Hiking opportunities abound right out the door if you book a room at the Pisgah Inn, or right from your tent if you’re staying at the campground, but don’t let that stop you take a drive and experience this 2.2 mi hike!
The Buck Spring Trail gradually climbs the Pisgah Ridge from the Pink Beds area of the Pisgah National Forest. It goes through the parking lot of the Pisgah Inn, and then heads north along the side of Little Bald Mountain toward the Mount Pisgah Parking Area. Before reaching the parking area, it passes the historic Buck Spring Lodge site, most of these lands were eventually obtained as part of the original tract owned by George W. Vanderbilt, builder of the famous Biltmore Estate near Asheville. Vanderbilt also constructed the Buck Spring Lodge and this trail is actually part of the Mountains to Sea Trail up to the Mt. Pisgah Parking Area. Also you could make a day of it and do the Sam Knob Loop Trail followed by the Buck Spring Trail.
Take Blue Ridge Pkwy to Black Balsam Knob Rd in East Fork
Enter from US-23 N/US-74 E in .5 mi
Turn left onto Blue Ridge Pkwy follow for 25 mi
Destination will be on the right