There is a small window of opportunity between now and early November to take in the beauty of Mt. Pisgah and Fall colors in the surrounding area. (Or if you can't make it this season, keep this excursion in mind for a warm summer day, since the cool temperatures of Mt. Pisgah are delightful at that time of year).
Mt. Pisgah is on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile Post 407, south of Asheville, NC. There are several areas your dogs will love.
For a moderate hike, try the Buck Spring Gap trail, about 1.5 miles one way, which goes from the Buck Spring Gap Overlook parking area to the Pisgah Inn. There are marvelous views both at the overlook and the Inn. Interesting note: On this trail you'll see a marker and part of the original foundation of George Vanderbilt's mountain hunting lodge. You'll find it hard to imagine that he trekked all the way from the Biltmore Estate to get here! (Of course, he had a lot of help.) The present-day Shut-In Trail generally follows the same path along the Blue Ridge up to the lodge site.
There are numerous other hiking trails near Mt. Pisgah, but the most adventurous is the hike up Mt. Pisgah itself, which this writer has not yet attempted! For more about the Mt. Pisgah Trail, and to access a map of all the trails around Mt. Pisgah, visit the POOCH PATHS page.
POOCH PICK: Our doggies particularly loved the nearby Mt. Pisgah picnic grove, accessible from its own parking lot. It is a lovely, large wooded area with picnic tables, outdoor grills, and restrooms. We brought tie-outs, hooked them around a table, and let the dogs enjoy their bones while we enjoyed our lunch. What a great spot!
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