Forest Heritage is in western North Carolina about 30 miles southwest of Asheville. The byway forms a loop drive through Pisgah National Forest. Byway travelers can begin at the forest visitor center located near the junction of US 64 and NC 280. Forest Heritage is 79 miles long and follows NC 215, US 276, and US 64. The roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. The byway is usually open year-round.
Forest Heritage scenic byway crosses the spruce and fir-covered mountains of the Pisgah National Forest. Many beautiful rivers and streams flow alongside the byway. Scenic waterfalls are seen such as Looking Glass Falls, which tumbles 60 feet to the creek below.
Adjacent to Pink Beds Picnic Area is the Cradle of Forestry in America, a National Historic Site commemorating the birthplace of scientific forestry and forestry education in America. The area offers a visitor center with exhibits and historical film, gift shop, snack bar, and two interpretive trails. The one-mile paved Biltmore Forest School Campus Trail leads visitors to reconstructed and restored buildings used by forestry students at the turn of the century. The other trail, Forest Festival Trail, features early 1900s exhibits including a 1915 Climax logging locomotive and a steam-powered sawmill. The historical site is open May through October from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Campgrounds along the byway provide the perfect spot for staying overnight or longer. Davidson River Campground has 161 sites for tents and RVs. It is recommended that reservations for a campsite be made at least two weeks in advance. Sunburst is a smaller camp-ground situated on the banks of the West Fork of the Pigeon River; there are ten sites available. The White Pine camping area is a group campground that can accommodate groups of 25 or less.
Be sure to stop by Sliding Rock, a natural 60-foot smooth rock waterslide. You can watch others slide into the pool of cold water or take part in the activity.