Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
Places to Visit
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Big East Fork Trailhead is one of the main access points to the Shining Rock Wilderness Area. Today, visitors hike and backpack to find solitude, recreation, challenge and scenic beauty.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: The trailhead marks the north end of the byway.
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This All American Road managed by the National Park Service traverses the backbone of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with a section traveling through the Pisgah Ranger District. The views allows visitors to get a high-elevation view of the forest’s current landscape. The route is also a traveling turning point: turning north leads to Mt. Pisgah and Asheville; going south will take you to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Location: From the Pink Beds Picnic Area, turn north on the byway and continue for 3.6 more miles. There will be directional signs for the Blue Ridge Parkway in advance of the intersection. Travelers don’t have to stop or turn off, you can continue under the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge and keep going on the byway.
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Named for a Revolutionary War soldier, Brevard is a community within the forests of North Carolina.
Distance from byway: 3 mi / 4.8 km Travel time: 5 minutes Directions: Head southeast to the intersection of U.S. Highway 276/64 and U.S. Highway 280. Turn right onto U.S. Highway 276/64 and continue for 3 miles into the town of Brevard.
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This picnic site offers another great way to experience the river and reflect on the importance it played in the area’s early settlement. Coontree includes accessible restrooms and opportunities for hiking and fishing. This outdoor location is available year-round from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Located on the west side of U.S. 276, 4.7 miles north of beginning of the southern end of the byway.
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Cradle of Forestry in America (NC)
The Cradle of Forestry is the site of the first forestry school in America – the Biltmore Forest School, founded in 1898 by Dr. Carl Schenck, chief forester for George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Located on the east side of U.S. 276, 11 miles from the southern byway entrance.
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Davidson River Campground (NC)
This popular campground upstream from the historic Davidson River Mill site offers another great way to experience the river. Hiking trails, fishing streams, and overnight camping with interpretive programs are available here. Sites, restrooms and shower facilities are accessible. This campground is open year round.
Location: Located on the west side of U.S. 276, 1.1 miles from the beginning of the southern end of byway.
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This interpretive pull-off location marks the site of homesteads from the early 1900s.
Location: Located on the east side of U.S. 276, 2.0 miles from the southern border of the Pisgah National Forest.
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Davidson River Mill at the Sycamore Flats Picnic Area (NC)
The picnic area, named for all the sycamore trees in the area, is located on the Davidson River. This site was especially important to the community settlement in 1788.
Location: The Davidson River Mill is on the west side of U.S. 276, 0.3 miles from the beginning of the byway.
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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.
Location: Located on the south side of U.S. 276, 1.7 miles from the southern border of the Pisgah National Forest on US 276.
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Forest Heritage Scenic Byway Roadside Pulloff (NC)
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.
Location: On the north side of U.S. 276, 0.2 miles west of the southern entrance to the Pisgah National Forest.
