a day / 64 miles / 2 hours 7 minutes
Forest Heritage Scenic Byway is highlighted by beautiful mountain scenery and rich local history in the Pisgah National Forest.
Day 1
9:00 - 53.0 miles / an hour 46 minutes - 10:46
Named for the rhododendron, mountain laurel and azalea that bloom in spring and summer, the Pink Beds Picnic Area was once heavily farmed. The trailhead for the Pink Beds Loop Trail, an easy 5-mile loop, is off the picnic area. Come enjoy fantastic examples of nature and solitude at the Pink Beds Picnic Area.
11:16 - 3.5 miles / 6 minutes - 11:22
Resting on a half-acre plot purchased for $5 in 1860 by Reverend A.F. English, a Methodist preacher, this church was once both a school house and church to the 40 to 50 families living in the area. The aging old wooden building was rebuilt in stone by congregation volunteers in 1940.
11:32 - 2.0 miles / 4 minutes - 11:37
Forest Heritage Scenic Byway Roadside Pulloff
At this road pull-off, travelers will find an exhibit showing a map of the byway. The exhibit was constructed as a “TouchAmerica” project by contributors and volunteers taking pride in America. Stretch your legs and get ready for your day on the road.
11:42 - 3.9 miles / 7 minutes - 11:49
Stop at the Visitor Center and office for more information
about the Forest or the bway. The center features an information desk, hands-on exhibits, a short documentary, a gift shop and accessible restrooms. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. During the summer, it is also open Saturday and holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Across from the Visitor Center, the Andy Cover Nature Trail (0.7 miles, easy) meanders for through a beautiful forest where people once lived. Watch for rock walls, apple trees and spring daffodils revealing the sites of former homesteads.13:19 - 1.2 miles / 2 minutes - 13:22
This picnic area on the Davidson River is named for the numerous sycamore trees that grow along the river banks. The site was key to community settlement in 1788 when the river was harnessed to forge iron, grind corn, and mill fabric. During the Civil War, water power from the Davidson River Mill provided a vital source for iron and fabric.
The picnic area is available between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. year-round so as to allow visitors the opportunity to appreciate the surrounding beauty of the Davidson River.13:52 - 0.1 miles / - 13:52