Big East Fork
Canton, North Carolina
| Address: | Big East Fork Pisgah, Cruso Rd, Canton, NC 28716, USA |
| GPS: |
35°21'52.5"N 82°49'1.9"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | North Carolina |
Backpack, Hike, Kayak, and Swim
Big East Fork is a trail along Pigeon River with a variety of activities available. This trail travels through heavy forest along the river with beautiful, clear water. There are several waterfalls throughout this hike, and the river varies from white rapids to calm pools. The variety of water depths and speeds along Big East Fork provide perfect kayaking conditions as well as pristine swimming holes. Swimming and kayaking are both done at your own risk.
Camping is allowed in Big East Fork, with several perfect campsites available. These campsites are natural, with no amenities, so campers should carry everything they might need with them.
Big East Fork in the Pisgah National Forrest is a beautiful place to visit year round. With its opportunities to cool off in the hot summer and enjoy the stunning colorful leaves in the fall, Big East Fork makes a perfect destination any time of year.
More Information
Meanderthals | Big East Fork Trail, Shining Rock Wilderness
he southeast corner of Shining Rock Wilderness is filled with rivers, creeks and streams tumbling down from the mountains that rise above 6000 feet in the high country. Included among these waterwa…
https://internetbrothers.org/2012/07/28/big-east-fork-trail-shining-rock-wilderness/National Forests in North Carolina : Recreation
Find and Discover Recreation Sites and Trails in National Forests in North Carolina
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/recreationSwimming holes to beat the heat | Outdoors | themountaineer.com
With the full heat of summer bearing down upon us, finding ways to cool down become a priority. Air conditioning is great, but it
https://www.themountaineer.com/outdoors/swimming-holes-to-beat-the-heat/article_f027cbf0-6afa-11e7-9de6-bb58696c76ca.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Canton, North Carolina
- Head northwest on Park St toward Church St (36 ft)
- Turn left at the 1st cross street to stay on Park St (0.3 mi)
- Turn left onto Sorrells St (404 ft)
- Continue onto Pisgah Dr (0.4 mi)
- At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto NC-110 S/
Pisgah Dr (5.0 mi) - Turn left onto US-276 SDestination will be on the right(11.7 mi)
Other Swimming Holes, Hiking Trails, Kayaking Areas, and Backpacking Trails Nearby
Pilot Cove Loop Trail
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
2.3 miles EA short 1.8-mile singletrack loop in Pisgah Forest with steep, tight turns and one of the best ridge views in Pisgah National Forest.
Hike, Mountain Bike
Skinny Dip Falls
Brevard, North Carolina
3.1 miles SA cascading waterfall with multiple clear pools for wading and swimming, a 6-foot jumping spot, and an easy 3/4-mile forested walk from the Blue Ridge Parkway — swimmers should mind fast water and slippery rocks.
Hike, Swim 0.2-2.8 mi
Graveyard Fields
Brevard, North Carolina
3.5 miles SWTwo cascading waterfalls — a swimmable Lower Falls just 1/3 mile from the road, and a more challenging Upper Falls on a 3.5-mile wildflower loop — make this a must-see hike.
Hike, Swim
South Mills River Trail
Canton, North Carolina
4.3 miles EAn easy out-and-back following the South Fork Mills River with several swinging bridge crossings leading to the historic Cantrell Lodge site — with a steep, technical river-access option.
Hike, Mountain Bike
Cove Creek Tubs
Brevard, North Carolina
5.4 miles SThree perfectly rounded pot holes — the Pisgah Forest's finest — stack up to 12 feet deep in sun-drenched pools that are best described as nature's own jacuzzi collection.
Swim
Looking Glass Falls
Brevard, North Carolina
5.5 miles SEA cascading 60-foot waterfall over mossy stone with a wading pool below — just a short, beautiful walk from Pisgah Highway in Brevard, stunning in any season.
Hike, Swim 0.1 mi
Looking Glass Falls
Brevard, North Carolina
5.5 miles SEOne of North Carolina's most popular and accessible waterfalls — the 60-foot Looking Glass Falls drops roadside along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway in Pisgah National Forest, with easy viewing from the parking area or a short walk.
Swim 7.1 mi
Daniel Ridge Loop
Canton, North Carolina
5.5 miles SA classic short Pisgah loop with moderate technical riding, a rocky downhill roller coaster, two waterfalls, and multiple route options to tailor the adventure.
