U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina

06/18/2026

The internet may tell you to climb that waterfall. Emergency responders would prefer you didn't…

There's nothing quite like cooling off in one of North Carolina's many swimming holes, waterfalls, lakes or rivers. These places often feel other-worldly, leaving visitors in awe of the expansive mountain scenery and refreshing water, but they also come with hidden hazards that can turn dangerous in an instant.

Before you take the plunge, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Never climb on waterfalls or wet rocks. Surfaces can be extremely slippery, even when they appear dry.
• Avoid hydraulic currents. Powerful recirculating currents at the base of waterfalls can trap even strong swimmers.
• Be cautious in deep or fast moving water. Hidden rocks, logs and sudden depth changes can cause severe injuries.
• Swim with a buddy. Never swim alone and supervise children carefully.
• Know your limits. Only enter water if you're a confident swimmer and conditions are safe.
• Wear a life jacket when appropriate. Especially in rivers, deep water or areas with strong currents.

A little caution goes a long way. Enjoy the waterways surrounding National Forests in North Carolina, safely.

Photo: Elk Falls. USDA Forest Service photo by Dana Hodde.

06/18/2026

We are please to annouce Cliffside Lake Recreation Area & Van Hook Glade Campground are fully open, including the swimming area! We can't wait to see you here!

06/17/2026

We had a gorgeous peak rhododendron season this year on Roan Mountain. Although it's often a short window, the blooms can still be seen along the Roan Mountain Garden Trail as of today!

Have you captured a great rhododendron photo this season? Share it in the comments! We'd love to see your favorite rhododendron shots from our forests.

A reminder that Roan Mountain is open to visitors and bathrooms are available for use. Remember to stay on designated trails and leave the flowers for everyone to enjoy.

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

The Grandfather Ranger District in Pisgah National Forest celebrates the completion of recovery projects connecting to Linville Falls!

The USDA Forest Service, in partnership with The G5 Trail Collective, recently finished multiple Helene recovery projects to restore access and create connectivity to the popular Linville Falls Trail System. This spring, crews completed restoration work along the access to Linville Falls, where landslides and washouts had impacted the trail.

Today, we were excited to join our partners in opening the new Linville Falls Connector Trail, which links the Linville Cabin Trailhead and the Linville Falls Trailhead off Old Hwy 105. This new, 3/4 mile, easy hiking trail through the beautiful Pisgah National Forest improves connectivity to parking, restrooms and visitor information at the Linville Cabin for those visiting Linville Falls.

Join us on the trail this summer as we continue our Helene recovery efforts with the help of our dedicated partners, contractors and volunteers.

06/16/2026

Ain't no party like a month party! Join our Pisgah River Rangers this Thursday, June 18th for our Second Annual Moth Party at the Pisgah Ranger Station and Visitor Center. This magical night is a celebration of moths and the incredible insects that light up the night. We’ll gather around a special light trap to see what species fly in, learn about their amazing adaptations, and enjoy fun moth-themed crafts for all ages.

Plus, enjoy s’mores, face painting, family-friendly activities, up-close insect discovery and more!

This free event is open to the public and perfect for curious nature lovers of all ages.

*Hosted in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service*

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

Happy Memories Monday!

Last week, we shared a glimpse of the more modern entrance portal to Pisgah National Forest and hinted at an even earlier gateway. This week, we’re stepping further back in time to the original!

Long before the stone pillars that stand today, visitors to Pisgah were welcomed by this impressive entrance arch, a gateway that made a lasting first impression. We even have this exact photo hanging in our office, a daily reminder that keeps staff curious about the stories and history of the forest we care for today.

Constructed of native stone with a sweeping arch and flanked by castle-like towers, this portal reflected the craftsmanship and pride of an era when national forests were becoming destinations for exploration and recreation. Newspaper accounts describe the arch as a community effort and a tribute, built with local support and labor. Articles tell of schoolchildren contributing their pennies to help fund its construction, giving the gateway an even deeper connection to the people it welcomed.

Atop the arch sat an eagle, wings outstretched, an unmistakable emblem of the National Forests and a striking feature for travelers arriving along the narrow mountain road into the Davidson River watershed. Passing beneath it, visitors quite literally entered Pisgah through a gateway designed to inspire awe and a sense of arrival.

As the decades passed, change came to even the most iconic landmarks. With increased traffic and the need to widen and modernize the roadway around the mid-20th century, the original arch was ultimately removed. What once stood as a dramatic threshold into Pisgah gave way to a safer, more accessible corridor for the growing number of visitors drawn to these mountains. Today, the most visible reminders are the new portal and the nearby Pisgah Gate Shopping Center, which carries the name forward.

Though the arch itself is gone, its legacy lives on in photos like this and in the stories passed down through generations. 🌿

06/12/2026

It's a great day to be back on the Nolichucky River!

The newly restored Poplar Boat Launch is open once again.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible and to the community for your patience and support throughout the process.

Stay tuned for further improvements, and be mindful of continuing construction to the area.

06/11/2026

Exciting news for rafting and kayaking enthusiasts!

Access to the Nolichucky River has officially returned with the reopening of the Poplar Boat Launch, beginning Friday, June 12.

Following months of reconstruction and repairs after Hurricane Helene, crews have rebuilt load-in and take-out ramps in addition to a restored parking area. A newly constructed stone embankment now reinforces the river’s edge, improving long-term resilience against future flooding. Nearly 15,000 tons of rock and 20,000 cubic yards of fill material were used to rebuild the site.

Construction will continue at the launch to restore additional amenities. Restrooms, picnic areas, and other features will be added later in 2026. Until construction is complete, the public should remain on paved sections of the site and stay out of construction areas.

We are beyond grateful to be able to reopen this area in partnership with the National Forest Foundation for our community and local outdoor recreation economy.

Read the full press release here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/releases/pisgah-national-forest-welcomes-rafting-community-back-poplar-0