Pisgah Forest is the oldest national forest on the East Coast. It covers over 500,000 acres of natural beauty and wonders, including crystal-clear waterfalls, breathtaking mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife.
Are you wondering if Pisgah Forest has much to offer visitors in the fall? Fortunately, the answer is a resounding “yes.”
Fall is one of the best times to visit this must-see destination. Read on to find out why!
Pisgah Forest in the Fall
Pisgah Forest becomes even more spectacular in the fall. Bright shades of red, orange, and yellow sweep the forest as deciduous tree types start losing sunlight in the shorter autumn hours.
Local churches and businesses in the surrounding areas host lively fall activities. Incorporated cities like Asheville and Brevard have a rich and eclectic history of fall traditions from early Native-American tribes, European settlers, and African-American communities.
Fun Fall Activities for Pisgah Forest Visitors
Pisgah Forest features fun for all ages in the fall months. Activities for children and families include:
- Trick-or-Treating
- Pumpkin fests
- Halloween festivals
- Haunted houses and rides
Trick-or-treating events include trunk or treats for the little kids and trail treat hunting for the older tweens. There are also haunted hay rides and haunted houses for teenagers.
Many fall festivals, like Pumpkin Fest, feature scavenger hunts and live music so adults can partake in the amusement too. Don’t forget to support local businesses by grabbing tasty cuisine from nearby food trucks.
If you’re looking for more adult-oriented entertainment, there are local breweries, spooky events, and autumn getaways:
- Ghost tours
- Folk festivals
- Oktoberfest
- Fall spa retreats
You can also enjoy regular adult fun like brewery and winery tours, axe throwing, and couple’s painting date nights, all with special themes for the fall.
Along with fall-themed things to do, Pisgah Forest still offers its regular selection of outdoor activities. Come for the fun fall activities, and stay for the science views.
Things to Do in Pisgah Forest
Fall is the sweet spot between summer heat and winter chills. Take advantage of these outdoor activities in the balmy weather before the freezing temps set in.
Camping
Pisgah Forest features year-round camping for even the most adventurous visitor. You can also bring your RV and enjoy the cozy comforts of home right in the forest.
Picnicking
There are plenty of places for outdoor picnics in Pisgah Forest. You can relish in casual picnics along the trails or atop the peaks. You can even throw elaborate picnic parties for events and celebrations in one of the many common areas.
Hiking
There are countless hiking trails throughout Pisgah Forest for every level of experience and difficulty. You can take in the beautiful warm color palette of fall leaves while watching for autumn wildlife migrations- all without the summer sweat and stickiness.
Scenic Driving
For more laid-back adventuring, you can indulge in scenic drives throughout the park. Driving trails like the Pisgah Loop Scenic Byway let you effortlessly view the forest in all its fall splendor.
Horseback Riding
Do you still want an immersive forest experience but aren’t keen on walking? Take advantage of Pisgah Forest’s numerous horseback riding trails. You can bring your own horse(s) or reserve experienced equines from the local stables.
Biking
Pisgah Forest also boasts diverse biking trails throughout its vast acreage. Whether you’re a casual and leisurely biker or a daredevil enthusiast looking for thrills, there’s a biking trail for you.
Climbing
From gentle slopes to sheer cliff faces, Pisgah Forest offers a wide range of climbing experiences. Visitors can also rappel up and down the rocks before ice-climbing season sets in.
Boating
There are several boating spots scattered throughout Pisgah Forest. Once you’re out on the water, you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and water skiing. Or you can relax with a radio and some snacks while you travel along the clean, pollutant-free water.
Fishing and Hunting
The Forest Service carefully manages fish and game hunting in Pisgah Forest so everyone can enjoy sustainable recreation. Permits and licenses are required, so make sure your sporting activities are safe and within regulations.
Photography
Pisgah Forest offers prime photography opportunities. Overlooks, cliffs, and hilltops will give you sweeping panoramic views, while wildlife and foliage are perfect for macro and nature photo enthusiasts. You can even try your hand at astrophotography.
Places to Go in Pisgah Forest
Now that you’ve had fun wandering through the forest, what’s next? There are still many specific places you can visit within Pisgah Forest:
- Visitor centers
- Gardens and arboretums
- Gem mines
- Waterfalls
- Natural landmarks
- Historical sites
Local gardens and arboretums put on colorful fall displays that aren’t available in the spring and summer. Mount Pisgah Arboretum even has a mushroom festival in October.
Gem mines are a fun-for-the-whole family outdoor activity. Children can hunt for precious gems like sapphires, emeralds, and topazes. They may even find sparkling geodes like amethyst and quartz.
You can also visit museums and other cultural icons in the nearby cities. For example, the city of Asheville offers tours through the historic Biltmore Estate, which is especially lavish in the fall.
Outdoor Activities with Guides
If you want a stress-free but thorough exploration experience, you can check out more of the guided tours available throughout Pisgah Forest. These include:
- Food tours
- Boat tours
- Bike tours
- Hiking tours
- Nature-watching tours
- Climbing schools
- Scenic driving tours
Guided tours are a great way to discover the secrets and interesting tidbits only locals know. They also allow you to relax while someone else manages all the details.
Set Your Sights on Pisgah Forest in the Fall
You don’t have to wait for summer to enjoy all Pisgah Forest has to offer. This stunning natural park getaway provides just as much splendor in the fall.
From Halloween festivals to deep forest waterfalls, there are endless things to do and places to go. Don’t miss out on making these memories of a lifetime.
Are you looking for an affordable long-term stay? Check out our clean and spacious RV park and campground area, available at weekly and monthly rates. Book now while there are still spots open!
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