North Carolina’s Pisgah and DuPont National Forests are a hiker’s paradise, with over 1,500 miles of trails to explore. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely day hike or a multi-day backpacking adventure, these forests have something for everyone.
The Pisgah National Forest
a beautiful and diverse natural area that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, this forest is a must-visit destination in western North Carolina.
Location and Overview: Pisgah National Forest is a United States national forest located in western North Carolina. The forest covers over 500,000 acres of land and is managed by the United States Forest Service. It is named after the Pisgah Mountain Range, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains.
History: Pisgah National Forest was established in 1916, making it one of the oldest national forests in the United States. It was created to protect the area’s water resources and timber, as well as to provide recreational opportunities for visitors.
Natural Features: Pisgah National Forest is home to a diverse range of natural features, including mountain peaks, waterfalls, rivers, and forests. Some of the most notable natural attractions in the forest include Looking Glass Rock, Mount Mitchell (the highest peak east of the Mississippi River), and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Wildlife: Pisgah National Forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, elk, and a variety of bird species. Visitors may also spot smaller animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits.
Recreational Opportunities: Pisgah National Forest offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and more. There are over 400 miles of hiking trails in the forest, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips.
Camping: There are several campgrounds in Pisgah National Forest that offer a variety of camping options, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Some of the most popular campgrounds in the forest include Davidson River Campground, North Mills River Campground, and Lake Powhatan Campground.
Seasons and Weather: Pisgah National Forest experiences four distinct seasons, with mild winters and warm summers. The best time to visit the forest for hiking and other outdoor activities is generally from late spring to early fall, when the weather is mild and the trails are clear.
Local Attractions: In addition to the natural attractions in Pisgah National Forest, there are also many local attractions to explore in the surrounding area. Asheville, a vibrant city known for its arts and culture scene, is located just outside the forest and is a popular destination for visitors. Other nearby attractions include the Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock State Park, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
illustrative yaks by the campfire
Dupont National Forest
The Dupont National Forest is a beautiful and unique natural area that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. Whether you’re a hiker, a mountain biker, or simply looking to relax in nature, this forest is a must-visit destination in western North Carolina.
Location and Overview: Dupont National Forest is a United States national forest located in western North Carolina, near the town of Brevard. The forest covers over 10,000 acres of land and is managed by the United States Forest Service.
History: Dupont National Forest was originally owned by the DuPont Corporation, which used the land for manufacturing and testing of explosives. In 1996, the company sold the land to the state of North Carolina, which eventually transferred ownership to the United States Forest Service.
Natural Features: Dupont National Forest is known for its unique natural features, including waterfalls, rock formations, and hardwood forests. Some of the most popular natural attractions in the forest include Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Wildlife: Dupont National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species. Visitors may also spot smaller animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits.
Recreational Opportunities: Dupont National Forest offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing. There are over 80 miles of trails in the forest, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
Camping: There are several campgrounds in Dupont National Forest that offer a variety of camping options, including tent camping and RV camping. And our favorite, of course, Yak Eco Camp – Best Glamping in Brevard, NC.
Seasons and Weather: Dupont National Forest experiences four distinct seasons, with mild winters and warm summers. The best time to visit the forest for hiking and other outdoor activities is generally from late spring to early fall, when the weather is mild and the trails are clear.
Local Attractions: In addition to the natural attractions in Dupont National Forest, there are also many local attractions to explore in the surrounding area. The nearby town of Brevard is known for its arts and culture scene, and is home to several music festivals throughout the year. Other nearby attractions include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Chimney Rock State Park, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Packing for a hiking or backpacking trip in the Pisgah and DuPont National Forests is relatively straightforward. You’ll want to bring appropriate clothing for the season and weather, including sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, and rain gear. It’s also important to bring plenty of water, food, and a map or GPS device. In addition, be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, which means packing out all trash and minimizing your impact on the environment.
When planning your trip, it’s important to know what to expect from the weather and seasons in the Pisgah and DuPont National Forests. The best time to hike in the area is generally from late spring to early fall, when the weather is mild and the trails are clear. However, it’s important to be prepared for sudden changes in weather, including thunderstorms and temperature drops at higher elevations.
There are plenty of local stores to visit in the area to stock up on any necessary gear or supplies. REI in Asheville is a popular option, offering a wide range of hiking and backpacking gear. In addition, Black Dome Mountain Sports in Asheville and Sycamore Cycles in Brevard offer a variety of outdoor equipment and supplies.
Now, let’s dive into some of the best hikes in the Pisgah and DuPont National Forests. Here are a few of our favorites:
Looking Glass Rock Trail: This 6.5-mile round-trip hike offers stunning views of Looking Glass Rock and the surrounding mountains.
Art Loeb Trail: This 30-mile trail offers a challenging multi-day backpacking adventure through some of the most beautiful areas of the Pisgah National Forest.
Triple Falls Trail: This 2.4-mile loop trail takes you past three stunning waterfalls and through the lush forests of DuPont National Forest.
Graveyard Fields Loop Trail: This 3.2-mile loop trail takes you through fields of wildflowers and past waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest.
Bearwallow Mountain Trail: This 2.2-mile hike takes you to the summit of Bearwallow Mountain, offering sweeping views of the surrounding area.
Overall, hiking and backpacking in the Pisgah and DuPont National Forests of North Carolina is an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With so many trails to explore and stunning natural scenery to enjoy, it’s no wonder why this area is a popular destination for hikers and backpackers alike.
