East Fork Pigeon River
Hike Number: 53
Area Location: Pisgah Ranger District
Trailhead Location: Big East parking area
Trailend Location: same
Hike Type: In and Out
Hiking Distance (miles): 8.5
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Range: 3,400 / 4,200
Total Elevation Gain: 1,200
Total Elevation Descent: 1,200
Route Map: .\Hiking\Maps\0053.pdf
Route Profile: .\Hiking\Profiles\0053.pdf
Download GPX track: .\Hiking\Download\0053.gpx
Trail Description: Hike alongside East Fork of Pigeon River up to Dark Prong, then return..
Topos: Shining Rock
Special Features: Rushing Waters
Flower Season: April-May
DriveHead: Westgate Shopping Center
2nd Meeting Place: French Broad Overlook
Driving Distance(Miles-RT): 74
Driving Directions: I-26 E to I-40 W to exit 37; take bypass around Canton, then NC 215; left onto US 276 to Big East pArking area on right side.
Notes: Wilderness area, 10 hikers max.
River views are often spectacular in winter.
Hike History: W0701, W0801, W0901, AW0904