Pisgah Ranger District

The Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest is located southwest of Asheville in Transylvania, Buncombe and Haywood County. Covering more than 162,000 acres, Pisgah Ranger District has elevations ranging from 2000 feet to more than 6000 feet. There are two wilderness areas, nearly 400 miles of hiking trails, camping, a historic site commemorating the birthplace of forestry in the United States, scenic driving and one of the highest densities of waterfalls anywhere in the world.

Areas:

Davidson River:

Davidson River is a major tributary of French Broad River. The Davidson River area is located just north of Brevard and contains numerous waterfalls.

Horsepasture River:

The Horsepasture River is a National Wild and Scenic River. The portion between NC-281 and Lake Jocassee flows through Pisgah National Forest. However, the only legal access is through Gorges State Park. See Gorges Rainbow Falls Trail for a description of the hike along the river and numerous waterfalls.

Thompson River:

The Thompson River is one of the four major rivers that flow into Lake Jocassee. Numerous waterfalls are found on the river and its tributaries.

Waterfalls:

The Pisgah Ranger District has one of the highest densities of waterfalls anywhere in the world.

1. Drift Falls

2. Hidden Falls

3. High Falls (Thompson River)

4. Rainbow Falls

5. Reid Branch Falls

6. Rockhouse Creek Lower Falls

7. Stairway Falls

8. Toms Spring Falls

9. Toms Spring Upper Falls

10. Turtleback Falls

External Links:

US Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48116