Black Bear Encounter In The Pisgah National Forest

Black Bear Track

I was hiking in the North Mills section of the Pisgah National Forest when I spotted large paw tracks in the trail. It was obvious these tracks were made by a large animal. The tracks were not on the trail when I hiked up Laurel Mountain Trail. I noticed the tracks only went in one direction. There wasn't any sign that the animal came up the trail, turned around, and then went back down the trail.

A short distance later I came across the answer to all my questions. There on the trail about 150' in front of me stood a full grown black bear. As the bear raised its head and turned to look at me I lowered my gaze, careful not to look directly into the eyes of the large animal and backed stepped back around the bend out of sight of the bear. I did not attempt to take a picture of the black bear because I did not want to startle the bear.

I scurried back up the trail a bit, found a spot where I could see down the trail for a couple hundred feet and pondered my situation while I made sure the bear did not follow me up the trail. I was about a mile away from my vehicle. The other end of the trail was six miles back from the direction that I had just traveled. It was nearly 6:00 in the evening and dusk would be setting in soon. I could not hike the six miles back up the trail before dark so I really needed to get to my vehicle.

I thought that it would be a good time to speak to the Lord. I said, "Lord, if you put the bear far enough off the trail so that I can get by I believe that I can outrun it to my vehicle if I need to". I figured a bear behind me would be a lot better situation than a bear on the hiking trail between me and my vehicle with dusk setting in.

After about fifteen minutes I started back down the trail, peering around bends in the trail so that I would not suddenly encounter the bear and startle it. I snapped a couple of pictures of bear tracks when I got back down to the impressions in the mud. The tracks continued down the trail so I followed the bear for about a half mile without incident.

About half way back to my vehicle I could hear a loud rustling downhill towards my right. I thought the bear had finally left the trail so all I had to do was wait a few minutes for the bear to get further away from the trail and then continue my journey. The problem was the rustling sounds were getting louder, not softer. The bear would soon come out back on the trail just in front of where I was standing. I did not want the black bear to come back on the trail and be startled by my close proximity so I backtracked back up the trail to get out of sight of the bear and waited for about another fifteen minutes before starting back down the trail.

When I got back to where I heard the noise I could hear the bear uphill on my left. I gently turned my head to the left and could see the bear about 30 yards off the trail stretched out against a tree as if it was going to climb the tree. I returned my gaze to the trail in front of me and took a step forward, then another, then another, then another. My pace was picking up gradually with each step. As I got near the next bend with the bear clearly behind my I built to a gallop proclaiming 'Thank you Jesus'.

I know you are not suppose to run from a bear but I was well in front of the bear and had gradually picked up my pace. It wasn't so much now that I was running from the bear as I was running towards my vehicle. I must have glided 200' in 10 steps. The bear tracks were continuing down the trail so I stopped where I could see back up the trail to make sure the bear had not followed me and examined the tracks in the trail.

I figured that I was too far down the trail for the bear to have left the trail, backtracked through the woods then crossed the trail again in front of my path. There had to be two bears in the woods. I didn't want to backtrack back up the trail to the bear that I had just passed so I followed the bear tracks down the trail towards my vehicle. I could still see bear tracks on the trail about a half mile later when I spotted my vehicle.

I made it back to my vehicle without further incident. While I did not feel that my life was ever in danger, a charging bear towards me would have been a different situation, it was an intense experience following a bear down the trail back to my vehicle.

Say Hi to High Falls

DuPont State Park High Falls

Waterfalls can come in all shapes and sizes, from the small stream cascading over a rock face to a raging river flowing out of a cliff side. High Falls is one of western North Carolina's largest, most spectacular waterfall attractions. This towering waterfall is located along the Little River within the DuPont State Forest. For a perspective of High Falls massive size compare the glimpse of the covered bridge at the top of the waterfall to to the overall waterfall size.

