Destinations Guide / North Carolina / United States

Pisgah National Forest – Enjoy Your Vacation While Being Surrounded by Great Outdoor Pursuit

Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest – Enjoy Your Vacation While Being Surrounded by Great Outdoor Pursuit

Pisgah National Forest lies in the northwest corner of North Carolina in the mountains of Western North Carolina, it is the highest peak forest in the Eastern U.S. It is one of North America’s prime examples of beautiful cliffs and mountains. You will enjoy hiking, biking, water activities, wildlife watching, and many other outdoor adventures on this mountain. If you are planning a trip to the Pisgah National Forest this summer, there are a few key things you should do before you go.

First, you must have the proper footwear for the weather conditions. This is especially important in the summer because of the high temperatures and the moisture that is in the air. High temperature and low humidity can make it very uncomfortable to be outdoors during the cooler spring and fall months. There are several walking shoes available for both men and women, sandals, hiking boots, and more. Pisgah National Forests also has a nice selection of men’s and women’s trail running shoes that will help you beat the summer heat while exploring the beautiful woods and trails of the Pisgah forest.

Next, you must have proper clothing for the season. There are many opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor recreation in Pisgah National Forest. There is a wide variety of clothing to choose from and to complement your outfit. You can choose from casual shorts and shirts, jackets, pants, sweaters, and more. Pisgah rangers and camp counselors are available at all times of the year and are happy to help you choose the right clothing, including sandals!

If you are a campfire enthusiast, you may want to consider a day trip to the Carolina Beach, one of America’s premiere camping locations. The beaches are only 2 hours away by car or plane and provide easy access to Pisgah National Forest. Many times, you will find great sites for swimming, boating, or just relaxing on the shore. There are several campgrounds in the area, so you are sure to find one that includes picnic areas and bathrooms.

Some other great activities you can enjoy when visiting the Pisgah National Forest include hiking, biking, and kayaking. Pisgah State Park has beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, featuring a variety of hiking trails. Other excellent hiking and bike trails include the Black Mountain Campground, Tannersville and Upper Pool Campgrounds, and Carolina Beach Camping and RV Camping. Hiking on beautiful Piedmont Trail is also a popular activity.

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the summer months. Many avid hikers stay in nearby hotels, which make it easier to combine hiking with other enjoyable activities. Hiking the Appalachian Trail, a 20+ mile long path through Georgia and Virginia, is a popular activity for those in the spring and summer months. Most of the Appalachian Trail traverses within a few miles of each other and provides some of the best views in the country. Hiking the appelacian trail is challenging and rewarding. Plus, when you return to the campsites at the end of your journey, there are many wonderful things to do including barbecuing, swimming, fishing, and visiting historical sites.

The most popular trail within Pisgah National Forest boundaries is the Max Patch Trail. The trail begins at the trail head in Linville Gorge and goes through a beautiful natural springs garden before entering the Pisgah National Forest. The trail leads hikers through a lush, wooded environment. It then meanders through a moderately rocky terrain made of ponderosa pines and black oaks. In addition to the beautiful views from the trail head, the Max Patch has beautiful, easily reachable waterfalls.

Pisgah National Forests is managed on behalf of the entire encompassing community. Therefore, it is possible for members of the public to visit the forests on many different occasions without having to obtain a permit. Permits are not required for hunting, fishing or camping on most of the trails in Pisgah National Forest. There are many options for lodging accommodations in nearby Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge. Pisgah is also home to several recreation opportunities for visitors including swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, biking and more.