This trailhead is super close to the entrance to the forest, making it ideal for those short on time. At the back of the parking lot, take a left to head up away from the road for this almost 4 mile loop. The first section is an old road bed, and after short distance, Black Mountain Trail cuts up to the left. The first half of the loop climbs up a beautiful section of trail, with streams and cascades along the way. When you get to the intersection where Black Mountain takes another left up the mountain, take the right fork of the trail to continue on Thrift Cove. It levels out a bit after that intersection, before winding back down to connect back in with the road bed leading back to the parking lot. Watch for mountain bikers speeding downhill, as this is a popular bike trail too.
Directions: From Downtown Brevard, take NC-280 East. Take a left onto US-276 North into the main entrance for Pisgah National Forest. At a little over a mile, take a right towards the gated Work Center for the Forest – but park in the lot to the right of the gate.
The Adventure Collective publishes a series of outdoor adventure sports guides to adventures in Asheville, Boone, Brevard, Chattanooga, Charleston and The Great Smoky Mountains.
