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Brevard Adventure Expert : D . D . Bullwinkel ’ s 50 South Broad Street , Brevard , NC 828-862-4700 || ddbullwinkels . com
Brevard Biking Expert : Visit Waterfalls Pisgah National Forest & Brevard , NC www . visitwaterfalls . 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 hikers will cut into the actual trail ( called Caney Bottom ) on the left . 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 .
Coontree Loop ( Pisgah National Forest ): For a challenging 3.7 mile loop with nice elevation changes and varying micro environments , Coontree Loop is a great hike to check out . The trail begins across the road from the well known Coontree Picnic Area – where there is super fun rock to jump off into the river …. for those interested in cooling off after gettin ’ sweaty on the hike . A very short distance after crossing the road and starting on the trail , you get to choose whether to start the loop on the right or the left , and either one will give you an equally nice climb up the mountain . The top segment of the loop is an overlap with Bennett Gap trail that follows the ridge line , and offers some decent views during winter . There are creeks along this trail , making it a very dog-friendly hike . Directions from Brevard : Take NC-280 East . Take a left onto US-276 West into the main entrance for
Devil ’ s Courthouse At Sunrise ( Blue Ridge Parkway MP 422.4 )
Sycamore Cove Loop ( Pisgah ): From the parking area at the bottom of Black Mountain Trail , start up the chunky gravel and stay right to begin climbing up Thrift Cove . After some steep punchy climbing veer right onto Grassy Road Trail . Intersecting with Sycamore Cove you have two choices : left continues climbing steeply leading to a tight , technical root chocked descent finishing with a super fast section through some beautiful forest . Right is a shorter option straight down super tight singletrack where you can go as fast as you feel comfortable . The best option is to ride up again and do both !
Directions from Brevard : Head to Pisgah Forest intersection and turn left onto US 276 into the Pisgah National Forest . The parking area and trailhead for the Black Mountain Trail and Sycamore Cove Loop is on the right just before the Ranger ’ s Station .
Clawhammer / Maxwell Cove / Black Mountain Trail : Start this epic loop from your favorite bike shop near the entrance to Pisgah National Forest . Head up 276 for 2.2 miles past the Visitor Center taking the next right onto Avery Creek Road towards the horse stables for 1.7 miles . At the horse stables , take a right up Clawhammer Rd ( FR 5058 ); a double track that packs a punch ! When your lungs are about to burst , hang a right onto Maxwell Cove ( FR 5098 ). Follow this road to its end at Pressley Gap where it intersects Black Mountain Trail . It ’ s best to put it in your easiest gear as you start your way up Hickory Knob . If you can clean this climb you ’ re well on your way to becoming a true Pisgah rider ! Once you hit the top , it ’ s all downhill from there . Rip down roots , rocks and drops through one of the most rugged trails in Pisgah . Take a right to stay on lower Black Mountain Trail , a fast , flowing section that has recently been reworked by Pisgah Area SORBA . Pop out in the parking lot and take a left back on 276 . Directions from Brevard : Same as above . Avery Creek Road ( look for a sign for Horse Stables ) is 1 / 2 mile past Black Mountain Parking Area .
Cedar Rock , Big Rock ( DuPont ): Short but sweet , the
1.5-mile Cedar Rock Trail features a steep climb up large slabs of granite and tops out with killer views of Dupont State Forest . Take Big Rock trail from the top of the mountain for a fast , technical downhill over slickrock and singletrack . We recommend a loop that includes Corn Mills Shoal to the Little River Trail to Cedar Rock Trail to Big Rock Trail . This loop is about 3 miles . Dupont has many trails so we highly recommend stopping into a local bike shop for a map and more info before you hit the trails . Directions from Brevard : Turn right ( east ) on US 64 and go 3.7 miles and then right on Crab Creek Rd . Continue 4.3 miles and turn right on DuPont Road , which turns into Staton Road ( 5.3 miles ). Go past the Hooker Falls and High Falls Visitor Center to stop sign at the end of Staton Road . Turn left and park at Corn Mills Shoals lot 0.8 miles on the right .
Ride The Blue Ridge ( US 276 to BRP MP 417 ):
Climb US 276 through the Cradle of Forestry to gain scenic views of the expansive Pisgah National Forest and the site where forestry first began in the U . S . Head South to gain views of Looking Glass Rock , a towering dome of granite deep in Pisgah National Forest . For those with strong legs , we recommend making the climb up to the parking area for Black Balsam and taking in the views of the rolling mountains below before turning around and enjoying the mostly downhill ride back to Pisgah Forest . Directions from Brevard : Head
to Pisgah Forest and turn left onto US 276 . For more Brevard biking adventures , download The Adventure Collective app .