Mount Pisgah
Iconic Blue Ridge Parkway peak offering a rewarding hike to panoramic summit views and access to natural wonders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds
Mount Pisgah
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Blue Ridge Parkway peak offering a rewarding hike to panoramic summit views and access to natural wonders.
"Amazing hike! We did a 1.2-mile hike up and down Mt. Pisgah, reaching a parking spot next to the metal gate blocking the gravel road."
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The hike to Mount Pisgah summit is rewarding but can be challenging. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable climb.
Check Parkway closures :road:
The Blue Ridge Parkway can close due to weather. Always check for updates before your trip, especially in winter.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Pisgah Summit
Summit
Conquer the 1.5-mile trail for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
Near Milepost 409.6, Blue Ridge Parkway
A short hike leads to this historic fire tower offering expansive vistas, often praised as better than Pisgah's summit.
Sliding Rock
Pisgah National Forest, US 276 South
Experience the thrill of a 60-foot natural rock slide into a refreshing mountain plunge pool. Lifeguards on duty seasonally.
Looking Glass Falls
Pisgah National Forest
An easily accessible, stunning waterfall just steps from the road, perfect for quick photo ops and enjoying nature's power.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Mount Pisgah
Navigating Pisgah National Forest
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The hike to Mount Pisgah summit is rewarding but can be challenging. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable climb.
Check Parkway closures :road:
The Blue Ridge Parkway can close due to weather. Always check for updates before your trip, especially in winter.
Pack for changing weather :cloud:
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, even in summer, as temperatures can drop quickly.
Download offline maps :iphone:
Cell service is unreliable in Pisgah National Forest. Ensure you have maps downloaded for navigation.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The hike to Mount Pisgah summit is rewarding but can be challenging. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable climb.
Check Parkway closures :road:
The Blue Ridge Parkway can close due to weather. Always check for updates before your trip, especially in winter.
Pack for changing weather :cloud:
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, even in summer, as temperatures can drop quickly.
Download offline maps :iphone:
Cell service is unreliable in Pisgah National Forest. Ensure you have maps downloaded for navigation.
Arrive early for parking :car:
Popular spots like Sliding Rock and Fryingpan Tower can fill up quickly. Aim for an early start to secure parking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Mount Pisgah for its rewarding summit hike and stunning 360-degree views, calling it one of the best hikes in the area. The accessibility of nearby attractions like Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls adds to its appeal. However, some find the summit views less impressive than other Parkway overlooks, noting the presence of a communication tower.
"Decent elevation on this 1.5 mile hike up Mt Pisgah. Amazing 360 degree view from the summit"
Shawn Bankert
"This hike is roughly 45 minutes up and is a pleasant hike, while challenging. One thing that is perhaps disappointing is the view from the top is far less attractive than nearly every other view from the parkway.
One side has a massive communication communications tower, and the other views are not that interesting."
Eric Leszkowicz
"Really cool hike, one of the best in the area. The tower and observation deck are cool."
Henry Goldberg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Pisgah is accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 408.6. If coming from Asheville, NC, it's about a 40-minute drive. The Pisgah Inn and campground are located here. For other attractions like Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls, you'll need to drive on US 276 South within Pisgah National Forest. +1
The Blue Ridge Parkway is generally open year-round, but sections can close due to weather, especially in winter. The Pisgah Inn is seasonal, typically open April 1st to October 31st.
Many visitors drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop at overlooks and trailheads. For a more immersive experience, consider hiking or even beginner backpacking trips.
No, public transportation is not available to Mount Pisgah or within most of Pisgah National Forest. A personal vehicle is necessary for access.
Mount Pisgah is approximately 40 minutes to an hour's drive from Asheville, NC, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to hike the Mount Pisgah trail or access most areas within Pisgah National Forest. Parking is also free at trailheads.
The trails and overlooks are generally accessible from dawn to dusk. The Pisgah Inn and campground have specific operating hours and seasons, typically from April 1st to October 31st.
Pisgah National Forest does not have a general entrance fee. However, some specific facilities or activities within the forest might have associated costs, like camping fees.
Yes, you can book rooms at the Pisgah Inn, which offers stunning views. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak season.
Currently, there are no timed entry requirements for Mount Pisgah or the main attractions within Pisgah National Forest. However, popular spots like Sliding Rock can become very crowded.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main trail to the summit of Mount Pisgah is a 1.5-mile round trip, moderately strenuous hike. It features a paved section and then a rocky ascent to the top, offering rewarding 360-degree views.
Absolutely! Nearby attractions include the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower (often recommended for better views than Pisgah itself), Sliding Rock for a natural waterslide experience, and Looking Glass Falls for an accessible waterfall. +2
From the summit, you'll get panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Some visitors note a communication tower at the top, but the vistas are still widely appreciated.
The main Mount Pisgah hike is moderately challenging, so it's best for families with older children. However, attractions like Looking Glass Falls and the drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway are very family-friendly.
The area near the Pisgah Inn includes a campground, restrooms, a store, and a restaurant. There are also picnic areas available.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Mount Pisgah offers incredible panoramic shots. For different perspectives, consider the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower, the scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the dramatic landscapes at Looking Glass Falls. +2
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Golden hour can also provide beautiful, soft light for capturing the rolling hills and forests.
Drone usage is subject to regulations within National Forests. It's essential to check the latest rules and guidelines from the U.S. Forest Service before flying a drone in Pisgah National Forest.
Landscape photography is very popular, especially during fall foliage season. Capturing waterfalls, mountain vistas, and the historic fire tower are also common subjects.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Pisgah National Forest's Natural Wonders
Another must-see is Looking Glass Falls, a spectacular waterfall easily accessible right from the roadside. A short walk down some steps provides a closer view of its impressive cascade. It's a fantastic spot for quick photos and enjoying the raw power of nature without a strenuous hike.
For those seeking panoramic views with less effort than the Mount Pisgah hike, the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower is highly recommended. A moderate 1.5-mile round-trip hike leads to this historic fire tower, offering expansive vistas that many find even more impressive than those from Mount Pisgah itself.
The Mount Pisgah Hike and Summit Experience
Upon reaching the summit, hikers are rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. While some reviews mention a communication tower at the peak, the expansive vistas are consistently praised. It's a great spot for enjoying the mountain scenery and feeling accomplished after the climb.
It's important to note that while the views are beautiful, some visitors have commented that the views from other points along the Blue Ridge Parkway might be more visually striking than the summit itself. However, the hike and the sense of achievement are often highlighted as the main draws.
Seasonal Considerations and Blue Ridge Parkway Access
The Blue Ridge Parkway itself can experience closures due to weather, particularly during winter months. Snow and ice can make sections impassable, so it's crucial to check the official Blue Ridge Parkway website or local advisories before planning a trip, especially if traveling between November and March.
Fall foliage season (typically early to mid-October) is a peak time for visitors, offering spectacular colors but also leading to higher crowds and potential traffic delays. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the weekdays or the shoulder seasons of spring and late fall, weather permitting.
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