Mount Pisgah Picnic Area

Mount Pisgah Picnic Area

NPS Photo / Laura White

Quick Facts

Location:

Milepost 407.8

Significance:

Picnic Area

Amenities

7 listed

Grill, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Seasonal, Toilet - Flush, Water - Drinking/Potable

The Mount Pisgah Picnic Area is quietly tucked on a knoll across the Parkway from the Mount Pisgah trailhead parking lot and and just down the road from the Pisgah Inn. It offers day trippers the opportunity to stop and enjoy a break. It also affords cool temperatures in the heat of summer as it is at an elevation of almost 5,000 feet, where temperatures can be 10 – 15 degrees cooler than in nearby valleys.

The park-like picnic area is not visible from the parking lot. Use the paved walking path beside the gated driveway (the driveway does NOT lead to the picnic area) to climb up to the picnic area. A rocky trail can also be used to access the picnic area, it is located on the right-hand side of the parking lot near the grass. Mount Pisgah Picnic Area is located on a rolling hilltop. Mature oak trees surround a rambling grassy field. Rhododendrons are tucked beneath the massive oaks. All of this is combined to make for a serene and relaxing picnic setting.

This picnic area is open from late May until October. A variety of picnic tables are in full shade, partial shade, and in the grassy open area, and provide for the selection of a perfect lunch location. Folks from the area also bring their own blankets and spread out right on the grass. Grills are located throughout the picnic area to be shared by all.

Ample parking is available in the level, asphalt parking lot. Be aware that access on the paved trail from the parking lot is steep at a grade of approximately 15%. The picnic area has a short loop trail associated with the initial paved trail, continuing on a dirt road past the restroom building, turning off the dirt road into a rhododendron tunnel, then returning to the parking area. A trail at the north end of the picnic area parking lot connects to the Mount Pisgah Trail. A trail at the south end connects to the Mount Pisgah Campground.

Check the conditions of the area before you visit.