The water divides into two sections as it makes its way down the hillside. A large rock protrudes out of the heart of the waterfall. This scene reminds me of a shaggy dog. The two sections of the flowing water looks like the hairy, shaggy face and the large rock in the middle of the waterfall looks like a nose. The ripple near the waterfall top would be the shaggy hair covering the eyes.

High Falls is one of a series of waterfalls within the DuPont State Park that is fed by the Little River. Other waterfalls along this section of Little River include Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Exploring DuPont State Park makes a great day adventure. All of these waterfalls are close enough to view in one day, yet far enough apart to provide an entertaining hiking adventure.

View of Little River from the Covered Bridge

The covered bridge at the top of High Falls adds character to the waterfall. From the observation area inside the covered bridge it is hard to get a perspective of the waterfall's height. The water seems to flow to a point just beyond the bridge and then suddenly vanish.

High Falls can be reached with a short hike from one of the nearby parking lots. Parking at the bottom parking lot will bring the visitor to Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, then High Falls with Bridal Veil Falls requiring a brisk hike to reach.

Waterfall viewing is just one activity for the DuPont State Park visitor. Other activities include, fishing lakes; hiking, mountain bike, and horseback riding trails; and covered picnic tables.

Thrilling Triple Falls

The anticipation increases with each step as you undertake the uphill trail towards Triple Falls. You will have undoubtedly already visited the popular Hooker Falls at the base of the hill where the parking lot is located.You adventure spirit has been awakened. The sound of rushing water can be heard from the river below. Your gaze is directed towards the woody scenery as you attempt to get your first glimpse of Triple Falls. The hill grade is steep along this section of the trail. You spot the viewing area ahead. Re-energized, you hurry the remaining distance. You have arrive

d at you destination.

From the viewing area you can see three distinct levels that comprise Triple Falls. The roaring sound of the turbulent water fills the air. The sheer size of the waterfall is impressive. This is not a small creek cascading over a few rock faces. You are witnessing a full fledged river flowing over a series of waterfall ledges. You take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.

You think about the generations of people who have stood in this very spot and witnessed the wonder that is front of you. You then take note of the others around you who are also basking in the moment. Everyone seems t be taking pictures or posing for pictures. As some leave to embark up or down the trail others arrive. it is then that you notice the wooden stairway that has escaped your attention up to now.

The stairway leas down the hill towards the waterfall. While the view from the trail was spectacular your mind is now focused on the landing at the bottom of the stairs. You find yourself standing on a rock basin with two of the waterfall levels upstream to your right and the third to your left. The rushing river is is just a few feet away from where you are standing.

The landing is large enough to share with others. The joyful sound of children can be heard at the small pool safely positioned near the base of the stairs. Again, the scene of people enthusiastically snapping pictures is evident. You feel compelled to take a few pictures too. Your visit to Triple falls has been a thrilling adventure and you will want to remember the moment. Reluctantly, you make your way back to the stairs to begin the climb back to the trail above. One last look over your shoulder and you leave the base of the river behind.

Triple Falls and other exhilarating waterfalls is located in DuPont State Park in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina between Hendersonville and Brevard. In addition to the waterfalls provided courteous of the mountain landscape and Little River, there are several lakes within DuPont State Park. 

Hooked On Hooker Falls

Hooker Falls Profile View

Hooker Falls does not have the height of Looking Glass Falls in the Pisgah National Forest not the up-close appeal of the Graveyard Fields Lower Falls along the Blue Ridge Parkway, yet these waterfalls have one thing in common; all three are very popular tourists attractions. Their ease of access and outdoor appeal draws onlookers by the droves while other equally attractive waterfalls that are harder to reach do not receive nearly as many visitors.

Hooker Falls is located in western North Carolina within the DuPont State Park near Brevard, NC. There is a convenient parking lot near the waterfall with a short walk down a gravel walkway to reach the falls. A sign at the beginning of the trail clearly identifies the way to Hooker Falls. Viewing areas are established at the top and base of the waterfall.

