Pisgah National Forest

Area Status: Temporarily Closed
View of Table Rock

The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home of the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, and boasts two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east. The Pisgah, Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains.

Camping and Day-use Information

Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Pisgah National Forest can be found here 

Recreation Maps

Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps

Directions to Frequently Requested Places

NC Arobretum and Bent Creek Area

Blue Ridge Parkway South

Blue Ridge Parkway North

Pisgah Ranger District

Cradle of Forestry

Cradle of Forestry (Scenic Route)

The Biltmore House

Mt. Mitchell

Be Safe

The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

Waterfall Safety for the Summer.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: In response to the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene, all recreation sites on the Pisgah and Nantahala remain closed until hazardous conditions improve and assessments can be completed.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Areas for Mountain Biking at Pisgah National Forest

Road Cycling

Areas for Road Cycling at Pisgah National Forest

Campground Camping

Areas for Campground Camping at Pisgah National Forest

RV Camping

Areas for RV Camping at Pisgah National Forest

Group Camping

Areas for Group Camping at Pisgah National Forest

Dispersed Camping

Areas for Dispersed Camping at Pisgah National Forest

Rock Climbing

Areas for Rock Climbing at Pisgah National Forest

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Pisgah National Forest

River and Stream Fishing

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Pisgah National Forest

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Pisgah National Forest

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Pisgah National Forest

Horse Camping

Areas for Horse Camping at Pisgah National Forest

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Pisgah National Forest

Viewing Wildlife

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Pisgah National Forest

Viewing Plants

Areas for Viewing Plants at Pisgah National Forest

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Pisgah National Forest

OHV Camping

Areas for OHV Camping at Pisgah National Forest

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Pisgah National Forest

Visitor Programs

Areas for Visitor Programs at Pisgah National Forest

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Pisgah National Forest

Visitor Centers

Areas for Visitor Centers at Pisgah National Forest

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Pisgah National Forest

Group Picnicking

Areas for Group Picnicking at Pisgah National Forest

Scenic Driving

Areas for Scenic Driving at Pisgah National Forest

Boating - Non-Motorized

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Pisgah National Forest

Swimming

Areas for Swimming at Pisgah National Forest

Tubing

Areas for Tubing at Pisgah National Forest

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
35.766189

  Longitude : 
-82.36545