A good mix or road bed and trail – Cove Creek is suitable for the novice hiker, yet even the avid outdoor’s person will enjoy the territory. Plus, if 2.5 miles round trip it’s too lax of a hiking journey, then be sure to sit and slide down the rock in the frigid river to up the adventure ante. The first section of the hike truly is just a road bed, but it parallels the creek with some lovely cascades surrounded by vibrant greenery. Just before you hit the first field, which can be reserved as a group camp site, you’ll cut into the actual trail (called Caney Bottom) on the left. When the field is open, it’s a perfect frisbee-throwing location. After a very short distance on the trail, turn right to cross a small creek then at the intersection with Cove Creek Trail, then continue straight until you reach the Cove Creek Falls trail to the right. Follow it down to the waterfall. Head back the way you came, and then at that field where you meet back with the road bed, follow the road through the field and check out the miniature “Sliding Rock” of sorts that’s on the right before returning to the parking lot.
Directions from Brevard: From the main intersection at the entrance of Pisgah Forest drive 5.2 miles north on 276 into the forest, and turn left on the paved Forest Road 475 towards the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Eduction. Drive 3.2 miles and park on the left just before the pavement ends at the 1 lane bridge. The gated road to begin the hike (and into the group camp area) is on the right.
