah National Forest’s other waterfalls by driving the 79-mile-long (127-kilometer) Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway. Stop along the way and enjoy hiking, swimming, horseback riding and fishing.

Camp in the Mount Pisgah Campground located on the rolling mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This campground is equipped with drinking water, restrooms and showers and is known for its surrounding beauty and nearby hiking trails. Trails range from moderate to difficult and one even leads to the top of Mount Pisgah. Try the Buck Spring Trailhead for a challenging experience, traveling along uneven terrain and through the hardwood forest.

Mountain bike the trailheads Bent Creek, Mills River and Davidson River, all located in the Pisgah Ranger District. Choose a trail difficulty based on your skill level and ride at your own pace. The mountain bike trails lead both ways so try both directions if you have time.

Recreational opportunities at the Pisgah National Forest are almost limitless, so be sure to plan in advance. With a variety of paid and free sites, you’ll find activities to suit your budget. Pack a tent and plenty of supplies to fully appreciate this beautiful national forest.

Visit the spectacular waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest to cool down after a long hike or bike ride.

Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville by IHG

Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1 Resort Dr, Asheville, NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥13,028 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
¥13,028
¥14,722 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
"Concierge staff make up for dated look of property and grounds. Junior suite was clean and spacey."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville by IHG
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

4 out of 5
290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC
The price is ¥58,717 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
¥58,717
¥73,107 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
"Beautiful Hotel and surrounding. Clean. Friendly staff but service is lacking re assistance with Taxis dining etc. Just give you a sheet of paper to figure it out yourself. Note you will pay a resort fee up top of Expedia payment at the hotel"

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
Clarion Inn Biltmore Village

Clarion Inn Biltmore Village

2.5 out of 5
234 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥11,375 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
¥11,375
¥12,854 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Asheville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,615 reviews)
"Great staff. Decent breakfast. Very close to the Biltmore. Make sure you get a room on the backside of hotel as road noise on the front is pretty bad."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

Clarion Inn Biltmore Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy Mountain Top Cabin 13 Acres Near Dupont State Forest-Pet Friendly-Wifi- EV

Cozy Mountain Top Cabin 13 Acres Near Dupont State Forest-Pet Friendly-Wifi- EV

Pisgah Forest
Stay at this cabin in Pisgah Forest. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (306 reviews)
"The cabin and location were just perfect for a weekend away from work and the daily grind. We enjoyed sitting on the back porch and literally hearing nothing but nature. The cabin was very clean, to the point I need to know how the host get windows so spotless. We can honestly recommend this cabin ..."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

Cozy Mountain Top Cabin 13 Acres Near Dupont State Forest-Pet Friendly-Wifi- EV
Quiet Cabin in the Great Outdoors

Quiet Cabin in the Great Outdoors

Pisgah Forest
Stay at this cabin in Pisgah Forest. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Silvermont Mansion and Park and Crystal ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (176 reviews)
Cozy Cabin
"Spent four nights in Sarah & Scott's cabin.Super location for exploring the area!Quiet and cozy with plenty of greenery around.Had everything we needed and would love to return to explore more of the area.GPS brought us right to the doorstep"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Quiet Cabin in the Great Outdoors
Kasa Downtown Asheville

Kasa Downtown Asheville

3 out of 5
42 Furman Ave, Asheville, NC
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Biltmore Estate and Harrah's Cherokee ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
A great stay
"Great sleep. Fabulous communication. Easy (and complimentary walk). Quick walk into downtown area."

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2025

Kasa Downtown Asheville
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Pisgah Forest

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 22%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 6%
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5/5 - Excellent

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If you’re in the area, visit Looking Glass Falls and all the other beautiful sites close by.

Cities near Pisgah Forest