North Carolina
North Carolina has four beautiful National Forests: Croatan, Nantahala, Pisgah, and Uwharrie. These National Forests range from the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.
North Carolina's National Forests are home to more than 5,700 miles of streams and 38,000 acres of lakes offering both warmwater and coldwater fishing. With that bounty of water it's no surprise that waterfalls are main attractions on these National Forests.
North Carolina's National Forests are a summer home for more than 63 kinds of neotropical birds, such as the red-eyed vireo and indigo bunting. Neotropical migratory birds account for 340 of the 600 species of birds that breed and nest in North America. These birds migrate each fall to warmer climates in tropical regions of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Long distance trails cross every National Forest in North Carolina, providing many miles of trails for hikers and backpackers. These trails include, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT), the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, the Mountains-to-the-Sea Trail, the Bartram Trail, the Uwharrie Trail, and the Neusiok Trail.
These forests also offer a number of horse trails. If you want someone to show you around these forests, consider a guided trip with a Forest Service-approved outfitter. The recreation opportunities are unlimited within these lush forests.
Map:
North Carolina statistics
State(s):
North Carolina
Nearest large Urban Area:
Charlotte, Raleigh
Notes & Conditions:
Research campground locations and amenities at the U.S. National Forest Campground Directory. The Web site is full of pictures and detailed descriptions to help you plan your next trip.
If you want to experience a guided recreation trip in a National Forest, visit Adventure Vacation to learn about whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, camping, hiking and fishing trips.
Permits, passes, fees:
Maps:
Visit the National Forest Store to see what maps are available for this Forest and others you may want to visit.
First-timer's adventure:
Visit Looking Glass Falls, one of the most popular falls in Western North Carolina. The Falls is about 5 miles past the entrance to Pisgah National Forest.
The name "Looking Glass" comes from Looking Glass Rock, where water freezes on its sides in the winter and then glistens in the sunlight like a mirror or looking glass. Looking Glass Creek, which flows past the rock, is also named for the impressive natural structure.
Contact Info:
P.O. Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802
828-257-4202
Forest Service website >>
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Share a specific hike, paddle, bike, or other activity in this forest.
May 9 2007 6:06 PM | alan sader said…
How could you show a map of Pisgah National Forest and not indicate Brevard, NC on the map???? The entrance to the forest near Looking Glass Falls is in Brevard! and the town is nothing short of one of the most charming small gtowns in the country.