Vacation 2014: Vacation 2014, Davidson River National Forest Service Campground, Pisgah Forest, NC

Mount Pisgah National Forest is a very special place intend. Barbara and I stayed at Davidson River Campground for three nights and two days just outside of Brevard, NC on the far western side of the state. Davidson River Campground is a nice place to stay alongside the Davidson River in the Pisgah National Forest where tubing, mountain biking and hiking to water falls in the area are the main attractions. Electric sites are on a first come first serve basis so plan on making reservations early as this park fills up quite quickly in the summer time. We dry camped our first day and put are names on a list to get into the one of the electric sites and were offered one on our second day. We decided not do so as we would have had to tear down our camp making it not worth it for such a short time. However if you plan to stay longer then us the chances are good that you can get electric as long as you put in for a request for one when you arrive. We have over the years dried camped many times as this is the best way to see our national parks as most do not have electric and water at the site. It has always been the best way for us to see the National Parks by staying on site and enjoying the many benefits of being in the park.

Our Campsite at Davidson River Campground

Davidson River near our campsite

Swim hole at Davidson River Campground

Pisgah National Forest is known for its many facilities that provide educational and conservational assets back to the community and nation for those who come to visit or study forestry. It is the home of Cradle of Forestry exhibit that was part of the Vanderbuilt estate at the turn of the last century. There you can walk through pristine forests that reflect the natural growth common to areas various elevations from the valleys to the mountain tops. The Cradle of Forestry has a excellent visitors center which is full of exhibits that reflect the history of forestry and the natural wildlife that makes its home here.

Earnest, Candle Stick Craftsman, Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah Nation Forest

Logging Train Locomotive exhibit

Interactive Forest Helicopter Exhibit at Visitors Center

Ranger Dwelling, Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah National Forest

Steam powered saw mill exhibit

Cantrell Creek Lodge, Cradle of the Forest

Rock House Lodge, Cradle of the Forest

Commissary, Cradle of the Forest

. Not far down the road you can also visit the Nation Forest Service Wildlife exhibit and the east coasts biggest fish hatchery adjacent to it. Most of the fish raised here are mountain trout which are released into the rivers that support them all up and down the east coast.

Pisgah National Forest Center for Wildlife Education and Fish Hatchery

Captain John Rock statue for honoring the CCC

National Forest Service Pisgah Fish Hatchery

Turtle exhibit at the Wildlife Center

Wildflowers

Not far from Davidson River Campground you can take a ride into the Pisgah National Forest on Highway 276 up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Not far from the cross over traveling east on the parkway you will come to the beautiful Mt. Pisgah Inn. This has become one of our favorite places to have lunch and take in the views of the surrounding forest and mountain scenery for up high. The food is excellent and the views are special with Mountain Pisgah in the background inviting those who have the stamina to hike the 1.5 miles to the top for the special 360 view of the area.

National Forest Lookout Tower near Mt. Pisgah