Camping & Outdoor Blog
Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
The legendary heart of Joshua Tree National Park.
Introduce
Pisgah National Forest is a gem nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature's beauty. Spanning over 500,000 acres, this forest is home to diverse ecosystems, including deciduous forests, grassy meadows, and serene lakes. Known for its dramatic mountain vistas, Pisgah National Forest provides endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you're looking for a leisurely hike, a scenic drive, or a day of family fun.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors can enjoy unique experiences like llama treks in the Hot Springs area. Families love exploring the natural beauty together while making lasting memories.
- Natural Wonders: Pisgah is famous for its stunning waterfalls, including the iconic Looking Glass Falls. The forest also features serene lakes and picturesque rivers perfect for fishing or kayaking.
Visitors to Pisgah National Forest often praise the area for its breathtaking scenery and the charm of nearby towns like Hot Springs. One visitor described their experience as a "wonderful family day" filled with hiking, spa time, and exploring local shops and restaurants. The forest's natural beauty is unparalleled, offering trails that lead through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and open meadows.
While the forest offers year-round activities, recent reviews note some areas are still recovering from past natural events like Hurricane Helene. Trails may have scars, washed-out roads, or fallen trees. Visitors are encouraged to research their planned routes beforehand and prepare for longer hikes than expected. However, the beauty of the landscape remains untouched, making Pisgah National Forest a destination worth visiting again and again.
Gallery
Service options
Onsite services
Highlights
Picnics
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Activities
Hiking
Amenities
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Payments
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Pets
Dogs allowed
Carol
Sep 01
We had a wonderful family day in Hot Springs! We had a lovely walk with the llamas, we all enjoyed !Also enjoyed our time at the Hot Springs spa! Hot Springs N C is a lovely little town to visit! Be sure to check out the shops and enjoy the Restaurants! Beautiful scenery, plenty of hiking, waterfalls, lots of beautiful nature you won’t want to miss! I hope to get to go back again someday!
Danielle Neely
Feb 08
Six months after Hurricane Helene, Pisgah National Forest has major scars. Keep this in mind when hiking trails. Roads are washed out, and trees are across many trails. Research the area before you go. Be prepared for longer hikes. Even after all the destruction, the views are breathtaking. Will be back!
Jaden Moore
Jan 05
Loved the waterfalls! Highly recommend the hike to looking glass falls. It’s an easy out and back. Moore cove falls is nice also
G N Johnson
Feb 14
Western North Carolina still needs help with your tourism. Please consider a visit! You won’t regret it.
Tonya Garrette
Nov 23
Pisgah is my absolute favorite place to go to relax, walk some trails, and view some breathtaking waterfalls. There are a lot of hidden gems inside Pisgah. I highly recommend getting an app to navigate your way through this massive forest or getting a map from the ranger station as there is absolutely no service unless you are near the ranger station. I highly recommend camping here as well. Make sure when you go you go for 3+ days to have time to enjoy God's beauty in this forest! I promise Pisgah National Forest will not disappoint!