While Hooker Falls may not have great height, it is wide thanks to the makeup of the Little River. The lower height along with the swift current and unobstructed flow over the waterfall make Hooker Falls an exciting challenge for the kayak enthusiast. This thrill is not available at other waterfalls in the area. Hooker Falls is ideal for the active participant or casual observer. Thrill seekers will mount the kayaks near the parking area and paddle their way down Little River and over the waterfall.

Hooker Falls Front View

Visitors to DuPont State Park who enjoy waterfall viewing may want to stroll along the ravel path up river. The gigantic waterfalls of Triple Falls and High Falls are a short hike up the hill. The rushing water tumbling down the rocky structures of both these waterfalls is exhilarating.

For the waterfall enthusiast DuPont State Park also offers Bridal Veil Falls, Grassy Creek Falls, and Wintergreen Falls. These waterfalls may require a bit of foot travel to view all in one day.

Come prepared to spend the day at DuPont State Park. Covered picnic tables are available inside the park. One visit and you will be 'Hooked on Hooker Falls'.

Tackling Twin Falls Trail

Twin Falls Trail Marker

It was a gloomy, overcast 4th of July. The weather forecast called for rain which was not a surprise. It had been a wet, rainy Spring / early Summer season already in western North Carolina The morning sky seemed to provide a glimmer of hope so I set out for the Pisgah National Forest in search of a set of waterfalls known as Twin Falls.

I had already visited many of the major waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest including the popular Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock Falls; the easy to access Moore Cove Falls, Slick Rock Falls, and Daniel Ridge Falls; and the hiking adventure Cedar Rock Falls and Grogan Creek Falls. I had not yet endeavored to see Twin Falls so I decided not to let the chance of rain keep me from my quest.

Soggy Buckhorn Gap Trail

My research informed me that the trail that leads to Twin Falls is located off the gravel past the Pisgah Forest Riding Stables. A parking area on the right side of the road identifies the trail entrance. It did not surprise me that there were no other vehicles parked at the trail entrance this day. The overcast sky had kept other would-be adventurers indoors this day. A quick look at the sky and down the trail I went.

I checked the trail name, Buckhorn Gap, and the trail color identification color, orange. Patches of the trail were waterlogged but passable along the edge. The rain may soak the trail but will liven the waterfalls. I came to the first fork in the trail.The trail to the right was identified as Avery Creek Trail with a blue trail marking. The orange trail marking continued straight ahead . I stayed the course with the orange trail marking.

Footbridge Across Creek

When I came to a second fork in the trail I again followed the orange trail marking and remained on Buckhorn Gap Trail. From this point Buckhorn Gap Trail crosses the creek on a footbridge. The trail and will continue a pattern of crossing the creek back and forth with footbridges providing access for hikers and horse fords access for the horseback rider.

After what seemed to be a couple of miles of hiking I came to a trail sign identifying Twin Falls trail. I found it ironic that Twin Falls Trail is classified as 'Easiest' in trail difficulty while Buckhorn gap Trail is classifies as 'Moderate' in trail difficulty. You have to hike a couple of miles of moderately difficult trail to reach the easy trail. It is at this point that the horseback riding trail comes to an end.

Left waterfall

It was a short hike along Twins Fall Trail when the sound of rushing water caught my ears.It was hard to see through the dense summer foliage towards the sound. Soon I was standing at a make-shift campsite and could catch a glimpse of both waterfalls cascading out of the mountainside. Granted, the foliage prevented unobstructed views of the Twin falls but the sights and sounds were impressive all the same. It was time to have a closer look.

The trail led to the left waterfall. The water cascaded from high in the mountain to a gushing down spout just a short distance from the rock base where I now stood. This waterfall alone would have been worth the hike to view. I could not believe my luck. I had made it all the way to the waterfall base without so much as a drop of rain. I took a few minutes to take it in and snap a few picture.

