Daniel Ridge Loop Hike (Pisgah National Forest) - Nov. 14

November 1, 2024

WNC Sierra Club will be returning to the trails on Thursday, Nov. 14, for a hike of Daniel Ridge Loop in Pisgah National Forest. This trail has been declared open and clear by PNF. It will be a great hike for us to get our outings going again in the wake of Helene.

Daniel Ridge Loop follows Davidson River and then Lanning Branch uphill past many cascades. The loop then goes downhill intersecting with beautiful Tom’s Creek and the incredible waterfall there, often called Jackson Falls, followed by a short walk to complete the loop back to the parking area.

The loop is 4.5 miles and has an elevation gain of 813 feet, so AllTrails describes it as moderate. We will stop frequently along the way to admire the cascades, fall colors, and wildlife. This is a popular birding trail! We will also stop for lunch. Please bring at least one liter of water, lunch, rain gear, and extra layers. 

There will be two meeting spots:

  • Meet us at 9 a.m. in the Ingles Parking Lot at 151 Smokey Park Highway in West Asheville.  I will be in a Red Tacoma pickup truck parked a bit behind the Chik-Fil-A. After gathering and sorting out carpooling, we will then drive towards Brevard then to the National Forest. The drive takes 45 minutes, more or less.
  • You can also meet us at the Visitor Center in Pisgah National Forest, located at at 1600 Pisgah Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768. Please park behind the ranger station and plan to be there by 9:45 a.m. We will then carpool to the trailhead which is about 10 minutes away! 

If anyone is experiencing COVID symptoms, is still in quarantine after testing positive for COVID, is feeling sick, and/or has a fever, they should not attend this outing. Families are welcome! Any children should be accompanied and supervised by parents or other adult family members. Dogs will not be allowed on this hike.

Please contact the outing leader to sign up, get directions, or if you have any other questions. Ed Maggart – edmaggart@gmail.com or text/call at 828-713-0541. Be sure to let Ed know which meeting spot you plan to meet the group. We hope to see you there!!