Moore Cove Trail
0.7 mi - Easy - This is a good family hike, and one of the most popular hiking trails in the Pisgah District. The first 150 feet of the trail are moderate, but the grade becomes easy for the remainder of the walk. You will cross the creek three more times on good footbridges. A couple of places on the trail may become muddy after a rain, so wear appropriate footgear. Along the trail you may find a wide variety of wildflowers, such as Showy Orchids, Pink Lady’s Slipper, Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Dwarf Iris. You will also walk past large Yellow Poplars, which are the most common tree in a cove forest. The trail ends at the observation deck in front of Moore Cove Falls, which drops 50 feet over a cave-like rock outcropping. The trail does not go beyond the falls. Do not attempt to hike to the top of the falls, or the area upstream of the falls; doing so is dangerous and can cause significant environmental damage. Accessing the cave-like area behind the falling water is not recommended. The wet rocks are slippery and dangerous.
Approximate Elevation Change: 250 feet
Blaze: Yellow
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Year-round
Hiking Trail: foot traffic only.
Address: 1600 Pisgah Highway Pisgah Forest , NC 28768
Phone: (828) 877-3265
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
Trailhead/Starting Points
Cross the stream via the footbridge and follow the yellow blazes (tree markings).
Directions
From the Pisgah District Ranger Station/Visitor Center parking lot, turn right (north) onto US 276, and proceed 5 miles (one mile north of Looking Glass Falls). Slow as you approach a stone highway bridge with an adjoining wooden footbridge and a bulletin board with a “MOORE COVE” sign. Park on the paved right shoulder; there is room for approximately 18 cars—please park diagonally.
Additional Information
Operated By
US Forest Service
