Pisgah National Forest – Image Gallery

Pisgah National Forest

Details

Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest is a 500,000-acre forest located in western North Carolina. It is divided into three separate ranger districts: Appalachian, Grandfather, and Pisgah. The forest is known for its diverse ecosystems, including hardwood forests, waterfalls, and high-altitude peaks.

Features

• Mountains: Pisgah National Forest is home to several mountain ranges, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Balsam Mountains. These mountains offer a variety of hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
• Waterfalls: The forest is also known for its numerous waterfalls, including Looking Glass Falls, which is one of the most popular in the area. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and photography at these natural wonders.
• Wildlife: Pisgah National Forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. Birdwatchers can also spot a variety of bird species throughout the forest.
• Recreational Activities: The forest offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and mountain biking. There are also designated areas for rock climbing and horseback riding.

Ecological Significance

Pisgah National Forest plays a vital role in preserving the biodiversity of the region. The forest provides habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are rare or endangered. Additionally, the forest helps protect the watersheds of several major rivers, including the French Broad River and the Davidson River.

Overall, Pisgah National Forest is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking to explore the beauty and diversity of western North Carolina's natural landscapes.

Pisgah National Forest

Points of Interest

Pisgah National Forest

• Looking Glass Falls: One of the most popular waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Falls is easily accessible and offers a stunning view of cascading water.
• Sliding Rock: A natural water slide formed by a 60-foot smooth rock face, Sliding Rock is a favorite spot for visitors to cool off in the summer months.
• Mount Pisgah: Standing at 5,721 feet, Mount Pisgah offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Hiking to the summit is a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Graveyard Fields: Known for its unique landscape of high-elevation meadows and waterfalls, Graveyard Fields is a popular hiking destination with trails leading to scenic overlooks and waterfalls.
• Black Balsam Knob: Offering expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Balsam Knob is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and stargazing. The area is known for its balds, or treeless mountain summits.

Pisgah National Forest – Images

Description: Nine red spruce (picea rubens) cones from Pisgah National Forest. This image comprises nine individual USFWS images of cones.

Image by Derivative: RhododendritesOriginal photographs: Gary Peeples/USFWS – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Pisgah National Forest, looking southeast from the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, USA

Image by Acroterion – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Balanced rocks over a stream in Pisgah National Forest (North Carolina). This pool is near the trailhead of the Daniel Ridge Trail.

Image by LithiumFlash – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: View from Black Mountain Trail in Pisgah National Forest. Icicles are in the foreground, bikes are next to the trail, point-of-view is from a little cave.

Image by LithiumFlash – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: View from Black Mountain Trail in Pisgah National Forest. In this image a few mountain bikers are taking a break near the summit of Black Mountain.

Image by LithiumFlash – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: A view of a waterfall in Pisgah National Forest. The waterfall can be seen from the Butter Gap Trail (trail for hiking and mountain biking).

Image by LithiumFlash – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: A waterfall in Pisgah National Forest, which can be reached from near the trailhead of the Daniel Ridge Trail.

Image by LithiumFlash – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: In Pisgah National Forest, NC

Image by cricketsblog – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Upper Creek Falls on Upper Creek (part of the Catawba River watershed) in the Pisgah National Forest.Photo taken with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 in Burke County, NC, USA.

Image by Ken Thomas – Public domain – Wikimedia