Mount Pisgah Viewing Platform Reopens After Significant Reconstruction

In a significant event for outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists alike, the Blue Ridge Parkway, in collaboration with the US Forest Service, the Carolina Mountain Club, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, celebrated the reopening of the iconic Mount Pisgah viewing platform. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at the trailhead for the Mount Pisgah Trail at milepost 408, marked the culmination of extensive efforts to renovate this beloved landmark.

The viewing platform, initially constructed in 1979 by the United States Youth Conservation Corps, has served as a gateway to panoramic views of the surrounding North Carolina mountains for decades. However, the structure’s integrity had diminished over time, necessitating a comprehensive reconstruction to ensure its future.

This renovation project was deeply personal for the family of Lisa Hambrick Hagebak, in whose memory the initiative was undertaken. Her love for the mountains and the Parkway inspired a generous donation to the Trails & Views Forever program, managed by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, which funded the reconstruction.

US Forest Service Director, Jeff Owenby, spoke to the collaborative nature of the project, “This project is an excellent example of the power of collaboration and partnerships. While none of the agencies, partners, or volunteers had the ability to independently complete this much-needed project, together we were able to get the deck built so that visitors can enjoy the views for years to come.”

The ceremony also featured words from Tom Weaver, Trails Manager of the Carolina Mountain Club, and Hawk Hageback, a special guest and donor, who both emphasized the community’s role in the success of such projects.

The reconstructed viewing platform stands as a testament to the combined efforts of various organizations, volunteers, and the community, ensuring that the breathtaking vistas of Mount Pisgah will continue to inspire visitors for years to come.