Pink Beds Picnic Shelter

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. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (828) 866-3437. 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.