NCUSFS-Pisgah National Forest-Pisgah Ranger District

Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah Ranger District

The Pisgah District is a mecca for vacationers, naturalists and adventurers, offering a wide range of options for your recreating pleasure. Just to mention a few, there's hiking and back-packing, camping, fishing, biking, horse-back riding, swimming, rock-climbing, car-touring, waterfalls, wildlife, historical areas, and a variety of special programs to choose from, including everything from lectures to guided hikes and square dancing. The main season runs from Memorial Day weekend through the change of the leaves in November. Our mild southern climate means that most areas are accessible year-round, although since elevations go up to over 6000 feet, there is a high degree of variability to the weather. Summertime daily temperatures average in the 80's in the lower elevations to the 70's to near 80 on the ridges along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

In the mountains of western North Carolina, this 157,000-acre district ranges in elevation from 2,000 feet to the 6,410-ft. Richland Balsam Mountain. Headquarters of the Ranger District are on US 276 near Brevard, NC. Hours for the Visitor Center are 8:00 to 5:00 on weekdays. During the summer months the visitor center is also open from 9:00 to 5:00 on weekends and holidays.

Please follow the links below to more information:

Map the Pisgah Ranger District- A map of the area that features recrational facilities and connects you to more information about different regions within the district.

Detailed Information by region within the district;

Sycamore Flats Area - (US 276, near the entrance from the community of Pisgah Forest) Includes Sycamore Flats Picnic Area, Ranger Station/Visitor Center, Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, Schenck Job Corps Center, Davidson River Campground, English Chapel, White Pines Group Camp and Coon Tree Picnic Area.
Looking Glass Rock Area (the area formed by the loop of US 276, Forest Road 475 and Forest Road 475B) Includes Looking Glass Rock, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Pisgah Fish Hatchery, Wildlife Education Center.
Pink Beds Area (US 276, about 2 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway) Includes the Cradle of Forestry in America Forest Discovery Center and our virtual hike on the Biltmore Campus Trail which gives an overview of the historical development of the area.
Blue Ridge Parkway Area - following the Pisgah Ridge to the Balsam Mountians, this is one of the highest elevation regions of the Parkway. Includes Mt. Pisgah, Graveyard Fields, Shining Rock Wilderness, and Devil's Courthouse.
Lake Powhatan Area (accessed from NC 191 near where it crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway) Includes Lake Powhaten day-use area and campground.
North Mills River Area (accessed from NC 1345 off of NC 191/280 near the community of Mills River) Includes North Mills River campground and picnic area.
Sunburst Area (NC 215 north of the Blue Ridge Parkway)
Includes Middle Prong Wilderness and Sunburst Campground.
Cove Creek Area (access from NC 215, between Rosman, NC and Blue Ridge Parkway)
Group Camping area with easy access to hiking and bike trails.

The Pisgah Ranger District is managed for the wise use and protection of its' natural resources and the development of human resources. Water, timber, wildlife and recreation are managed in harmony. Watersheds in the forest provide water for towns such as Rosman, Brevard and Hendersonville and for the areas industry and scenery. Diverse wildlife habitats provide suitable environments for game animals and song birds, as well as many threatened and endangered species. The scenic beauty and natural attractions provide many recreational opportunities for forest visitors. Programs to develop human resources include the Schenck Civilian Conservation Corps for under-privileged young men and women and the Senior Community Service Employment Program for retired folks who are in need of extra income. Over 600 people volunteer their time to help maintain and enhance recreation opportunities for your enjoyment.