Appalachian Ranger District (Pisgah)

The Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest covers forest land stretching from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the west to Craggy Gardens on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the east and north to Roan Mountain.  The district was created in 1997 by consolidation of the Toecane and French Broad Ranger Districts and their respective Ranger Stations in Burnsville and Hot Springs were consolidated to Mars Hill.  Elevations in the district range from 1,900 feet to 6,684 feet above sea level.  The district contains hundreds of miles of trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail, as well as camping, boating and picnicking opportunities.

Areas:

Big Ivy/Coleman Boundary:

The Big Ivy/Coleman Boundary area is located northeast of Asheville and features trails, waterfalls and scenic driving.

Black Mountains-South Toe Area:

The Black Mountains/South Toe River Area surrounds Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the eastern US.

Hot Springs:

The Hot Springs Area consists of national forest land surrounding the town of Hot Springs, including the French Broad River and Appalachian Trail.

Shelton Laurel:

The Shelton Laurel Backcountry Area consists of hardwood forests, coves and cascading creeks in Madison County.

Shope Creek

Shope Creek is a day-use area just north of Asheville with old logging roads that lead past cascades and cliffs.

Waterfalls:

There are a number of waterfalls in the Appalachian Ranger District.

1. Big Creek Falls
2. Douglas Falls
3. Elk River Falls
4. Forrest Falls
5. FR-74 Waterfall
6. Roaring Fork Falls
7. Setrock Creek Falls
8. Walker Falls
9. West Prong Hickey Fork Falls
10. Whiteoak Creek Falls
11. Whiteoak Flats Falls
12. Wolfden Falls

External Links:

US Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48514