In the late 1800s, industrialist George Washington Vanderbilt, while building his grand Biltmore Estate in Asheville, purchased Mount Pisgah and thousands of surrounding acres for a private hunting retreat for family and friends. The nearby 16-mile Shut-In Trail (a National Recreation Trail) is part of a longer route that Vanderbilt originally created for his hunting parties.

Today the area adjoining the Parkway is part of the Pisgah National Forest and is still playing host to nature enthusiasts. Equipped with lodge, restaurant, campground and more, Mount Pisgah has the distinction of having by far the highest elevation of any developed area along the Parkway. Pisgah Inn, at an elevations of almost 5,000 feet, offers views and solitude like no other place on the Parkway.

Near milepost 408.6, Mount Pisgah can be reached by a winding trail beginning at the parking area. Be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions and black bears. Both can pose a danger to the unprepared.

Pisgah Inn & Restaurant

Open from early spring through the fall foliage season and located south of Asheville, NC at Milepost 408.6, Pisgah Inn is the highest elevation lodging on the Blue Ridge Parkway at over 5,000 feet. Built in 1964, you can enjoy food and services, browse through the gift shop and country store, and rest and relax in one of the many overnight accommodations available. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served seven days a week. Access the Pisgah Inn at milepost 408.6.

Mt. Pisgah Campground Information

70 Tent Sites | 67 RV sites | 50 Picnic Sites
Other: Camping Supplies; Telephone

The Mt Pisgah campground is the coolest, most secluded, and highest Parkway campground at almost 5,000 feet elevation. Formerly part of the Vanderbilt Estate, the campground is located in Flat Laurel Gap and near the US Forest Service’s Cradle of Forestry site. Mt Pisgah campground usually opens in May. Reservations can be made for portions of this campground online.