The Mount Pisgah area on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP)—just under 1 hour from Asheville, NC—boasts gorgeous pullover overlooks, various-level hiking trails, waterfalls, picnic areas, and the famous Pisgah Inn.
This is our Mount Pisgah itinerary for sightseeing, including the Mount Pisgah Trail, Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower hike, and Skinny Dip Falls with that magical dragon tree, all reopened post-Helene.
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AVL locals since 2019, Tom and I love hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially in the spring and fall. Talk about gorgeous wildflowers and pumpkin spice latte colors. And, if you drive 40 minutes south, enjoy even more beloved fall foliage hikes like Black Balsam & Sam Knob via the Art Loeb Trail and Graveyard Fields. Pink Beds Loop is right there, too.
Keep reading for how best to plan your Mount Pisgah day trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville. 📸 All photos are our own. 💙 Christine of Uncorked Asheville
❄️ Know Before You Go: With inclement weather, especially in late fall through winter, always check the National Park Service for BRP road statuses and gate closures. The parkway closes for dense fog, ice, and snow. ✨
Mount Pisgah Itinerary – Asheville Day Trip
Beautiful Overlooks & Hikes Near Mount Pisgah
All lengths, times, and photos are our own. Tom and I track our hikes on GAIA GPS with this Garmin. We are short and slow hikers. If there is a mushroom, I have to take a photo. If there is a bird or flower, I have to snap it in my Seek app.
💦 Prefer guided hikes? Consider this popular waterfall and Blue Ridge Parkway/Pisgah National Forest tour. For a slightly longer tour from Asheville, this BRP adventure sells out quickly. 🥾
Looking Glass Rock Overlook
🌄 Located at Milepost 417, the Looking Glass Rock Overlook is the perfect first stop to see Looking Glass Rock from afar (you can hike Looking Glass from the Pisgah National Forest).
This scenic overlook is also where hikers park for Skinny Dip Falls. Like many Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, the parking lot is small. Arrive early and on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Plan Your Magical Adventure: Our Free Asheville Guide + Bucket List
Skinny Dip Falls
đź’¦ Also located at Milepost 417, Skinny Dip Falls is an easy one-mile out-and-back to low-key waterfalls damaged by Fred’s tropical storm flooding in 2021. Since Fred, this is no longer a great swimming hole.
However, hikers will still find the famous dragon tree guarding the forest and can enjoy a rocky trail perfect for getting back into hiking season or helping littles gain their hiking feet. Budget about 30-45 minutes here. We still love it.
For more waterfalls and short & easy hikes:
🥾 We recommend these family-friendly, easy Asheville trails. And, if you are seeking bigger falls, we have just the waterfall hiking guide for you.
Mount Pisgah Trail
🥾 Find the Mount Pisgah Trailhead at MP 407.6. You can also join up with the Mount Pisgah hike from numerous connecting trails around the area.
The Mount Pisgah Trail is a moderate out-and-back hike to a gorgeous 5,721-foot summit. Tom and I have clocked this trail at about 2.4 miles. While the initial easy and flat half mile or so deceives hikers, that 700-foot elevation gain hits hard in the form of endless forest stairs.
There are one or two spots along this trail that make my stomach drop with rock stairs along nerve-wracking edges. I love the 360-degree views at the top, though. Just watch out for mean flies and bees. Budget just under 2 hours.
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower Trail
🥾 At MP 409.6, find the small parking lot for Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower Trail. Don’t block the gate, which is the start of the trail.
This easy 1.5-mile out-and-back follows a rather boring gravel road to a sketchy fire tower promising beautiful views and one unforgettable experience. Climbing the tower is heart-stopping in the wind.
The very top deck is supposed to be locked and off-limits to hikers. However, people break in daily, and they ask that you don’t follow their lead. This experience takes under 1 hour. If you dislike heights, skip the tower.
Great Visitor Places For Restrooms, Food, and Souvenirs
There certainly is no shortage of food options in the Mount Pisgah area. Of course, you can head straight back to Asheville for lunch. We also have a master list of our favorite Asheville restaurants.
However, Tom and I suggest lunch at the Pisgah Inn, The NC Arboretum’s Arbor Eatery (formerly known as the Bent Creek Bistro), or nearby Greek diner, Apollo Flame, on Brevard Road. Additionally, Papa’s & Beer is great for Mexican, and we love Pad Thai Asheville, which serves local, budget-friendly Thai food.
The Pisgah Inn
🍴The Pisgah Inn, at MP 408.6, will be almost impossible to get near in peak leaf season. It’s not hard to see why.
Open April through October, this 3-star hotel boasts accommodations, a delicious restaurant, Blue Ridge Mountains viewing platforms, restrooms, grab-and-go shops, and a souvenir shop. Tom and I buy quality, fairly priced sweatshirts and shirts here (I am wearing one in the photos), plus holiday ornaments and gifts for our family.
Staying at the Pisgah Inn is on our Asheville bucket list, but our friends and readers have—and love it as part of their fall Western North Carolina traditions.
Dining At The Pisgah Inn
Make Resy reservations at the Pisgah Inn restaurant, especially during peak times. We have gotten in at opening without reservations in shoulder season, but they allow 2 weeks in advance.
The Pisgah Inn dining room boasts large windows with incredible mountain views. Enjoy a delicious and extensive American food menu, including GF options and GF bread (part-Celiac household here). I love their wine selection—like a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir—and we prefer their lighter sandwiches and burgers at lunchtime.
The NC Arboretum
🌺 As Asheville locals, Tom and I are members of The NC Arboretum. It’s a fun stop for any Mount Pisgah day trip with the entire family.
Immediately before one entrance and exit to the BRP, at Milepost 393.6, stop by for the Quilt Garden, nature trails, and special exhibits. If you haven’t eaten, grab a simple salad or sandwich at the Arbor Eatery.
The arboretum is also a great stop on the way back to Asheville for restrooms, drinks, and pretty flowers.
You will need an annual membership, or pay to park. The membership is worth it for the low-key biking and hiking trails. In November and December, don’t miss Winter Lights at night; it’s one of our favorite holiday traditions.
Day Trip With Us Along The Blue Ridge Parkway Near Mount Pisgah
🎥 Featured here: Looking Glass Rock Overlook, Skinny Dip Falls, lunch and shopping at the Pisgah Inn, the Mount Pisgah Trail summit hike, and the Quilt Garden with nature trails at the NC Arboretum.
Blue Ridge Parkway Resources
For official information on the Blue Ridge Parkway, we recommend these sites:
- Blue Ridge Parkway Association – a great visitor center near Asheville is at MP 384)
- National Park Service – Blue Ridge Parkway
- Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
Let us know in the comments what you love around Mount Pisgah. We are always updating our guides and exploring our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain home.
đź’™ Christine of Uncorked Asheville