Sunrise Hikes Near Pisgah Forest RV Park & Campground
The early morning hours are my favorite part of the day — that quiet time before the world wakes up, when I can simply be present in nature. Stepping outside while still warm from bed, I breathe in the crisp, fresh air and listen to the stillness. Then, as the sky begins to glow, the mountains come alive — birds start to sing, mist drifts through the valleys, and the sun paints the horizon in soft color.
Watching the sunrise over Jeter Mountain right here at the park is always a beautiful way to start the day, but for me, there’s something extra special about greeting the morning from a mountain trail.
Beyond the beauty, there are real health benefits to catching the sunrise — from balancing your circadian rhythm and boosting your mood to supporting natural vitamin D production. So lace up your boots, pack a flashlight or headlamp, dress in layers (mornings at high elevations can be chilly and breezy!), and check out two of my favorite nearby sunrise hikes:
1. Black Balsam Knob
Topping my list is Black Balsam Knob, a short, moderately steep hike in Pisgah National Forest — just up to the Blue Ridge Parkway from Pisgah Forest RV Park & Campground (we’re located only about 4 miles from the forest entrance). See driving directions to the trailhead below.
This 1.4-mile out-and-back trail climbs roughly 350 feet in elevation, rewarding you with breathtaking 360-degree views from nearly 6,000 feet above sea level. Watching the sun rise here is nothing short of magical — layers of mountain ridges stretch endlessly before you, while pockets of fog drift through the valleys below. It’s a true Blue Ridge moment.
2. Fryingpan Mountain Tower
A close second is Fryingpan Mountain Tower, another short and scenic trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway that offers equally stunning views. This 1.5-mile out-and-back hike also gains about 350 feet in elevation and leads to a historic 70-foot fire tower built in 1941 by the U.S. Forest Service.
Although the tower itself has been closed since the early 1990s, you can still climb the steps partway up for an even higher vantage point — perfect for watching the first light spill across the mountains. See below for directions to this trailhead.
Be proud — while others are still tucked in bed, you’ll have already welcomed the day, filled your lungs with mountain air, and soaked in one of the most peaceful views the Blue Ridge has to offer (and even snuck in a pre-breakfast workout!).
Now that your soul is warmed, it’s time to warm your belly. Head back down for a hearty breakfast and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve already made the most of your day.
Getting There from Pisgah Forest RV Park & Campground
Starting point: 101 Cypress Drive, Penrose, NC 28766
Both sunrise hikes are within an easy drive from Pisgah Forest RV Park & Campground, giving you the perfect opportunity to head out early and be back in time for breakfast!
Black Balsam Knob Trailhead
Distance from the park: ~28 miles | Approx. 50 minutes
Directions:
- Exit the park and turn right onto Cypress Drive, then left onto US-276 N toward Pisgah National Forest.
- Continue on US-276 through the forest until you reach the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance.
- Merge south onto the Parkway (toward Asheville).
- Continue to milepost 420 and turn right onto Black Balsam Road (FS 816).
- Drive a short distance to the parking area for the Black Balsam Knob Trailhead.
Trail Info: 1.4 miles out-and-back | 350 ft elevation gain | Moderate
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower Trailhead
Distance from the park: ~24 miles | Approx. 45 minutes
Directions:
- Leave the park and head out on US-276 N toward Pisgah National Forest.
- Enter the Blue Ridge Parkway and turn south (toward Asheville).
- Drive to about milepost 409.6 (just north of Mount Pisgah) and look for a gated Forest Service Road on your right—signed FS Road 450.
- Park near the gate without blocking it. The trail follows this gravel road up to the tower.
Trail Info: 1.5 miles out-and-back | 350 ft elevation gain | Easy-moderate
