We’re all too familiar with the winter challenge of trying to squeeze in a quick after-work hike before the sun sets. That’s why we’re always happy to find an enjoyable but relatively close to town hike like Mount Pisgah, that’s. A 3-mile round trip hike to the top of Mount Pisgah provides breathtaking scenery just 30 minutes outside of Asheville.
This peaceful hike climbs through hardwood forests and rhododendron tunnels before topping out to stunning 360-degree views. Despite the transmission tower at the summit, you can enjoy unmarred views of Shining Rock Wilderness, Cold Mountain, The Great Smoky Mountains, and Mount Mitchell. While this hike is relatively short in distance, its somewhat steep and rocky trails provide a decent workout for the time invested. This trail is a popular weekend destination, but we’ve found it to be a quiet mid-week hike.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 3 Miles
Map: NatGEO 780; Pisgah Ranger District
Location: From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway south to the Mount Pisgah Parking Area, on the left at milepost 407.6. Park at the second parking area; the first is for Buck Springs trail.
