About PINK BEDS PICNIC SHELTER
Overview Pink Beds Picnic Shelter is first-come, first-served during the winter season. Reservations will reopen in early April, weather permitting. The restrooms are currently closed for the winter season. No restrooms are available at Pink Beds Picnic Area.The Pink Beds Picnic Shelter is the larger of two available shelters. It is adjacent to the Cradle of Forestry in America, a 6,500 acre historic site commemorating the beginning of forest conservation in the United States.Recreation As part of the Pisgah National Forest, the Pink Beds area offers excellent hiking trails. An easy, five mile loop trail begins on the left side of the parking area. The surrounding area is ideal for other types of recreation including fishing, horseback riding, and swimming.Facilities The area has a flush toilet restroom, 21 picnic tables, grills, an old Civilian Conservation Corps gazebo, and this larger shelter.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.
How to Get There
From Pisgah Ranger Station/ Visitor Center parking lot, turn right onto US 276. Drive north approximately 10 miles to Pink Beds Picnic Area. The facility is located along Hwy 276 (Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway) 4 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and 11 miles from the intersection of Hwy 280 and US 64 in Pisgah Forest, NC.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to PINK BEDS PICNIC SHELTER
Heading to PINK BEDS PICNIC SHELTER? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for PINK BEDS PICNIC SHELTER?
No central reservation system listed for PINK BEDS PICNIC SHELTER. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234742) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to PINK BEDS PICNIC SHELTER?
From Pisgah Ranger Station/ Visitor Center parking lot, turn right onto US 276. Drive north approximately 10 miles to Pink Beds Picnic Area. The facility is located along Hwy 276 (Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway) 4 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and 11 miles from the intersection of Hwy 280 and US 64 in Pisgah Forest, NC.
How do I contact PINK BEDS PICNIC SHELTER?
You can reach the park at phone: 828 877-3265.
References & Official Resources
