Pisgah National Forest

Description

Pisgah National Forest, named for the mountain from which Moses saw the promised land, covers almost 505,000 acres of mountainous western North Carolina. Closely allied to the Blue Ridge Parkway and abutting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the forest encompasses such varied attractions as the Cradle of Forestry, the site of the first forestry school in America; 138 miles of the Appalachian Trail; and clear mountain streams known for excellent trout fishing. Waterfalls surge into deep gorges, and mountains bloom in summer with rhododendron and azalea. Easily accessible from the city of Asheville, Pisgah National Forest is a great choice for a day trip or a longer foray into the beauty of the Blue Ridge. There is a wealth of recreational opportunity available in Pisgah National Forest. Stop by the Cradle of Forestry in America, once a part of the extensive Biltmore Estate, to experience mountain life of the early 1900s. If you visit Roan Mountain in June, you'll be treated to hundreds of acres of blooming rhododendron; in winter you can enjoy Roan's spruce-fir forest and cross-country ski. Spectacular Linville Gorge and its upper and lower falls are accessible only via steep, rugged trails, but you can view the awe-inspiring scene from trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway and other nearby roads. At Sliding Rock, near Brevard, you can careen down a smooth cascade into a pool of cool, deep mountain water. If you want to escape civilization, the 600 miles of Pisgah National Forest trails could be just what you're looking for. Both primitive backcountry campsites and established campgrounds are available in the forest. Fishing and hunting are allowed with the proper permits. You can run whitewater rapids on some forest streams; others are perfect for a leisurely inner tube float or swim. Hikers will find a wide variety of trails, from easy, paved nature walks to strenuous mountain treks. In season, wildflowers carpet the mountain meadows and the forest provides habitat for many bird, mammal, and reptile species. Contact forest administration for information on special events and specific recreational opportunities.