Cove Creek Falls is one of Pisgah National Forest's lesser-known waterfalls, offering a peaceful alternative to some of the area's more popular destinations near Brevard, North Carolina. Reached by a scenic 2-mile loop hike, this beautiful 50-foot waterfall rewards hikers with rushing creek crossings, towering hardwood forest, small cascades, and a quiet setting that's perfect for relaxing or photography.
If you're looking for an easy-to-moderate waterfall hike near Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, or the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cove Creek Falls is well worth adding to your itinerary.
We enjoyed this hike because it offers everything we love about Pisgah National Forest—beautiful scenery, the soothing sound of rushing water, and far fewer crowds than many of the area's better-known waterfalls.
What You Need to Know |
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Location: In Pisgah National Forest, off Highway 276 near Looking Glass Falls |
Accessible: No |
Dog Friendly: Yes, but must be on a leash |
Distance: 2-mile loop hike |
Difficulty: Moderate |
Features: Waterfalls, sliding rock, Forest, creeks, wood bridges, group campground |
Directions: From The Blue Ridge Parkway, take the NC Highway 276 exit and head towards Brevard. Just after passing the Looking Glass Falls area, turn right onto National Forest Road 475 (there will be signs for the Pisgah Wildlife Education and the State Fish Hatchery). Coming from the Parkway, it's a very sharp right turn. Pass the Wildlife Center and fish hatchery (on your left). Just before the road turns to gravel, you'll see the sign for Cove Creek Group Camping. Park here. If the lot is full, you can continue across the bridge and down the gravel road a little further, where there is additional parking on the left. |
2026 Updates
As of 2026, Cove Creek Falls remains open and continues to be one of the quieter waterfall hikes in Pisgah National Forest. Unlike some areas of the forest that experienced significant long-term closures following Hurricane Helene, visitors can once again enjoy this scenic hike and its peaceful setting. As always, conditions can change after severe weather, so it's a good idea to check the U.S. Forest Service for any temporary road or trail closures before your visit.
I think that's accurate, helpful, and doesn't overemphasize Helene where it wasn't a defining event for this particular hike.
Why Hike Cove Creek Falls?
Cove Creek Falls is a great choice for hikers looking to experience a quieter side of Pisgah National Forest. While it may not receive the same attention as nearby waterfalls, the combination of a scenic creekside hike, peaceful forest, and beautiful 50-foot waterfall makes this one of our favorite lesser-known hikes near Brevard.
The hike is long enough to feel like an adventure without being overly strenuous, making it a good option for families with older children, casual hikers, and anyone wanting to enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon outdoors. Along the way you'll cross picturesque footbridges, pass a small natural sliding rock and swimming area, and spend much of the hike following the sounds of Cove Creek.
If you're looking to get away from the busier trails and enjoy a beautiful waterfall in a more peaceful setting, Cove Creek Falls is well worth adding to your Western North Carolina itinerary.
Hiking to Cove Creek Falls
The hike to Cove Creek Falls begins by following Forest Service Road 809 through the Cove Creek Campground. Although it starts on a gravel road rather than a traditional trail, the walk is peaceful as it winds beneath a canopy of trees and passes several campsites along Cove Creek.
Along the way, the road crosses the creek twice. Fortunately, you don't have to drive or walk through the water. Just before each crossing, you'll find short side paths leading to sturdy footbridges, making it easy to keep your feet dry while enjoying a closer view of the creek.
As you leave the first campground loop and re-enter the forest, keep an eye out to your right for a small cascade on Cove Creek. This spot is popular with campers during the warmer months and doubles as a small natural sliding rock and shallow swimming hole.
The road ends at a second campground clearing. The trailhead is located on the far side of the clearing, just to the left of the pit toilet. Walk across the grassy area toward the restroom, and you'll easily spot the path entering the woods.
From here, the trail closely follows Cove Creek before reaching a footbridge on your left for the Caney Bottom Trail. Rather than crossing the bridge, continue straight on the unofficial path toward Cove Creek Falls (we'll explain why in the next section). This final stretch is the steepest part of the hike, but it's short and manageable if you take your time. Before long, you'll arrive at the base of the beautiful 50-foot Cove Creek Falls.
Cove Creek Falls
Before long, you'll begin to hear the sound of rushing water echoing through the forest, a sure sign that Cove Creek Falls is just ahead. The unofficial trail leads directly to the right side of the waterfall, where you'll find the best view of the 50-foot cascade. There's even a large fallen tree nearby that makes a perfect spot to sit, relax, and take in the scenery.
One advantage of taking this route is that it avoids an extra creek crossing. The official Caney Bottom Trail approaches the falls from the opposite side of Cove Creek, where a large rock outcrop partially blocks the view. To get the same vantage point, you'll need to cross the creek. Since you'll eventually cross the creek later to complete the loop, taking the unofficial trail first means you only have to make a single crossing instead of two.
We spent about half an hour here while our kids enjoyed wading in the shallow pool at the base of the falls. It was a great place to cool off, listen to the rushing water, and capture a few photographs before continuing the hike.
Cove Creek Falls is especially impressive after a good rainfall, when the creek is flowing strong and the waterfall fills the rock face. A few old fallen trees remain near the bottom of the falls, so you may need to get creative to find the best photography angles. Even so, the peaceful setting and clear, cool water make this one of our favorite spots to stop and enjoy along the trail.
Returning to the Cove Creek Parking Lot
When you're ready to leave Cove Creek Falls, you can either retrace your steps back to the parking area or complete the 2-mile loop by continuing on the Caney Bottom Trail. We chose the loop, and it's the option we recommend since it offers a different perspective of the forest without adding any extra distance.
To continue the loop, cross Cove Creek near the large rock outcrop beside the falls. You'll likely notice a few boulders and fallen logs that others have used as makeshift crossings, but they can be quite slippery, especially after rain. We found it easier—and much safer—to remove our shoes and socks and simply wade across the shallow creek. On a warm day, the cool mountain water is a refreshing way to end your visit to the falls.
After crossing the creek, pick up the official trail on the opposite bank. A short distance later you'll come to a trail junction. Stay left, and the trail will lead you back through the forest before emerging near the campground and Forest Service Road 809. From there, it's an easy walk back to the parking area where you began your hike.
Extend Your Hike on the Cove Creek Loop
If you'd like to spend more time exploring the area, you can extend your adventure by continuing on the full 4.4-mile Cove Creek Loop instead of heading back to the parking area. At the trail junction after crossing Cove Creek, simply turn right to continue climbing through the forest.
We chose to complete the longer loop and found it to be a rewarding hike, with peaceful woods, additional creek scenery, and very few other hikers along the way. If you're interested in the longer route, be sure to read our complete Cove Creek Loop Trail Guide, where we cover the trail in detail along with what to expect along the way.
Where to Stay When Visiting Cove Creek Falls
Brevard is our top recommendation for anyone visiting Cove Creek Falls. Known as the "Land of Waterfalls," Brevard puts you within easy driving distance of dozens of incredible waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic attractions in both Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. You'll also find plenty of locally owned restaurants, breweries, shops, and outfitters to enjoy after a day on the trail.
If you're planning to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, or Moore Cove Falls during your trip, Brevard makes an excellent home base. It's centrally located and offers accommodations ranging from cozy cabins and vacation rentals to locally owned inns and national hotel chains.
