Moore Cove Falls Hike is an easy, short hike in Western North Carolina near Brevard. The hike may be short, but the payoff is big, finishing with a spectacular and unique waterfall you can actually stand behind.
Hello friends! Happy Wednesday.
My special guest last week was my Dad! We spent much of the week touring Asheville. Since my Dad is really into walking lately, my goal was to find an easy hike that he could do with bad knees, but still had a big payoff like a waterfall or panoramic view. I found Moore Cove Falls and it delivered!
Moore Cove Falls Hike
Dad and I arrive late Friday morning into the Pisgah Forest. We follow 276 into the woods until we reached the trail head, where there is plenty of parking and a wide spot on the road.
The trail starts by going over a new and sturdy bridge.
After the bridge we reach steep stairs. These stairs are the most challenging part of the hike for Dad. However we go slow and finish without any problems. We can't wait to see Moore Cove Falls.
After the stairs, the hike evens out to a packed dirt trial. There are lots of gradual ups and downs, but nothing too crazy.
The forest is so shaded and beautiful. There are several stunning rock formations.
Dad even finds a “fancy” walking stick for assistance!
There are so many pretty wildflowers along the way. Lots of white blooms.
The trail then starts to follow a creek. We stop off to the side for some pictures.
We continue to walk with a few steeper inclines and one more set of uneven stairs. Luckily there are sturdy new bridges to help you cross the water each time.
The hike is about .70 mile and then we finally reach Moore Cove Falls.
It is totally worth the effort!
Moore Cove Falls may not be the biggest around at only 50 feet tall, but it becomes a quick favorite of mine. The light lacy water stream is whimsical and almost enchanting.
I think the best part about it is I can actually stand behind the water in the cave. I leave Dad at the sturdy platform to take pictures, and walk around the platform to the right.
The mist hitting the rocks feels amazing.
I go back and get my camera to take some pictures from the inside looking out.
The way the sun comes through the forest is so pretty.
It is one of the coolest places I’ve seen in WNC!
Dad and I get one last look before we start the hike back to the car! The total hike is just under 1.5 miles.
Looking Glass Falls NC
On our way home we stop at Looking Glass Falls! So pretty! Even if you can’t hike, you can stop and see this waterfall off the side of the road on 276.
Moore Cove Falls Hike Notes
To get to Moore Cove Falls start at the intersection of 64 (heading to Brevard) and 276. Drive North on 276 heading towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the Pisgah Forest stone entrance, the parking area is 6.5 miles. Look for a wooden sign. The parking area is before you reach a stone bridge.
From the Blue Ridge Parkway, get off on 276 and head towards Brevard. The wood sign and bridge will be on your left-hand side after 8.2 miles.
The trail is well marked and easy for a hike. However, it still involves several steep areas with steps. Use extreme caution to walk beyond the wooden platform to reach behind the waterfall.
NEVER climb or hike to the top of a waterfall. The rocks at the top are slippery and potentially fatal. Every year someone gets seriously injured or killed in this area because they hike/play at the top of the waterfall.
Thanks for stopping by today! Tomorrow I’ve put together the perfect refreshing summer food combo. It involves cucumbers, tomatoes and avocado and it tastes divine! I hope to see you then.
I’m linking this post with Wild Workout Wednesday and Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday. Thank you so much ladies for the link up party!
Your turn!
Have you been doing anything unique for exercise lately?
What is your favorite thing in your hometown to show visitors?
April says
Beautiful! This reminds me of hiking Yosemite, with all the waterfalls...but without the sticky heat of the South. But that's okay. I'm a Southern girl too, so I should be used to the heat. I love the thick, green, abundance!
jill conyers says
What a beautiful place. When we lived in CA we often hiked with the goal of finding or getting to the top of waterfalls. They mesmerize me. Is that strange :/
Have a wonderful weekend Julie.
Mary Beth Jackson says
Oh my! How beautiful! and how nice you got to share the hike with your dad! Very special! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Yes it is!! He loved it!
Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks says
That waterfall is gorgeous! And I love your dad's walking stick.
