Hiking To Cove Creek Falls in Brevard

Destinations Southeast North Carolina Brevard

Hiking To Cove Creek Falls in Brevard

Hiking to Cove Creek Falls, located near Brevard, North Carolina, is a refreshing journey that combines serene forest scenery with the tranquil allure of a cascading waterfall. This hike is ideal for those seeking a relatively short but rewarding outdoor experience in the heart of Pisgah National Forest. The fall itself is a stunning 50-foot cascade surrounded by lush greenery, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Adventure Guide To Hiking To Cove Creek Falls

Trailhead Location
Start your hike at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and Fish Hatchery parking area, located about 20 minutes from downtown Brevard. The Cove Creek Falls Trail is part of the broader Cove Creek Trail system and is well-marked for easy navigation. The trail is approximately 2.5 miles round trip, making it a manageable option for most skill levels.
The Scenic Trail Experience
The hike leads you through a beautiful mixed hardwood forest, with sections running parallel to Cove Creek. Along the way, you’ll pass smaller cascades and serene pools that add to the charm. The terrain is a mix of dirt paths and slight inclines, suitable for families and casual hikers. The final destination, Cove Creek Falls, features a wide, cascading waterfall perfect for cooling off during summer.
What Makes Cove Creek Falls Special
Cove Creek Falls is unique because of its accessibility and surrounding natural beauty. Unlike some crowded trails, this hike offers a peaceful experience, and the falls’ gentle roar creates a meditative ambiance. The nearby campsites and picnic areas make it an excellent destination for a day's outing.

Local Insights

Historical Context
Pisgah National Forest was one of the nation’s first national forests, established in part due to George Vanderbilt’s donation of land from his Biltmore Estate in the early 20th century.
Wildlife Notes
Keep an eye out for native birds like the Carolina Wren and other woodland creatures during your hike.

Visitor Tips

Best Times To Visit
Early morning or late afternoon in spring or fall are optimal for cooler temperatures and vivid foliage. Summer can get busier, so weekdays are better.
What To Bring
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, and carry water, a trail map, and insect repellent. A camera is recommended to capture the waterfall’s beauty.
Directions from Brevard
Take US-276 North and follow signs to Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, approximately 11 miles or 20 minutes by car.

Reviews

sabrina lester7 years ago

Beautiful hike with a gorgeous waterfall. I would call it moderately strenuous.

Visionary Assessmentsa year ago

Had an amazing time! We bought a canyoneering and white water rafting package from French Broad Adventures and it was soooo worth it! Canyoneering guides, Marz and Anya, were awesome!! (Rafting guide, John, was awesome too!!) Highly recommend FBA!!

Suzie Pressley6 years ago

The smaller falls you come to are fantastic! Cove Creek Falls itself was just ok and disappointing.....you cannot get close at all to get a decent photo due to the foliage being very thick, lots of trees. The good is....the hike is soooo worth it!! The trail is marked very well, super easy to follow, thick beautiful foliage, lots of photo opportunities, loads and loads of beautiful ferns, bridges to cross the wide sections of the creek, (good workout too). About 2 miles after passing the campground there is a great spot to sit by the creek awhile and just relax. We will definitely be going back just for the beautiful hike! Please remember waterfalls are dangerous!!!

Alex Monsrud2 years ago

Beautiful waterfall. I did the full loop all the way to the top down. The trail system is quite expansive and easy to take a wrong turn. The easiest way to get straight there is to go through both campgrounds and enter the trail near the bathroom. The hike probably would have been under 2 miles if I went that way but I got turned around and went the long way instead. Quite the workout that way with elevation gain.

Eric Spencera year ago

Medium difficulty 4.5 mile loop. If you can, make sure to take the off shoot to cove creek falls. I would say that it is high difficulty but only for about 100 yards down, but then you have to come back up to get back on the loop. The waterfall is definitely worth it though!

Hiking

Hiking To Cove Creek Falls in Brevard