Hike, Mountain Bike 3.1-4.3 mi
Farlow Gap
Canton, North Carolina
5.6 miles SOne of Pisgah's most technical downhills — a minefield of boulders dropping 2,000 feet in 3 miles, best ridden as part of the Fish Hatchery loop.
Hike, Mountain Bike
Whaleback Swimming Hole
Asheville, North Carolina
5.7 miles SA horseshoe of massive bedrock around a deep, green swimming hole where Cove Creek meets the Davidson River — locals' quiet answer to crowded Sliding Rock.
Swim 0.8 mi
Daniel Ridge Falls
Brevard, North Carolina
5.7 miles SAn easy half-mile hike in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard to a 150-foot waterfall known by three names — most impressive after rain, modest in dry spells, with an optional 4-mile loop to the top.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
Butter Gap / Trail #123
Brevard, North Carolina
5.7 miles SButter Gap Trail in Pisgah Forest climbs about 1,000 feet and connects to FS 471D — the western fork is open to mountain bikes, with seasonal bike access on part of the route.
Hike, Mountain Bike 1.8 mi
Flat Laurel Creek
5.8 miles SW
A 3.18-mile multi-use trail following Flat Laurel Creek through colorful rock formations and forest, with distant views of Sam Knob and a small waterfall — open year round.
Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike, Swim
Coontree Recreation Area
Brevard, North Carolina
6.0 miles SEA scenic picnic area on the Davidson River with direct access to calm, deep water for swimming and fishing — plus the 3.7-mile Coontree Loop Trail through Pisgah National Forest.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
Sunburst
Canton, North Carolina
6.9 miles WSunburst is a refreshing mountain getaway along the West Fork of the Pigeon River in North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest, tucked into the high, forested country south of Canton and...
Swim
Avery Creek / 327
Brevard, North Carolina
7.7 miles SEClassic Pisgah-style singletrack: 3.2 miles of rutted, technical descent from a four-way junction with stream crossings, muck, and hidden flowy sections under a massive tree canopy.
Hike, Mountain Bike
North Slope
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
7.7 miles SEA seasonal mountain bike trail near Pisgah Forest open only October 15 to April 15, with impossible climbs, river sections, great mountain views, and tricky roots and bridges on the descent.
Hike, Mountain Bike
Courthouse Falls
7.8 miles SW
A gorgeous 45-foot waterfall streams into a stunning blue-green pool in a greenery-covered cliff cove — just a 3/4-mile easy hike from the parking lot, open year-round.
Hike, Swim
Thrift Cove
Brevard, North Carolina
7.8 miles SEAbout 750 feet of elevation, red-blazed trail through Thrift Cove, and five back-to-back jump whoops that are among the best you'll find anywhere — worth lapping repeatedly.
Hike, Mountain Bike
Davidson River Campground
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
7.9 miles SEA year-round campground in Pisgah National Forest just four miles from Brevard and less than an hour from Asheville, with shaded loops, hiking trails, waterfalls, and fishing spots nearby.
Camp, Hike, SwimNearby Campsites
Davidson River Campground
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
7.9 miles SEA year-round campground in Pisgah National Forest just four miles from Brevard and less than an hour from Asheville, with shaded loops, hiking trails, waterfalls, and fishing spots nearby.
Camp, Hike, Swim
Mt. LeConte Lodge
Sylva, North Carolina
25.1 miles WThe highest guest lodge in the eastern United States at 6,400 feet, with spectacular Smokies views from an open glade just below the Mt. LeConte summit in Great Smoky Mountains NP.
Camp, Hike, Horseback, Rock Climb
Rocky Bluff
Hot Springs, North Carolina
34.5 miles NRocky Bluff is a tranquil mountain getaway in the Pisgah National Forest near Hot Springs, North Carolina, where a wooded campground sits beside the lovely Spring Creek just a few miles south of...
Camp, Hike, Swim
Cosby Campground
Cosby, Tennessee
34.9 miles NWCamp and Swim near Cosby, Tennessee
Camp, Swim
War Woman Dell Wildlife Management Area
Clayton, Georgia
45.0 miles SWA short 0.8-mile out-and-back hike near Clayton, Georgia through a nature trail to a waterfall — good for all skill levels and accessible year-round.
Camp, Hike, Horseback
Mount Mitchell Area
Trinity, North Carolina
45.9 miles NEA family swimming area on the South Toe River near Mount Mitchell in the Pisgah National Forest campgrounds — note that the site is closed seasonally and fees apply.
Camp, Swim
