Pisgah National Forest – Adventurous Hikes Near Asheville NC
Western North Carolina offers a tremendous variety of recreation opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast.
One of the most popular places for hikes near Asheville NC is the Pisgah National Forest. This paradise of mile-high peaks and heavily-wooded slopes offers hundreds of miles of trails to explore. You’ll see a fascinating array of wildlife, plants and hardwood trees along the way.
People who own North Carolina mountain real estate have learned to appreciate and coexist with the pristine beauty of their surroundings while keeping in mind that outdoor activities in natural settings can sometimes carry inherent risks. Always be aware of your limits and focus on remaining safe.
The Pisgah National Forest encompasses more than 500 thousand acres. Conveniently close to several gated communities near Asheville NC, it’s a photographer’s dream, punctuated by picturesque whitewater rivers and cascading waterfalls that are simply postcard-perfect.
Even many locals may not know that they’re living near the very first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911, which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. The Pisgah National Forest is also home to the first school of forestry in the United States and two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east.
You’ll find many camping, picnic and day-use areas for your enjoyment:
Dispersed Camping Areas:
- Appalachian Ranger District
- Big Ivy Area, Coleman Boundary
- Black Mountain / South Toe River Area
- Harmon Den Area
- Hot Springs Area
Grandfather Ranger District
- Linville Gorge Wilderness area
- Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Area
- Pisgah Ranger District
- Shining Rock Wilderness
Group Camping Areas:
- Appalachian Ranger District
- Briar Bottom Group Campground
Pisgah Ranger District Areas:
- Cove Creek Group Campground
- Kuykendall Group Campground
- Wash Creek Horse Camp
- White Pines Group Campground
Campground Camping
- Appalachian Ranger District
- Black Mountain / South Toe River Area
- Black Mountain Campground
- Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area
- Harmon Den Area
- Harmon Den Horsecamp
- Hot Springs Area
- Rocky Bluff Campground
- Grandfather Ranger District
- Boone Fork Campground
- Curtis Creek Campground
- Mortimer Campground
- Pisgah Ranger District
- Bent Creek Experimental Forest
- Lake Powhatan Campground
- Davidson River Recreation Area
- North Mills River Campground
- Sunburst Campground
- Wolf Ford Horse Camp
- Briar Bottom Bicycle TR 1006
- Grandfather Ranger District
- Old Fort Picnic Area
- Point Lookout Trail
Road cycling is available at these locations:
- Briar Bottom Bicycle TR 1006
- Grandfather Ranger District
- Old Fort Picnic Area
Point Lookout Trail
- Rock climbers can challenge themselves here:
- Grandfather Ranger District
- Linville Gorge Wilderness area
- Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Area
- Little Lost Cove Cliffs
Of course, anyone who enjoys backpacking and hikes near Asheville NC will find that there are far too many exciting options to list here.
One of the especially nice spots for swimming and non-motorized boating is the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Area. Owners of North Carolina mountain real estate at The Coves Mountain River Club are fortunate to live along five miles of beautiful Johns River frontage near Wilson Creek, so they’re able to enjoy all the benefits of being right on the edge of Pisgah National Forest – like the sparkling clean water, fresh mountain air, mild four-season weather and unspoiled environment. Wilson Creek is also know for some of the best trout fishing in North Carolina and challenging kayak rapids.
Living near a forest is a pleasant change from living in the city, with all of its stress and congestion. As one of the finest gated communities near Asheville NC, The Coves Mountain River Club has become a very popular place to retire and live the good life. That’s because we offer not only an amazing number of options for outdoor adventure in the Pisgah National Forest but easy access to everything else you may need or want to do, like shopping, dining, medical facilities, local culture, continuing education, golf, and so much more. We also have more than 39 miles of hiking trails within our community.
When you’re in the Lenoir area, be sure to stop by The Coves Mountain River Club and let us take you for a hike and show you around our mountain paradise.
Call us at 828.754.0700 to schedule a visit.
Exploring the area for the first time?
Let us know & ask for our 70 page Complimentary Magazine.
