Where is Pisgah National Forest, Asheville, North Carolina?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Pisgah National Forest is located in North Carolina, USA.It lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains, situated in western North Carolina, and is famous for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and rich forests.

Pisgah National Forest Location Map, Asheville, North Carolina

Top Attractions Inside Pisgah National Forest

  • Looking Glass Falls – Easily accessible waterfall with a picturesque plunge into a rocky pool.
  • Sliding Rock – Natural rock water slide popular for summer swimming and recreation.
  • Cradle of Forestry – Historic site celebrating the birth of forestry conservation in America.
  • Mount Pisgah Summit – Hike to panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Dupont State Recreational Forest – Trails featuring waterfalls, lakes, and scenic hiking opportunities.
  • North Mills River Trails – Forested trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and nature observation.
  • Linville Gorge Wilderness – Rugged terrain with deep gorges, cliffs, and challenging hiking paths.

Pisgah National Forest Facts

Official NamePisgah National Forest
LocationWestern North Carolina, USA (Appalachian / Blue Ridge Mountains region)
Latitude & Longitude (approx. center)≈ 35.5° N, 82.8° W
Total Area≈ 512,758 acres (≈ 207,500 hectares) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Established / Created1916 (following initial 1911 land acquisition under the Weeks Act) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Managed ByUnited States Forest Service (USFS), under U.S. Department of Agriculture :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Region / Mountain RangeSouthern Appalachian Mountains — Blue Ridge & Great Balsam Mountains sectors :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Counties CoveredSpans many counties in western NC, including Transylvania, McDowell, Haywood, Madison, Caldwell, Burke, Yancey, Buncombe, Avery, Mitchell, Henderson, Watauga and others (total ~12‑15 counties) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Districts / Administrative DivisionsDivided into three primary ranger districts: Grandfather, Appalachian, and Pisgah Ranger Districts :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Landscape & ElevationMountainous terrain with peaks and ridges rising over 6,000 ft (some of the highest in eastern United States) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Natural FeaturesHardwood & mixed forests, high‑elevation ridges, waterfalls, whitewater rivers & creeks, mountain streams, valleys, ridgelines, and diverse flora & fauna :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Wilderness Areas (within forest)Includes official wilderness-designated zones such as Linville Gorge Wilderness, Shining Rock Wilderness, and Middle Prong Wilderness :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Historical SignificanceHome of the first tract of land bought under the Weeks Act of 1911, which paved way for creation of national forests in eastern U.S.; site of the first forestry school in America (at the historic Cradle of Forestry in America) :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Main Recreational ActivitiesHiking, backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, waterfall & stream visits, nature‑watching, camping, scenic drives, winter recreation (where accessible), wildlife viewing :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Notable Attractions / HighlightsWaterfalls, mountain ridges and peaks, forested valleys and streams, trail‑networks including long‑distance & local trails, access to natural heritage & historic‑forestry sites, fall foliage & seasonal forest beauty :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Conservation & Forest‑UseForest managed for multiple uses: conservation, recreation, watershed protection, sustainable timber, wildlife habitat & biodiversity, and public enjoyment under USFS guidelines :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Nearby Major Town / Access PointThe supervisor’s headquarters at Asheville, NC; local ranger offices and access via towns like Brevard, Hendersonville, Mars Hill, Nebo etc., depending on forest district :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) — UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Currency (for services / permits)United States Dollar (USD, $)
Official / Managing Authority Websitehttps://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/recreation/pisgah-national-forest :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

Distances from Pisgah National Forest to Nearby Landmarks

  • Biltmore Estate – 18 km (11 mi)
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (nearest access) – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Asheville Downtown – 20 km (12.5 mi)
  • Cradle of Forestry – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Mount Pisgah – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Black Mountain, NC – 24 km (15 mi)
  • Folk Art Center – 15 km (9 mi)
  • Pisgah Visitor Center – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Looking Glass Falls – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Sliding Rock – 14 km (8.5 mi)
  • Dupont State Forest – 36 km (22.5 mi)
  • Lake Lure – 38 km (24 mi)
  • Asheville Regional Airport – 23 km (14 mi)
  • Mount Mitchell State Park – 64 km (40 mi)
  • Craggy Gardens – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Society of the Cincinnati – 20 km (12.5 mi)
  • French Broad River – 18 km (11 mi)
  • Blue Ridge Community College – 22 km (13.5 mi)
  • DuPont State Forest Trails – 37 km (23 mi)
  • Lake Powhatan – 8 km (5 mi)