Hike Moore Cove Falls — Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina

What to bring

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What to Expect

Moore Cove Falls is a 50-foot waterfall you can walk behind, and it’s 1.5 miles round trip on a flat-ish forest path. That’s the whole pitch, and it delivers. The falls pour over a rock overhang creating a curtain of water you can step behind on a dry rock ledge — a genuinely cool experience that most short family hikes don’t offer. The spray keeps things cool even in summer and the overhang frames the view back out through the falling water.

The trail starts from a small pullout on US-276 near the more famous Looking Glass Falls, about 3 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the parking area you follow a narrow creek-side path through second-growth forest, crossing a footbridge partway in. The grade is gentle — maybe 150 feet of total gain — and the footing is good except near the falls where the spray makes everything slick. The water behind the falls is shallow but the rocks are coated in algae; watch your footing if you’re going behind.

This is a legitimately good short hike that doesn’t get the attention it deserves because Looking Glass Falls is half a mile down the road and draws all the attention. Looking Glass is impressive but you can’t walk behind it. For families with young kids or anyone who wants a quick forest walk with a waterfall payoff, Moore Cove is better than its low profile suggests.

Difficulty

Easy. 1.5 miles round trip with minimal elevation change. Appropriate for all fitness levels and most ages. The only technical bit is the slick rock near the base of the falls — take care there, especially with kids. The path is narrow in spots but never exposed or dangerous.

Best Time to Go

Spring runoff (March through May) gives you the highest water volume and the most impressive curtain. Summer is popular with families for the spray and cooling effect — arrive before 10 AM to avoid crowds on weekends. Fall has a nice atmosphere with leaves on the trail though water flow is lower. Winter can be stunning if there’s ice forming on the overhang, but the trail gets icy and footwear matters.

Before You Go

The trailhead pullout is on US-276, about 3 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway and a mile north of Looking Glass Falls. It’s easy to miss — watch for a small gravel pullout on the right heading south with a trail sign. Parking is limited to maybe 8 cars; overflow is on the road shoulder. No fee, no permit. No restrooms at this trailhead specifically, but Looking Glass Falls picnic area a mile south has facilities. About 32 miles from Asheville.

Best Hiking Season

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