JulieWunder says
Thanks! It was a cool find. Helps with the knees on the downhill.
Jess @hellotofit says
Beautiful water falls! And you look great in that color 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thank you!! I love those pants!
Jenny @ apples & kale says
I just love your hiking pictures! Moore Cove is beautiful!
JulieWunder says
Thank you Jenny! Have a beautiful day.
Amanda says
This looks like such a beautiful hike! And that is so great that you were able to do it with your dad 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thank you!!! It was a lot of fun!
Lindsey says
That looks like a beautiful place! I love hiking and enjoying waterfalls!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Great to see you today!
sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
i
want
to
hike
here 🙂
JulieWunder says
Come on down 🙂
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
Such amazing pictures! I love the one of you in the waterfall. Hiking is so relaxing. We're so lucky to live in a place like WNC.
JulieWunder says
I know! I count my blessing often.
Annmarie says
That looks so serene and relaxing...I want to escape to there right now!!!
JulieWunder says
Come on down! The trees block the sun too 🙂
Pragati // Simple Medicine says
The thing I miss most about the PNW is hiking! Such a fun way to get out and get fresh air. I love these photos! It makes me miss it 1000x more than usual 🙂
JulieWunder says
I feel so lucky to be able to do this whenever I have a free moment! So grateful
Elaine Orr says
Looks like fun and a place my son and I could go. Tell your Dad his walking is paying off and he looks very trim and handsome. Enjoy him
JulieWunder says
I will!!! He is doing so good and that will make his day 🙂
You and your son would love it!
Kerry Bates says
Wow that looks like so much fun! Can you recommend any trails that would be good for a toddler? I have a very curious two year old boy and i would love to take him on a hike.
PS. I have been following your blog for awhile and I love your recipes. Our family favorite is your pumpkin pancakes 🙂
JulieWunder says
I do actually! My good friend Marilyn's son is a pretty good little hiker. She has been working with him since he could walk.
I'd actually suggest this hike as well as Craggy Pinnacle/ Craggy Gardens (see last weeks post)
She has says there is an easy one from the visitors center on the parkway that is pretty.
Thanks for following!! The pumpkin pancakes are one of my favorites too. We eat them all fall!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Wow! It looks so beautiful there! I keep saying I'm going to make a trip out to the Asheville area. I'll have to stop here when I do!
JulieWunder says
You totally do!! Let me know if you ever do and I'll give you some tips if you'd like 🙂
Danyelle Musselman says
That waterfall is spectacular!! Since I'm back in the Bay Area for a little while, I've been back to my old boot camp classes... they are kicking my butt!
Andrea says
I love little finds like this! A very fun morning hike.
JulieWunder says
Yes! Light and easy!! Great to see you today!
Jamie says
I've been taking a more laid back approach to exercise lately, but now that the weather is warming up, I'm hoping to start swimming a bit more. I love bringing friends to my towns beach... I live super close and it's a great way to relax and spend a day outside!
JulieWunder says
That does sound like a great way to spend the day! As much as I love the mountains, I miss the beach 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
ooh so pretty. I love those wooden bridges. I can't wait to do some hiking next week in Hawaii
JulieWunder says
You are going to LOVE it!!!!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
This looks so beautiful!! I love a good waterfall especially if you can stand behind it.
I would love to see some more of your tips on hiking too : )
JulieWunder says
Oh!!! Great post idea!! Thanks girl!!! 🙂
Blane Sherer says
Beautiful pictures of the falls and of the hiking trails.
Glad you were able to spend that time with your dad. I know this coming weekend is Father's Day but I'm sure your dad will feel that this past weekend was his Father's Day.
JulieWunder says
Thank you!! Such a pretty place.
Jenny says
How fun! I've never been to Moore Cove--we'll have to check it out. And it's not exercise at all, but I love taking visitors on a LaZoom tour. Soooo Asheville. 🙂
JulieWunder says
yes! So Asheville! SOOOOO funny!!! I still need to do the pub-cycle though!
Jenny says
Me too!