The Pisgah and the Nantahala sprawl across the Appalachian Mountains in western North Carolina. The Uwharrie lies in the rolling Piedmont hills in the center of the State, and the Croatan includes forest, marsh, and beach in the Coastal Plain bordering the Atlantic Ocean. These four forests provide a tremendous variety of resources and recreational activities. There are over 1,700 miles of hiking trails, including 226 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
Many trails are also open to horseback riding and mountain biking.
Four areas are designed for off-road vehicles. A vast diversity of plants and animals provide not only spectacular scenery, but opportunities for nature study, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, and photography. Water comes both fast and slow for swimmers, boaters, and whitewater enthusiasts. Maps, publications, and information are available at each of the ten district offices, Forest Supervisor's office in Asheville, the Highlands Visitor Center, and the Cradle of Forestry. It is named for the mountain from which Moses saw the promised land.