Enjoying the great outdoors is the best way to rejuvenate and reconnect with nature. At Pisgah National Forest, you’ll venture to majestic waterfalls on premier hiking trails, and explore exciting points of interest. Your time here should take at least a few fun-filled days, so knowing where to stay is a key ingredient to turning your trip into an unforgettable adventure. The Land of Waterfalls RV Park is a nearby campground that’s the perfect place to rest, relax and experience the Pisgah National Forest at your leisure.
What to do in Pisgah National Forest
In Pisgah National Forest, there’s no shortage of fascinating places to explore. One of the most intriguing sights you’ll want to experience is the mysterious Linville Caverns hidden deep within Humpback Mountain. Guided tours of the cave’s subterranean world take you on a journey that reveals the history of the mountain and its unique geology. Outside, you’ll experience the wilderness of Linville Gorge as you head to The Blowing Rock, a legendary bluff that blows backs thrown objects to the thrower as well as one of the over 250 waterfalls in the Brevard area at Linville Falls.
On the south side of the forest, you’ll encounter its crown jewel, Mount Pisgah. This location is excellent for snapping some photos of the local wildlife and hiking the scenic Mountain-to-Sea Trail. Devil’s Courthouse is another fantastic spot that treats you to stunning vistas of the Appalachian Mountain Range from atop a rocky peak. Not far away is Sliding Rock where a chilly dip awaits at this popular swimming hole that features its own natural waterslide. Once you’ve dried off, check out the Biltmore Estate for a historic tour of the mansion and the luxurious gardens.
The Best Pisgah National Forest Hiking Trails
Pisgah National Forest is a hikers paradise with hundreds of miles to explore and over 130 pristine trails to trek. Here are some of the most prominent Pisgah National Forest hiking trails:
- Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a short hike that’s just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Craggy Dome area. The trek up to the summit features hardwood forests covered with wildflowers along with rocky terrain, but the reward is sweet as the peak is enveloped with wild blackberry and blueberry bushes in the summer months.
- Looking Glass Rock Trail is a moderately difficult hike that climbs 1600 feet to Looking Glass Rock’s mountainous overlooks with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the valley below.
- Ascending Graveyard Fields to view two cascading waterfalls at Lower Falls and Upper Falls is an excellent way to soak up every beautiful ounce of Pisgah National Forest hiking. Initially, the trail is open, allowing for gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains before it begins to wind through dense forest terrain.
Enjoying the “Land of Waterfalls”
Pisgah National Forest waterfalls are definitely the main attractions with sparkling water flow that ranges from a few feet to over 150-feet. The following are a few of the most notable Pisgah National Forest waterfalls:
- Rainbow Falls is a majestic sight with a 150-foot drop that spills over a second set of jutting rocks, making it easily the most photographed waterfall in Gorges State Park. Spectacular vantage points, lush scenery and rainbows in the mist offer the perfect setting for a relaxing picnic.
- Turtleback Falls is another fun sliding rock and swimming hole that’s just a quick quarter-mile trek from Rainbow Falls. These sweet falls shoot sliders off a 10-15 foot drop into the pool below. Access to the top of the falls requires rope climbing and a rather strenuous hike on the last leg of the journey to Turtleback.
- Skinny Dip Falls is a popular summer swimming hole with a series of cascading waterfalls that’s located on the opposite side of the Blue Ridge Parkway parking area along the Mountain-to-Sea Trail. Jumping into the pool below the falls is a fun pastime for locals and visitors into an approximate depth of six-feet. Farther up the falls, there are several tranquil pools that are fantastic for a refreshing dip.
All of the waterfalls listed are located within the same area of Pisgah National Forest with convenient access to each waterfall trail from Gorges State Park or the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Where to Spend Your Nights
Land of Waterfalls RV Park is where to RV camp in Pisgah National Forest that’s less than 10 minutes from the forest’s main attractions as you travel from Route 64 to Route 276. Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted by the fresh smell of pine trees and the peaceful vibe of the campground. Roomy RV spaces accommodate large rigs in pull-through and back-in sites with full hookups for your convenience. Campsites are equally spacious, ensuring plenty of privacy, but if you’re feeling social, you can enjoy the picnic area that features two firepits and soft string lighting.
Once you’re familiar with where to go, what to see and where to stay, you’re ready to experience everything that Pisgah National Forest has to offer. From sliding down natural waterfalls to hiking the forest’s numerous trails and staying at the relaxing and beautiful RV Park at Land of the Waterfalls, you’ll create special memories that’ll last a lifetime.
