Courtesy NC Division of Tourism, Film & Sports Development, photo by Ron Ruehl.
Sights & Sounds
Activities & Interests
Pink Beds
Below Mount Pisgah near Brevard, North Carolina is a lush area of cove forests and streams known as the Pink Beds. The area is named for the profusion of pink wildflowers, including mountain laurel and rhododendron, which appears in the spring.
Part of the Pisgah National Forest, the Pink Beds area offers excellent hiking and is especially appealing to naturalists, as the relatively flat valley sustains some very large pine trees and rare mountain bogs. An easy loop trail begins on the left side of the parking area.
The elevation of the Pink Beds ranges from 2,000 feet to 6,410 feet at Richland Balsam Mountain. The surrounding area is ideal for other types of recreation as well, including camping, fishing, horseback riding, and swimming.
Visitors may also enjoy the Cradle of Forestry, adjacent to the Pink Beds loop trail.
Hours of Operation
N/A
Admission Fees
$3 per day parking fee.
Fees are subject to change. Contact directly for most current information.
Location
From Asheville, take the Parkway south to the intersection with route 276 (milepost 412). Take 276 south for 4 miles and look for the picnic area entrance on the left.
US Forest Service/National Forests in North Carolina
Pisgah District
1001 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
(828) 877-3265
Cradle of Forestry
Hwy. 276
Brevard, NC
828-877-3130
Also Nearby
- Western North Carolina Nature Center (2 miles)
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Voted "best place to take kids" in the region, the WNC Nature Center in Asheville appeals to grownups as well as children.
- Folk Art Center (2 miles)
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The Folk Art Center in Asheville, NC showcases Southern Appalachian craft and is the Blue Ridge Parkway’s most visited attraction.
- Blue Ridge Parkway (3 miles)
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The Blue Ridge Parkway is America's most visited National Park unit and is known as "America's favorite drive."