Right Waterfall

I then proceeded to the right waterfall. While the waterfall on the right may not have been as impressive as the waterfall on the left, the Twin falls effect added ambiance to the scene. he right waterfall was obstructed by the summer foliage more than the left waterfall yet standing at its base was still an awesome experience.

The ominous sound of thunder began to crack in the skies. While it had been a pleasant hike to reach and view the Twin Falls of Pisgah National Forest the hike out was going to be a wet one. The skies opened up just as I made it back to the Twin Falls Trail / Buckhorn Gap Trail junction. The remainder of the hike would be through a downpour.

Majestic Mount Pisgah

Mount Pisgah from the Blue Ridge Parkway

Mt. Pisgah Hiking Trail

Mount Pisgah is one of the majestic marvels along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The viewing platform from the top of Mount Pisgah provides panoramic views of the mountain ranges of western North Carolina. There are no other mountain peeks blocking the 360° viewing angle from the top of Mount Pisgah.

Looking Glass Rock (another majestic mountain marvel of western North Carolina) can be seen in the southern region.

Media Tower atop Mt. Pisgah

The view from the parking lot below will provide some perspective of the mile and a half hike up the mountain side to the viewing platform. In order to reach the viewing platform the would-be hiker will have to navigate rocky, steep terrain while climbing up the 700+ foot elevation change. The hike up the mountain side will provide a good cardiovascular workout.

The access trail to the top of Mount Pisgah can be accessed near mile marker 408 along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Look for the road sign that designates Mount Pisgah Parking. This section of the parkway is a very popular tourist attraction that provides lodging, camping, and picnic access as well as overlook parking for viewing spectacular mountain ranges.

Viewing Platform atop Mt. Pisgah

Mount Pisgah can easily identified by the communication tower that stands on its peek. The communication tower can be seen throughout the entire region, calling the outdoor enthusiast to the viewing platform at the peek of the mountain. Mount Pisgah hiking trail is a fun-for-the-whole-family adventure.

View of the Parking Area from Mt. Pisgah

View Towards Asheville from Mt. Pisgah

Big Mac, Scooby, and Lazy Larry

Horseback Riding in the Pisgah National Forest

No, these are not the names of a comic trio nor is it a team of mystery solvers. Big Mac, Scooby, and Lazy Larry are the names of horses at the Pisgah Forest Riding Stables. There are other horses at the Pisgah Forest Riding Stables, but these are the horses that we rode on a horseback riding adventure in the Pisgah National Forest.

The Pisgah Forest Riding Stables provides guided horseback riding tours. Whenever a horseback riding tour embarks each person is known as the name of the horse that he or she is riding so that the tour guide can communicate with the members of the tour without having to remember everyone's name. On this particular horseback ride our guide was Big Mac, the teenage girl that I took horseback riding was Scooby, and I was Lazy Larry so for the duration of the ride we were known as Big Mac, Scooby, and Lazy Larry.

The horses were gentle and our guide was terrific. Scooby and Lazy Larry fell in line behind Big Mac as we started our adventure. Scooby stopped to grab a snack of the green vegetation. A tug on the reigns and he was off again. I guess he had to test the young rider that he was escorting. I held back a short distance and snapped a few pictures as we rode the horses along the trail.

Our guide displayed great patience as he answered all the questions of an inquisitive teenage girl. We learned that Lazy Larry can be quite spirited if need be. Lazy Larry was very lab back during our horseback ride. When Big Mac became spooked near the top of the trail our guide dismounted and calmed both Big Mac while also keeping a teenage girl calm. Scooby remained calmed during the scenario. Scooby was a great choice for a young girl on her first horseback ride.

The ride back to the stables was pleasant and uneventful. Overall, the horseback ride in the Pisgah National Forest was a great adventure. If you are ever in western North Carolina and want to visit the Pisgah Forest Riding Stables or any other attraction in the Pisgah National Forest you can find the entrance near Brevard, North Carolina.

