This itinerary for a day trip from Asheville involves a fun-filled day in Pisgah National Forest and time on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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This itinerary details a delightful day trip from Asheville. It includes breakfast at a great bakehouse in Brevard, outdoor adventures in Pisgah National Forest and a drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.
About This Itinerary
Your day begins with breakfast in Brevard at Pisgah Bakehouse. You can eat there or take your food on the go to your first adventure stop.
From there, you’ll hop in your car and head to Pisgah National Forest.
Here you can enjoy a variety of stops, from a waterfall just off the road to a waterfall slide, hikes and more. We recommend packing a picnic lunch to enjoy on-the-go!
This itinerary ends with several dinner suggestions in Asheville so hopefully there’s one you love.
The total drive time starting in Asheville is around 2 hours (76 miles.) While this may sound like a lot, more than half of it is a scenic, enjoyable drive. It’s part of the destination!
Early Morning: Breakfast
A quick stop for breakfast at a local bakeshop
The first stop on this itinerary is Pisgah Bakehouse in Brevard. It’s an excellent eatery with great outdoor seating and farm-to-table fare.
Their breakfast menu includes egg & cheese sandwiches on a variety of bread types, bagels, avocado toast and granola. You’ll also find a full pastry case.
Breakfast is served daily from 7AM to 11AM. They switch to lunch at 11. You can plan to dine there or get it to go and move on to the next part of the day: Pisgah National Forest.
Want a different breakfast option?
If you prefer a different breakfast option and are starting your morning in Asheville, check out ButterPunk for a great biscuit. It’s one of Asheville’s newer restaurants and a must-stop!
If you’d like to eat in the Brevard area, we like Morning Social for a seated breakfast.
Next Up: Pisgah National forest
Your next destination is Pisgah National Forest and then it’s a choose your own adventure from here. And we say that because there are so many different areas to explore in the Forest, so you can pick and choose what sounds best.
You’ll enter the forest right near The Hub in Pisgah Forest, NC, which is only a few minutes from the Pisgah Bakehouse.
The main road leading into the Forest is called Pisgah Highway, and you’ll pass plenty of great spots to check out along the way.
Below are several points of interest you’ll pass.
Sycamore Flats
Picnic area & river access
Sycamore Flats is an excellent destination if you’d like to enjoy your breakfast as a picnic. It’s the first stop in the Forest and has a flat picnic area with several tables + access to the Davidson River.
We especially recommend Sycamore Flats if traveling with children because there are several areas to splash and rock hop.
Moore Cove Falls
Short Waterfall Hike
Moore Cove Falls is a 1.2 out-and-back trail with a small waterfall at the turnaround point. It’s a kid-friendly trail and is a fun way to immerse yourself in the forest.
SLiding Rock
60-Foot Run Natural Waterslide
Sliding Rock is perfect for adventure-seekers! It’s a natural waterslide with three different runs.
This attraction is open year-round, though it’s only staffed in the summer. Please note there’s a fee to enter during the summer– it’s $5 per person if a lifeguard is on duty and $2 per person otherwise.
Know Before You Go
There aren’t many restrooms in the area, but a few of the stops have facilities (ex. Sycamore Flats, Coontree Picnic Area, Sliding Rock)
Bring a change of shoes and a towel if you plan to spend time in the creek or at Sliding Rock.
Don’t forget snacks and water!
The Blue RIdge Parkway
Gorgeous views & peaceful trails
As you continue along Pisgah Highway, you’ll eventually meet up with the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This section of the Parkway is OPEN following the hurricane and leads to a few more adventures if you’re up for it.
You can take either direction once you get to the Parkway. Going right will get you back to Asheville, but some of our favorite hikes are to the left.
Wondering about lunch? Any of the stops along the Parkway would be great for a picnic lunch.
Below you’ll find details about each way. Remember, choose your own adventure! Or just cruise through and admire the views without stopping. Anything goes!
If you Take A Left On The Parkway…
Scenic Views & Hiking Opportunities
If you take a left on the Parkway you’ll pass by several overlooks and trails:
Graveyard Fields: 1.3 mile loop– it’s a great stop during August when berries are ripe!
Black Balsam Knob: 1.5 mile out-and-back– moderate with rock scrambles. Excellent views!
Sam Knob (pictured): 2.5 mile out-and-back– great mix of forest trails & open meadows. Excellent views!
If you Take A Right On The Parkway…
Fire Tower, Mount Pisgah & PIgah Inn
If you take a right on the Parkway you’ll pass Mount Pisgah and Pisgah Inn.
Mount Pisgah: 2.4 mile out-and-back moderate trail with panoramic views
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower: 1.5 mile out-and-back to a 70 foot lookout tower. This is for adventure-seekers!
Pisgah Inn (pictured): Hotel on the Parkway. You can enjoy the views and a packaged ice cream from their shop. Public restrooms are available. Please note Pisgah Inn is open seasonally (April – October.)
When you are ready to head back to Asheville, you can either retrace your original drive on Pisgah Highway back to the Brevard area or take 151 through Candler. You’ll access 151 just beyond Pisgah Inn on the Parkway– beyond that is where the Parkway is closed. Google Maps will have the most up-to-date information.
If you do come back on Pisgah Highway, consider popping into Brevard for a bit of local shopping or a bite to eat in the charming mountain town.
Dinner In Asheville
We are certain you are ready to kick back with a great meal if your day follows this itinerary.
Our pick for dinner? We’ll give you a few!
Date night out: Leo’s House of Thirst in West Asheville
Kid-friendly: Pizza Mind– they have a make your own pizza option on the kids’ menu
Takeout: Gan Shan
Brewery dinner: Burial Beer (either location)
Make sure to check our guide to takeout in Asheville or our list of the best restaurants in town for more inspiration.
