Mount Pisgah Trail – 2024 Hiking Guide
Hike to the peak of one of the tallest mountains near Asheville for panoramic views.
This guide shares everything to know about hiking the Mount Pisgah Trail in Pisgah National Forest. From parking tips to trail details and what to expect along the way, this comprehensive guide shares all.
Mount Pisgah Quick Facts
Trailhead location: Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 408
Trail length: 2.4 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation change: ~700ft
Distance from downtown Asheville: 24 miles
Drive time from downtown Asheville: 40 minutes
Trail Condition: The trail is a well-traveled packed dirt path generally in good condition with rocks and steps along the way.
What You’ll Find In This Article
About The Trail
The Mount Pisgah Trail is a short, steep hike that leads you to the viewing platform at the summit of Mount Pisgah at 5,721 feet above sea level.
The trail begins at the Mount Pisgah trailhead parking lot just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and follows a ridge to the summit.
At the peak of the mountain, there is a large tower with a communications array and 360-degree views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
What To Expect On The Trail
The Mount Pisgah Trail is relatively short and moderate in difficulty.
Once on the trail, you will be immersed in the forest until you reach the top of Mount Pisgah.
The trail is a dirt path that gets continuously steeper the further you get. There are areas with rocks in the path and stone steps and switchbacks in the steepest areas.
You’ll find a wooden deck viewing platform at the summit next to the communications tower.
Want to experience more? Check out our day trip itinerary for a Blue Ridge Parkway Loop. The drive passes right by Mount Pisgah.
Directions To the Mount Pisgah Trail
The trailhead is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
From Asheville, follow the Blue Ridge Parkway south until you reach Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 408.
Turn left into the parking area. Follow the driveway through the parking lots to the end. The trailhead is at the end of the last parking lot.
Note that the Blue Ridge Parkway closes sections for inclement weather and can be closed around Mount Pisgah most of the winter. Check to see if it is open before starting your trip.
Parking for the Mount Pisgah Trail
There is a Parking Lot just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Mount Pisgah Trailhead. Follow signs for the Mount Pisgah Parking Area.
There are no facilities at the Mount Pisgah Parking Lot. The nicest restrooms nearby are located at Pisgah Inn, which is worth a stop for refreshments and the view. It’s open seasonally April through October.
There are also restrooms at the Mount Pisgah Picnic Area just across the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Mount Pisgah Hike
The Mount Pisgah hike is a moderately difficult hike with approximately 700 feet of elevation gain and some steep sections.
Mount Pisgah Trailhead
The trailhead is at the end of the Mount Pisgah Parking Area. You’ll see a large information sign here.
Hike to the Summit of Mount Pisgah
From the parking lot, the trail dives into the woods with relatively little elevation gain for the first half mile. After a half mile, you will reach a ridge that climbs up to the peak of Mount Pisgah.
You will climb a relatively steep section along this ridge. Near the summit, you will hike around a few switchbacks before spotting the tower through the trees at the summit.
Once you emerge from the woods you will be on the rocky mountain top. This is where you will see the communications tower straight ahead and the observation deck on the right.
From the observation deck, you will have long-range views in every direction, only obstructed by some vegetation and the tower in spots. The elevation at this point is 5,721 feet.
Know Before You Go
This is a popular hike so try to arrive early during peak seasons.
Do not attempt to climb the tower at the peak of Mount Pisgah.
Check to make sure the Blue Ridge Parkway is open at Mount Pisgah. It closes for inclement weather for much of the winter.
Other Things To Do Nearby
There are several fun things to do near Mount Pisgah. Most are listed in our Blue Ridge Parkway day trip itinerary. That’s a great resource for planning an adventure day in the area!
Pisgah Inn is very close to the trailhead. It’s an excellent stop for views, restrooms, and snacks. If it’s a hot day, plan to grab an ice cream in their market shop and enjoy it in the shade.
If you aren’t afraid of heights, check out Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower. It’s just 5 minutes down the Parkway (you’ll pass Pisgah Inn on the way.) The trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back and takes you to a 70-foot fire tower from the 1940s. It’s no longer in service but it was made available for the public to access and climb. The views are worth it!
For more adventures, continue heading south on the Parkway to Graveyard Fields, Devil’s Courthouse, Black Balsam Knob or the Sam Knob trail. All are located along the Blueridge Parkway, with the last 3 offering excellent views.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Mount Pisgah Trail is 2.4 mile out-and-back trail from the parking lot trailhead to the summit of Mount Pisgah.
Mount Pisgah is a good hike for children with experience hiking. Be prepared to carry younger kids as there is a strenuous ascent up the mountain with some scrambles. And bring snacks because you’ll want to spend a bit of time at the summit to let your kids rest before hiking back down.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Mount Pisgah Trail. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
There is a Mount Pisgah Parking Area located at the trailhead for the Mount Pisgah Trail just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
No, there are no restrooms directly at the Mount Pisgah Trailhead. There are restrooms nearby at Pisgah Inn and the Mount Pisgah Picnic Area.
Mount Pisgah is located at milepost 408.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
