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Hiking Near Pilot Cove

Transylvania County and the vast Pisgah National Forest offer some of the best hiking in the United States. Containing some of the highest mountains in the East, the area is home to a diverse range of hiking options suited to hikers of all ages and skill levels. The possibilities are endless!

Hiking Pisgah National Forest

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.

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Waterfalls

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!

Children Having Fun And Balancing On Tree In Fall Woodland

Family Hikes

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.

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Mountain Views

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 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!

LOCAL RESOURCES

Red Wolf Mountain Bike Tours

Guided mountain bike rides throughout the Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest.

www.redwolftours.com/

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NCLine Adventures

Guided hiking tours, camping tours, beer and wine tours, fully-equipped van rentals, and more with customized itineraries to your needs. Also custom elopement ceremonies in the beautiful Western NC mountains!

https://www.nclineadventures.com/

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White Dot Adventures

White Dot Adventures was created to help facilitate your next running adventure. Our guides hold intimate knowledge of Pisgah National Forest and want you to have a trail running experience you’ll never forget. The places we’ll take you are the same places you’ll find us on a regular basis, even when we’re not guiding.

We don’t care if you’re new to running or an experienced mountain runner looking for a new challenge, we cater to all. Western North Carolina is home to a massive amount of trail, and we simply want to show you why we live here.

www.whitedotadventures.com

Carmichael Training Systems

A great opportunity for guided MTB adventures with top-tier athletes and coaches! Explore the beautiful trails of Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, and Paris Mountain State Park with experienced and certified CTS Mountain Bike Guides. No matter your ability level, we can craft unique half-day, full-day, and multi-day guided mountain bike tours for you. Book a trip with CTS to experience a thrilling ride and get a real taste for the stunning Brevard area MTB trails!

Carmichael Training Services – Guided Tours

The Adventure Fitness Guru

Guided mountain bike trips from an accomplished cyclist, personal trainer, and endurance athlete – Steven McHone. Personalized experiences highlight great trails and provide cycling instruction and fitness consulting, with optional yoga and massage therapy. Have fun and learn how to treat your body well!

http://stevenmchone.com/

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Pisgah Climbing School

Guided rock climbing and instruction. At Pisgah Climbing School we strive to provide access and adventure to the public in the mountains through the highest quality climbing education.

https://www.pisgahclimbingschool.com/

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Pura Vida Adventures

Full service guide company offering climbing, canyoneering, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking,waterfall tours, adventure race instruction, and paddling trips. We also provide you with an opportunity to see the North Carolina mountains through any variety of these activities over one day or a series of days.

http://pvadventures.com

Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures

Guided mountain bike trips throughout Western NC.

www.pisgahmountainbikeadventures.com/

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Pisgah Stables

Guided horseback rides throughout Transylvania County. Open seasonally April – October.

www.pisgahstables.com

The Bike Farm Pisgah

The Bike Farm is here to show you the best mountain biking in western North Carolina. We provide half, full, and multi day guided rides custom tailored to an individual or groups abilities, desires, time, and budget. All trips are private, so you will never be put with another group.

For coaching, The Bike Farm team will create a customized program based on the individual or groups abilities, desires, time, and budget. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned rider looking to break through to the next level our coaches can help you reach your goals.

www.thebikefarm.com

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Oxbow River Snorkeling

Oxbow River Snorkeling is the first company to focus on guided river snorkeling in the United States. Our mission is to provide a full scale river snorkeling adventure, while our customers create lasting memories of our ancient watershed. We have designed several tours along the upper French Broad River and its tributaries. You will see examples of different types of aquatic communities and each adventure is packed full of potential surprises around every bend! Come join us as we venture below the surface of some of the oldest rivers in the world and remember to bring your waterproof camera or GoPro! ​

http://www.oxbowriversnorkeling.com/

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White Squirrel Paddle Boards

Check out one of the coolest outdoor experiences in Transylvania County and Western North Carolina with our totally mobile company. We bring the adventure to you! Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) offers a fun, relaxing way to play on the local rivers and lakes. Our guide brings a unique and fun experience to every outing making this an adventure that is just for you!

http://whitesquirrelpaddleboards.com/

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Davidson River Outfitters

Conveniently located walking distance from Pilot Cove, this full-service fly fishing shop and guide service offers the gear, expertise, and local knowledge to make the most of your fishing experience.

http://www.davidsonflyfishing.com/

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Headwaters Outfitters

Float or fish the majestic French Broad River at your leisure! Located at the confluence of the West Fork and the North Fork of the French Broad River, this full service fly fishing shop also offers guided trips, tubing rentals and shuttle service, a taproom, and canoe/kayak rentals to complete your day on the water.

http://www.headwatersoutfitters.com/

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Pisgah Field School

The Pisgah Field School will introduce you to the unique recreational, natural and cultural wonders of Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest and the surrounding landscapes of the Southern Appalachians. Let us guide you around the original backyard and classroom of the Biltmore Estate through hikes, tours, and science-based workshops, while discovering the local businesses and charm of beautiful downtown Brevard, NC. Our staff and expert guides share an enthusiasm for this incredible area and will help to strengthen your appreciation for the natural world and our mountain heritage.

http://cfaia.org/pisgah-field-school-brevard-nc/

Blue Ridge Hiking Company - logo
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Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Jennifer Pharr Davis founded Blue Ridge Hiking Company to share her love and knowledge of the hiking and to expose people to the majestic beauty of the southern Appalachian mountains. Blue Ridge Hiking Company’s skilled guides hold a high degree of experience, regional knowledge, and professional expertise. We delight in working with beginners and revel in creating a challenge for more adventurous clients. Regardless of the hike’s duration and destination, our company values remain the same: “Respect for self, others, and the environment.”

http://blueridgehikingco.com/

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