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Pisgah Forest Best Hiking Trails 2024
Best Pisgah Trails 2024 recommended by the Pisgah Conservancy:
John Rock Trail #365
1.8 mi - Moderate - From the southern access, the trail climbs up the backbone of John Rock, a large granite dome. There is a steep, challenging pitch initially, but the remainder of the trail is moderate. From the eastern access, the trail climbs the eastern shoulder of John Rock using a series of old railroad grades; mature rhododendron thickets and small streams make this an attractive woods hike. From either direction, the climb is well worth the effort: a commanding view of the fish hatchery, Looking Glass Rock, and Pilot Mountain from atop the face of John Rock. (Do not take any of the informal, “bushwhacked” trails, some of which lead to precarious spots.) Below its uppermost area near the tree line, the rock’s surface drops off steeply, so use caution when walking at the top, and monitor children and pets. Also keep in mind that rock climbers use John Rock, and may be below you—do not throw anything off the edge.
Approximate Elevation Change: 750 feet
Pink Beds Loop Trail #118
5.0 mi - Easy -Pink Beds Loop has only minor elevation changes, so it is popular for family hikes. The trail passes through a portion of the Pink Beds Valley, named by the settlers who first cleared the area when the abundant blooms of local plants were visible from the surrounding mountainsides; now that the area has been reforested, the name is more historical than descriptive. The trail is well-marked, but it is still important to follow the orange blazes. The north side, somewhat higher and drier than the south side, follows an old road much of the way and has a series of wildlife fields at its near (western) end. These wildlife fields afford views of the nearby mountain ridges if one hikes the trail in a clockwise direction. Camping is not permitted in the wildlife fields. *The north side is closed to bikes from April 16 through October 14. At the far (eastern) end of the loop, a spur trail of 0.8 miles goes to the Wolf Ford gaging station, which is on the South Fork of the Mills River near the end of FS 476 (Wolf Ford Road). The south side of the loop, open to foot traffic only, crosses the South Fork of the Mills River several times, and all crossings have footbridges. Low areas have bog bridges, though your feet may still get wet during rainy periods. An intersecting trail, Barnett Branch (#618), crosses this trail near its middle, and offers additional loop hike opportunities. (See map on reverse side.) Bikes are not allowed on Barnett Branch Trail.
Approximate Elevation Change: 100 feet
Moore Cove Trail #318
Area Status: Open
0.7 mi - Easy - This is a good family hike, and one of the most popular hiking trails in the Pisgah District. The first 150 feet of the trail are moderate, but the grade becomes easy for the remainder of the walk. You will cross the creek three more times on good footbridges. A couple of places on the trail may become muddy after a rain, so wear appropriate footgear. Along the trail you may find a wide variety of wildflowers, such as Showy Orchids, Pink Lady’s Slipper, Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Dwarf Iris. You will also walk past large Yellow Poplars, which are the most common tree in a cove forest. The trail ends at the observation deck in front of Moore Cove Falls, which drops 50 feet over a cave-like rock outcropping. The trail does not go beyond the falls. Do not attempt to hike to the top of the falls, or the area upstream of the falls; doing so is dangerous and can cause significant environmental damage. Accessing the cave-like area behind the falling water is not recommended. The wet rocks are slippery and dangerous.
Approximate Elevation Change: 250 feet
Looking Glass Rock Trail
0.7 mi - Easy - This is a good family hike, and one of the most popular hiking trails in the Pisgah District. The first 150 feet of the trail are moderate, but the grade becomes easy for the remainder of the walk. You will cross the creek three more times on good footbridges. A couple of places on the trail may become muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footgear. Along the trail, you may find a wide variety of wildflowers, such as Showy Orchids, Pink Lady’s Slipper, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, and Dwarf Iris. You will also walk past large Yellow Poplars, which are the most common trees in a cove forest. The trail ends at the observation deck in front of Moore Cove Falls, which drops 50 feet over a cave-like rock outcropping. The trail does not go beyond the falls. Do not attempt to hike to the top of the falls, or the area upstream of the falls; doing so is dangerous and can cause significant environmental damage. Accessing the cave-like area behind the falling water is not recommended. The wet rocks are slippery and dangerous.
Approximate Elevation Change: 250 feet