Timber Rattlesnake Encounter in the Pisgah National Forest

I was traveling the back roads of the Pisgah National Forest looking for the trail that would lead to the top of Cedar Rock when I noticed a black stick out of the corner of my eye lying on the edge of the gravel road. I thought that it might be a black snake so I stopped the vehicle and checked my mirror. Yep, it definitely looked like a black snake lying on the edge of the road so I put the vehicle in reverse and proceeded to have a closer look.

I pulled alongside the snake, careful not to get so close that I would scare it into the underbrush of the Pisgah National Forest. As I looked at the snake it looked back at me and for a few moments we were locked in a staring contest. The snake was not intimidated by my stare and gave me the impression it would eat me up if I stepped out of my vehicle. This was not like any other black snake that I had ever seen.

This particular snake had almond shape eyes with a colorful tint around the edges. Its head was shaped like an arrowhead. I suddenly realized that I was locked into the gaze of a poisonous snake. Even from the safety of my vehicle I did not want to challenge this snake to a test of wills. I relinquished my gaze and began to look down the body of the five foot snake.The entire body was black with a crossing pattern. When I finally looked at the tail and saw the buttons I realized that this was a timber rattlesnake.

It is rare to encounter a timber rattlesnake in the wild and to come across one that is entirely black is even more rare. Timber rattlesnakes generally have a brown head and body region and change color to black in the tail region.

I grabbed my iphone5 to snap a few pictures. By this time the timber rattlesnake was bored with me and was no longer looking in my direction. I thought it best not to get out of my vehicle to get its attention again. After all, I was in its element and I wanted this encounter with a human to be a friendly one. No need to rile a timber rattlesnake if you don't have to.

I snapped a few pictures and continued on my way. Needless to say I stepped a bit more cautious that day as I walked through the woods of the Pisgah National Forest.

Wild Turkey Encounter in the Pisgah National Forest

I was traveling along a gravel road in the Pisgah National Forest on my way to the Riding Stables with a special young lady when we spotted a wild turkey crossing the road.Granted, spotting a wild turkey in western North Carolina is not all that rare, but neither is it an everyday occurrence. This was however my first encounter with a wild turkey in the Pisgah National Forest.

As I stopped the vehicle the wild turkey quickly disappeared into the green underbrush on the side of the gravel road. We could hear the turkey gobbling, but we could not catch a good glimpse of it. The wild turkey suddenly reappeared from the thicket and posed long enough for me to snap a few pictures from my vehicle with my iphone 5. I was thrilled at the encounter but I guess a wild turkey in the Pisgah National Forest is not such a thrill for a teenage girl on her way to her first horseback ride.

The wild turkey rushed back into the thicket and we continued on our journey towards the Pisgah National Forest riding stables. I could hear the turkey gobbling in the brush as we passed. I silently tanked it for the chance encounter and set my mind on the pending horseback riding adventure.

Looking at Looking Glass Rock

The Blue Ridge Parkway provides the onlooker with majestic views of mountain ranges.This scenic highway is equipped with overlook parking areas for the parkway visitor to relax and enjoy the view. The section of highway between Graveyard Fields Overlook (mile marker 418) and US 276 provides a view unlike any other that can be seen along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The onlooker travelling through this section of the parkway can look at Looking Glass Rock.

The construction workers who carved the roadway out of the mountain side must have been inspired while working this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Their labor paved the way for all who travel this way the opportunity to experience an incredible view of Looking Glass Rock. This inspiring backdrop can be seen from one of several overlook parking areas.Tourists and local residents alike will marvel at the majestic beauty before their eyes.

Looking Glass Rock is a gigantic rock rising up out of the earth.While the viewing angle from the parkway may be looking slightly downward towards Looking Glass Rock, don't let this vantage point deceive you. The height of this rock is 1500 feet from its base to the summit.The lofty heights of the rock face is the home of the Peregrine Falcon. Adventurous rock climbers also seek the heights of the rock face.

