Cove Creek Falls is a 50-foot waterfall in Pisgah National Forest. I would consider this a moderately difficult hike but on the more strenuous side. There are several steady, uphill climbs with lots of twists on rough terrain. It can be done in on 2-mile loop or 4-mile loop trail.
It is located off Forest Road 475 (FR 475) near the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and State Fish Hatchery and the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. Pass the wildlife education center and continue for about 2 miles on FR 475 until you reach the small parking area on your left. This is right where the pavement stops on FR 475.
From the parking area, cross the road, and start on Forest Road 809 (FR 809). At the start of FR 809, a large information board is on the right and a sign for Cove Creek Group Camp is on the left. There are two major creek crossings and some minor crossings. The major crossings have bridges, although they are slightly off the main trail. At the first creek crossing, turn right to reach the footbridge.
Shortly after crossing this bridge, there are a couple of spur trails to your right down to the creek. On one of these (about two-tenths of a mile into the hike) there is a great view of a small cascade.
Then, right before the group camping area, turn left on the Caney Bottom Trail, which has blue blazes. Not long after, you will cross a small creek to your right. After a quarter mile, you will hit the intersection for Cove Creek Trail (yellow blazes). Follow Cove Creek straight for 1/3-mile. You will see a “Cove Creek Falls” sign – turn right. The waterfall is downhill from the sign.
Cove Creek Falls
You will pass several spur trails on your left until you find a steep, rhododendron-covered trail to the middle of the falls. A large flat stone makes a nice landing to watch the cascade. Just be careful as it can be very slippery.
Continue downhill until you find a more-defined spur trail to the base of the waterfall. This is an easier, smoother path than the one to the middle of the falls. Several large rocks make good resting spots to enjoy nature.
Continue downstream to meet back up with the blue-blazed Caney Bottom Trail. This way is much flatter than returning uphill the way you came. You will follow the creek until you reach a primitive camp site and see Caney Bottom to you right.
After hitting the group camping area, cross to the gravel road (FR 809) and return to the parking lot. You will pass by another group camp and the sign for Caney Bottom and Cove Creek Falls trails on your right.
Nearby waterfalls include Daniel Ridge Falls, Slick Rock Falls, Discovery Falls, Low Hollow Falls and Upper Log Hollow Falls, and Logging Road Falls.
For other waterfalls in the area, check out my list of Brevard waterfalls.
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Wonderful that you have been using the blogs for planning events! There are SO many beautiful place in the Carolinas to draw inspiration from 🙂