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Caney Bottom Trail

1.8 mi - Moderate - Caney Bottom Trail has a moderate grade with good views of streams, cascades and waterfalls. Though all streams have log foot bridges, there are several wet areas along the trail, so wear appropriate foot gear. Shortly after bypassing the upper group camping area, and approximately 0.4 miles from the trailhead, the trail intersects Cove Creek Trail (#340), which forks to the left. *The trail is not open to bikes beyond this point; bikers must use Cove Creek Trail, which is open to bikes and ends on FS 225 (Upper Cove Creek Road). After 1.4 miles, the trail ends by again intersecting Cove Creek Trail, which can be used (if one turns left) to return to the trailhead; doing so provides a loop hike of 4.2 miles total (or approximately 5 miles if measuring from the parking lot and back to it). While most people enjoy this trail because of the beautiful streams, other attractions include large wildlife fields.

Approximate Elevation Change: 400 feet
Blaze: Blue

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

TR361

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Year-round

yes

Hiking Trail: Foot traffic (Sections of trail open for mountain bike use).

Pisgah District Office

Address: 1600 Pisgah Highway Pisgah Forest , NC 28768
Phone: (828) 866-3437
Hours: Peak Season Hours (April 1-Nov. 15) -- 9 AM-5 PM daily; Off-season Hours (Nov. 16-March 31) -- 9 am-5 pm M-F (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.pisgahrd@usda.gov

Getting There

Directions

From the Pisgah District Ranger Station/Visitor Center parking lot, turn right (north) onto US 276, proceed 3½ miles and turn left on FS 475 (signed for the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and Pisgah Forest Fish Hatchery). Proceed approximately 1½ mile to fish hatchery, then 3 miles past it to the Cove Creek Group Camping Area. Park in pull out area and walk the road behind the gate 0.4 miles (toward the group camp), where the trail begins just before the Lower Cove Creek camping area. 

NOTE: Cove Creek is a fee area. Please respect the privacy of any campers by staying on the trail, which bypasses both campsites.

Additional Information

Operated By

US Forest Service

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated January 20, 2026