Looking Glass Rock is one of the more notable rocks of western North Carolina, other notable rocks include Chimney Rock, Shining Rock, and John's Rock. This particular rock resides within the Pisgah National Forest and is surrounded by hundreds of acres of undeveloped landscape. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides excellent viewing opportunities of Looking Glass Rock. The brilliant display of beauty beacons the would-be traveler to partake in the thrill of an exceptional viewing experience.

Land of Waterfalls

Southwest of Asheville, North Carolina lies Transylvania County, the 'Land of Waterfalls'. This beautiful landscape has most everything that mountain outdoors has to offer; gorgeous mountain views, terrific hiking trails, exhilarating waterfalls, horseback riding, mountain biking, picture perfect picnic sites, and fabulous fly fishing to name a few. Transylvania County is the home to the Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Gorges State Park, and the Cradle of Forestry. The Blue Ridge Parkway also winds its way through Transylvania County as it stretches from Northern Virginia to Western North Carolina.

Pisgah National Forest

Looking Glass Falls

Pisgah National Forest is an outdoor enthusiast paradise. Many of Transylvania's most notable waterfalls lie within the borders of Pisgah National Forest which include, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Slick Rock Falls, Daniel Ridge Falls, Cedar Rock Falls, Grogan Creek Falls, Twin Falls, and Courthouse Falls.

While Looking Glass Falls is the most accessible and most impressive, Sliding Rock Falls is the most entertaining Thousands of visitors slide down the rock into the chilly waters waiting at the bottom. Slick Rock falls and Courthouse Falls are located near a gravel parking area. Moore Cove Falls and Daniel Ridge Falls can be reached with an easy hike. Cedar Rock Falls, Grogan Creek Falls, and Twin Falls require a vigorous hike to view.

Make it a quest to visit each waterfall the Pisgah National Forest has to offer. Whether you are looking for a day adventure, weekend getaway, or an extended vacation Pisgah National Forest provides a great getaway. Each waterfall provides a unique experience. Visit one or visit them all. Beautiful waterfalls are waiting to be discovered.

Courthouse Falls

Slick Rock Falls

Pisgah National Forest also contains challenging hiking trails.

Looking Glass Rock trail is 6.2 miles round trip to the top of Looking Glass Rock and rises over 1500 feet from the beginning of the trail to the summit. The mountain range view from the top of Looking Glass Rock is breathtaking.

John's Rock is another adventure trail located within the Pisgah National Forest. This trail begins at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and rises 1000 feet. The round trip journey is five miles. John's Rock hiking attractions include spectacular views, access to Cedar Rock Falls, and lovable log bridges.

For an in depth look at Looking Glass Rock Trail [click here].

For an in depth look at John's Rock Trail [click here].

Daniel Ridge Falls

Moore Cove Falls

With so many activities to explore within Pisgah National Forest an overnight camping trip may be in order. Davidson River Campgrounds provides a more civilized camping experience with over 150 camping sites, modern facilities including hot showers, and  limited number of sites with electric hook-ups. If you prefer a more rugged camping experience here are plenty of roadside campsites to choose from. Most are ideally located along the branches and streams that feed into the Davidson River. There are no hook-ups for the roadside campsites so bring your tent and camping gear.

Cedar Rock Falls

Grogan Creek Falls

Perhaps picnicking is your pleasure. There are numerous picnic sites scattered throughout the Pisgah National Forest equipped to accommodate both large gatherings or single family outings.  Sycamore Falls picnic area has covered sheds and restroom facilities with a convenient access to Davidson River. If you prefer roadside picnic tables then Pisgah National Forest has those too. Come early and come often. Easy access makes Pisgah National Forest the ideal place to make memorable moments that will last a lifetime.