Guest Author - Jessica Hoffmann
Pisgah Forest National Park is well known for camping, hiking, climbing, mountain biking and flyfishing, yet it is also an excellent place to trailrun. Trailrunning combines the serenity of hiking with the cardiac workout of running, with the added bonus of surfaces that can be much more forgiving than asphalt and pavement.
The list of equipment needed for trailrunning is quite minimal. With a pair of trailrunning shoes, some wicking clothing and quality running socks, you are ready to trailrun short distances. Although, if you plan on covering larger distances, consider carrying a small water bottle, an energy bar and a map when covering unfamiliar terrain.
As you head into Pisgah National Forest from the town of Pisgah Forest, outside of Brevard, North Carolina, there are several outstanding loops at your fingertips. Each of the following trailruns includes significant elevation gain, yet can be comfortably achieved in less than an hour by moderately fit runners. The hills truly maximize your cardiac workout without requiring long distances, which increase the impact on your joints.
Coontree Gap
Park on the left side of Highway 276, roughly 5 miles from the stoplight, at the Coontree Gap parking area, which is equipped with simple toilets. Cross 276 on foot to begin the 3.7 mile loop. By running clockwise along the loop, you run a little less uphill, so head left when the trail splits amongst stream crossings. Towards the top of the ridgeline, you will hit a T junction. Head right and take your first right to loop back through rhododendron and hemlocks to the Coontree parking area.
North Slope Trail
Park near the second entrance of the Visitor Center, on the right side of 276. Stay left along the Exercise Trail, which will quickly bring you across 276 and the Davidson River. Once across the river, head right along the river, passing the Davidson River Campground. Pass the first sign for the North Slope Trail, and head left when the trail hits an unmarked Y. You will meander uphill to the Art Loeb Connector, where you will head left along the North Slope Trail. This lovely section winds along the ridgeline, passing trillium and dense forests. As the trail descends, stay left until you rejoin the Davidson River, where you will turn right to retrace your steps back to the trail to complete a roughly 4 mile loop.
Happy trailrunning!
