PINK BEDS PICNIC SHELTER

About

Overview The Pink Beds Picnic Shelter is nestled within Pisgah National Forest along the scenic US 276 corridor. It sits adjacent to the historic Cradle of Forestry in America and is set within a lush woodland valley renowned for rhododendron, mountain laurel, azalea blooms, and rare high-altitude bogs—giving the area its iconic name. Recreation As part of the Pisgah National Forest, the Pink Beds area offers excellent opportunities. Visitors can pair a visit to the shelter with exploring the gentle, family-friendly Pink Beds Loop Trail—a scenic 5-mile hike through diverse habitats with boardwalks over boggy wetlands, creek crossings, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The surrounding area is ideal for other types of recreation including fishing, horseback riding, and swimming. In addition, visitors are just steps away from the Cradle of Forestry in America, a historic site celebrating the birthplace of modern forest conservation. The Cradle of Forestry offers an indoor museum, paved hiking trails, outdoor exhibits, theater, cafe, and a gift shop. Facilities The area has a flush toilet restroom, 21 picnic tables, grills, an old Civilian Conservation Corps gazebo, and this large shelter. The parking area is a paved lot utilized for both Pink Beds Picnic Area and Pink Beds Loop Trailhead. Natural Features Named for the rhododendron, mountain laurel and azalea that bloom in spring and summer, the Pink Beds Picnic Shelter is renowned for its scenic forest setting and small stream nearby. At an elevation of 3,280 feet, it is appealing to visitors for its relatively flat valley which sustains some very large pine trees and rare mountain bogs. Nearby Attractions The area is next door to the Cradle of Forestry in America Historic Site, and four miles from both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Sliding Rock Recreation Area. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (828) 866-3437.

Around this stay

Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.

• dump station

  Dump station

  5.9 mi

• fuel station

  Shell

  6.9 mi

• grocery

  Grocery Outlet

  7.4 mi

• potable water

  Potable water

  3.8 mi

• trailhead

  Club Gap Trailhead

  0.7 mi

• attraction

  Cradle of Forestry

  0.2 mi

• recreation site

  Pink Beds Picnic Area

  < 0.1 mi

Contact & access

• 1600 Pisgah Highway · Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
• 828 877-3265