Transylvania County and the Pisgah National Forest is home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Divided into four main ranger districts, the forest covers approximately 500,000 acres of wilderness. Pilot Cove is located adjacent to the Pisgah Ranger district, with the Davidson River area being the most accessible from the property.
Whether you are looking to spend a leisurely day exploring the forest or are seeking a longer adventure covering multiple miles of trail, this area of Pisgah has a host of trails to choose from.
Experience the Land of the Waterfalls! Transylvania County is home to more than 250 majestic waterfalls. The ever-popular Looking Glass Falls is located just 6 miles away and features its own parking area, with Sliding Rock also nearby. Many trails are accessible with just a short hike, including Moore Cove Falls, Daniel Ridge Falls, Skinny Dip Falls, and Log Hollow Falls. If you’re looking for a more strenuous route to view the falls, check out Twin Falls, Cedar Rock Falls, or any of the other hundreds of waterfalls in Transylvania County!
Many waterfall hikes are family friendly, including Moore Cove Falls and Log Hollow Falls. A local favorite family-friendly destination is the Cradle of Forestry, located about 10 miles away. The Forest Discovery Center is another favorite stop for kids, with a 2 mile paved, accessible trail that features restored turn-of-the-century buildings and educational exhibits about how forestry began in the United States. Nearby is another Pilot Cove favorite: Pink Beds, a 5 mile loop trail that’s great for a half-day hiking adventure.
Looking Glass Rock is a famous landmark in Pisgah National Forest, offering breathtaking 180 degree views from the top! It’s accessible from Looking Glass Rock Trail, a 6.5 mile round-trip hike from the trailhead, located less than a 10 minute drive from Pilot Cove. For other nearby hikes with mountain views, check out John’s Rock, Bennett Gap, the Art Loeb Trail, Devil’s Courthouse, Mount Pisgah, and Black Balsam Knob. The Art Loeb Trail, named one of the best hikes in the United States by many outdoor magazines, has its southern terminus located less than a mile from Pilot Cove – the views from this trail are unparalleled in the Southeast!
Also, when the trees are void of leaves in Winter, mountain views are visible from nearly every trail. This is also the least crowded season for Pisgah National Forest, making it a splendid time to visit!
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