Pisgah National Forest stretches wide, a fierce and ancient wildness just beyond Asheville’s famed waterfalls. This landscape dares you to explore deeper trails where ridges open to vast views, and quiet forest paths hum with the pulse of rushing creeks and rock formations scarred by time. While Asheville’s waterfalls remain a major draw, there’s a network of trails less traveled that showcase the forest’s vast personality — from lush hardwoods with sunlight dappled floors to steep climbs that press you against the ridge’s steady wind.

Start with the Black Balsam Knob Loop, a 6.5-mile round trip that climbs 1,200 feet along a gravelly path that pushes steadily upward. Once on the grassy bald summit, the forest’s dense fingers fall away, revealing sweeping views of the Blue Ridge and beyond. Here, wind carries the sharp scent of pine and a chill that demands warm layers, even in summer. The trail’s footing demands careful attention; loose gravel and occasional rocks test steadiness but reward with wide, open skies.

For something forest-dense and cool, the John Rock Trail gives a nearly 3-mile adventure with a 900-foot climb. The forest here leans thick and alive — moss climbing trunks and streams that dare your boots to get wet. Arriving at John Rock’s edge, the cliff’s bold face thrusts you toward expansive views over Looking Glass Rock and the valley below, a perfect place to pause and drink in the height. The trail winds through rhododendron tunnels that breathe with the afternoon light, offering shaded rest spots and a pulse of nature alive and fiercely itself.

If rugged terrain is your draw, try the Art Loeb Trail segment from Davidson River Campground. The 8.5 miles from the campground to Black Balsam Gap challenge with steep ascents and rocky stretches, demanding strong boots and focused footing. But the rewards are immediate: creeks that rush with a voice competing against the wind, forested ridges that don’t give way easily, and quiet moments on exposed summits that command respect.

Before you head out, pack more than enthusiasm. Hydrate steadily, carry layered clothing for swiftly changing mountain weather, and lace up robust, broken-in hiking boots. Start your hike early to avoid afternoon storms common in summer, and bring a map or GPS device as some trail markers can vanish into the thick forest canopy. Give attention to trail etiquette — the forest here thrives partly because hikers treat it as a guest, leaving no trace behind.

Every step in Pisgah is an encounter with a wilderness that resists predictability. Its rivers push forward with relentless energy, its ridges expose wind that shapes the soul of the forest. Taking on these trails means accepting nature on its terms, prepared but eager, conscious but curious. Beyond Asheville’s waterfalls, Pisgah’s wild spirit waits just beyond the beaten path.