The mountains of NC are some of the most beautiful in the world and hiking the Pisgah National Forest is a real treat. With steep hills, you can expect a real workout as any hiking enthusiast will tell you. With over 500,000 acres and over 1,700 miles of trails it is no wonder that the Pisgah National Forest has so many favorite hiking and backpacking trails in NC (Fact Sheet, 2010).
Top Four Trails
4) Pine Gap Trail is a one mile trail in NC that takes you on a steady and fairly easy descent down into the gorge and to the river below. This is probably considered one of the easiest paths down to the river but still be aware that many of these NC trails are not well marked or kept up with. This is a very large NC forest with steep descents and if you are a novice hiking enthusiast you may want to consider teaming up with someone with more hiking experience on rugged trails.
3) Spence Ridge Trail is another favorite trek to hike in the NC Pisgah National Forest. This NC trail is about 1.7 miles long and crosses the Linville River. This Pisgah National treasure offers a trail with a river view that none of the other trails offer and is one of the reasons this footpath is one of the top four trails in NC. This NC trail is also another trek that takes you down to the river without too much effort.
2) Shortoff Mountain Trail is an 8 mile trek with breath taking views of the NC Appalachian Mountains. This NC Pisgah National Forest hiking trail is a must for anyone with experience at long distance hikes who has never seen these beautiful NC mountains. Many hiking and backpacking enthusiasts claim that the NC Appalachian Mountains are some of the most beautiful in the world and part of them are located in NC. This is one of the top four NC Pisgah National Forest trails mainly because of the fantastic views.
1) Table Rock Summit Trail is approximately a 1.2 mile long hike in NC. If you are looking for a hiking adventure with a panoramic view this is the NC hike for you. This is considered a difficult Pisgah National Forest hiking trail but it is well travelled. The awesome NC views at the top of the summit of Table Rock will give you a panoramic view of Linville Gorge and will make your hard work well worth the effort. Many hiking and backpacking enthusiasts enjoy this NC Pisgah National Forest trail even though it is one of the toughest (and shortest).
The NC Pisgah National Forest is one of the most beautiful in the U.S. and in NC. Hiking is just one fun activity this NC treasure offers you and your family. For more information about the Pisgah National Forest please visit the NC forest website .
For more information about other hiking or backpacking adventures please visit here .
Sources
Fact Sheet: NC Forest (2010). http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5196190.pdf
Personal Experience
U.S. Forest Service. http://www.fs.fed.us/
