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Brevard Adventure Expert: D.D. Bullwinkel’s
50 South Broad Street, Brevard, NC
828-862-4700 || ddbullwinkels.com
Moore Cove Falls (Pisgah National Forest): This hike is understandably
one of the more popular in Pisgah. A short hike (just under 1.5 miles round trip) on a
well-marked trail provides access to this 50’ waterfall. Suitable for young kids and less
experienced hikers, the trail has some fun features like creeks and boulders to explore.
Although the destination free-falling waterfall is pretty spectacular, the most awesome
aspect of Moore Cove is the expansive dry cave that is behind the falls. The viewing
platform offers a stable area of footing and perfect views of the falls and cave, while the
shady cavern under the protruding rocks provides a unique experience from behind the
veil of water and offers opportunities for soaking up the damp spray to cool off on a hot
day. Directions from Brevard: Take NC-280 East. Take a left onto US-276 West into
the main entrance for Pisgah National Forest. Proceed on US-276 for 6.8 miles to the parking
area on the right, just before the highway crosses a prominent stone bridge.
Sliding Rock (Pisgah National Forest): This incredible adventure is
consistently ranked as one of the best swimming holes in the U.S. and, as a result, draws
big crowds during summer months.We can’t blame them though, as the sloping waterfall
creates a natural waterslide that is a lot of fun. Sliding Rock has a gentle slope and ends
in a large, deep pool at the bottom, making a ride from the top a fun adventure that isn’t
to be missed during a summer visit to the area. Directions from Brevard: To get
to the Sliding Rock recreation area travel north from the intersection of U.S. Highway 276
approximately 7.7 miles to the parking area on the left ($2 entry fee per car). Other options
nearby include Moore’s Cove Falls and Looking Glass Falls, both beautiful waterfalls worth
checking out when in the area.
Cove Creek (Pisgah National Forest): A good mix of road bed and
trail – Cove Creek is suitable for the novice hiker, yet even the avid outdoor person will
enjoy the territory. If 2.5 miles round trip is 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 at the intersection with Cove Creek Trail and 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 one lane
bridge.The gated road to begin the hike (and into the group camp area) is on the right.
DuPont Waterfalls (Cedar Rock): When it comes to outdoor
recreation in the Brevard area, there are few things more enticing than going to
explore one of the many beautiful waterfalls found in the region. In fact, there are few
places anywhere with more amazing waterfalls in close proximity than in DuPont
State Recreational Forest.
One favorite excursion is the trifecta of Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls –
which can all be easily accessed in one outing on trails from the Hooker Falls parking
lot. Starting out towards Triple Falls, it’s barely a mile before you’ll be graced with
the views of the three tiered falls. Hike the wide trail another 3/4 mile to reach the
bottom of the 150’ cascade of High Falls. Once you soak up a little spray, make the
return trip back the way you came. If you want to catch some rays, take a little dip
in the river, or picnic on the rocks. After you pass Triple Falls again and make it to
the bottom of the hill, look for the trail that cuts back to the right following the river
along the rocks. Hooker Falls is a 1/2 mile beyond the parking area following the
Little River downstream. During the summer, this area is a hotspot for swimming,
picnics, and fishing, so be sure and get an early start if you want to beat the crowds.
Directions from Brevard: From the intersection of Highway 64/276/280 in
Pisgah Forest, take Highway 64 towards Hendersonville.Take a right on Crab Creek Road
and follow to a right on DuPont Road (the road name change to Staton Road before you
reach the parking lot). Park in the Hooker Falls parking lot on the right.
Explore The Brevard Greenway: For those looking for a great place to walk,
bike or stroll, the Brevard Greenway is a great option. This paved path traverses 5 miles
between Brevard and Pisgah Forest, but once it ent \