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Pisgah national forest

Walk beneath a canopy of wonder

Guided Hikes in Haywood County, NC
Guided Hikes in Haywood County, NCRead More
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About pisgah national forest

Where wilderness meets adventure

Sprawling across thousands of acres in southern Haywood County, Pisgah National Forest is densely packed with lush foliage, pockets of old growth, and miles upon miles of trails. The Forest’s untouched Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness Areas up the ante for experience backcountry hikers looking for their next challenge.

Explore the Official Park Page
QUICK FACTS
512K

Acres of expansive forests and mountain peaks

130

Native tree species are found throughout the national forest

1,000+

Miles of trails, whitewater rivers, and untamed wilderness

46K

Acres of old-growth trees that survived the 1900s logging boom

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Things to do in Pisgah National Forest

Just you and the trees

Lesser trekked than the National Parks nearby, the Pisgah National Forest is ideal for seasoned hikers looking for a more solitary trail experience.

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pisgah national forest hiking trails

Find what peaks your interest

With everything from flat out-and-backs to multi-mile climbs up the mountain, Pisgah National Forest trails can lead you through shaded rhododendron tunnels to sweeping long-range views atop grassy balds.

Explore Pisgah National Forest Trails
Sam Knob Trail
2.5mi
Sam Knob Trail
ModerateDogs on LeashParking
Moderate
Flat Laurel Creek Trail
7.5mi
Flat Laurel Creek Trail
ModerateDogs on LeashWaterfalls
Moderate
Frying Pan Lookout Tower
3.5mi
Frying Pan Lookout Tower
ModerateDogs on LeashHiking
Moderate
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placeholderGraveyard Field Hiking Trail & Waterfalls

See Pisgah National Forest waterfalls

Chase breathtaking waterfalls through the heart of Pisgah National Forest, from small cascades to dramatic multi-tiered falls, Pisgah is a waterfall lover’s paradise.

Discover Waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest
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Set up camp in Pisgah National Forest

Set up your home-base at a cabin, campground, or hotel near Pisgah National Forest.

Lodging near Pisgah National Forest
Tree outline with a father and daughter on a mountain in Haywood

LEAVE NO TRACE

Respect the mountains

We’re lucky to call the NC Smokies home. Like any good neighbor, we work hard to keep our mountains clean and cared for.

Learn More
Western North Carolina Mountains stamp

One step at a time

People hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains in Haywood
Hiking
People camping in Great Smoky Mountains in Haywood
Things to Do in Haywood County
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All Hiking in Haywood County

FAQs about the Pisgah National Forest

  • Stop by the Visit Haywood Welcome Center to purchase a comprehensive Pisgah National Forest Trail Map and speak with a local expert about how to make the best of your time on the trail.

  • It is free to enter, park, hike, and go backcountry camping in Pisgah National Forest. However, to stay at a developed campsite, you will need to make a paid reservation via Recreation.gov.

  • There are multiple ways to access Pisgah National Forest in Haywood County. From the south and east, take US-276, NC-215, or the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the north, follow I-40 to Exit 7 and exit to Cold Springs Road, or take Exit 24 and travel north on NC-209 to Max Patch Road.

  • After you’ve explored the Forest to your heart’s content, take a drive onto nearby scenic byways NC-215 and US-276, where you’ll enjoy roadside waterfalls and views of rolling mountains. Follow the highways directly into Canton or Waynesville for downtown shopping and dining.

  • Yes, Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness Areas are encompassed by Pisgah National Forest. These designated wilderness areas are intended to remain as untouched by man's interference as possible. Beautiful but wild, only venture into Shining Rock or Middle Prong if you’ve got hiking experience under your belt.