Pisgah National Forest, one of four National Forests in North
Carolina, is set in the Appalachian Mountains and covers much
of the north and central mountains of our state. It is one of
the great natural resources of the United States and has some
of the most beautiful and rugged mountain scenery and the best
recreational opportunities in eastern North America. Pisgah National
Forest extends on both sides of the Blue Ridge Parkway, between
the towns of Brevard, Waynesville and Asheville, NC. This area
is especially noteworthy for easy access to beautiful streams,
many with multiple waterfalls, miles of wonderful hiking and camping
sites ranging from vehicle to wilderness. The Cradle of Forestry,
a living museum of the early days of forestry in America, is just
off of Highway 276 as it climbs through Pisgah, and the forest
also includes the Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness areas.
The forest covers 510,119 mountainous acres of lush natural forest
rich in old evergreens and hardwoods, wild native plants, rivers
of magnificent beauty and volume, and beautiful views with vistas
that will take your breath away. Tucked away in the forest are
special trails, blueberry hills, creeks for rock hopping, rock
climbing opportunities and fly-fishing spots that will keep you
busy.
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Pisgah, one of the first National Forests in eastern US, was established
in 1911 after the public demanded the state begin to restore and
protect over-logged and depleted forest land. The first land acquisition
of 8,000 acres came in 1912 in Curtis Creek. Years earlier, George
and Edith Vanderbilt had amassed 125,000 acres with the building
of their "Biltmore Estate" in Asheville, NC, and they
initiated a forest management plan on their holdings. After George
Vanderbilt's untimely death, his widow sold 87,000 acres to the
National Forest Service.
Vanderbilt's former forest manager, Gifford Pinchot, became the
head of the agency and carried on the forest management he had
begun for his old boss. The first school of forestry was established
by Vanderbilt and Pinchot in what is now Pisgah National Forest.
"The Cradle of Forestry" commemorates this beginning.
White-water paddling, hiking, mountain
biking, trout fishing, rock-climbing, swimming, tubing and
camping are just a few outdoor activities enjoyed by the public
in Pisgah National Forest.
Almost 50% of the public land in Transylvania County has been
protected under the umbrellas of the National and State Forests.
You can see why we are a destination market for visitors and a
popular relocation area.
