Top Hiking Trails to Explore Near Brevard, NC

Transylvania County is a hiker’s paradise, especially in spring. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite hikes and recommend tackling these trails in early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Some of these trails will take you to a spectacular waterfall. While everyone loves waterfalls, they can be dangerous. We’ve created easy tips to help you Be Waterfall Wise, and learn how to Be like Trashsquatch and Leave it Better. We’re passionate about protecting our woods and water. When you practice Leave It Better principles, you’re doing your part to ensure that these special places are here to enjoy for future generations.

Kid Friendly

Andy Cove Trail: This gem of a trail winds its way back into scenic Andy Cove via a footpath and several cantilevered board walks. Mid-way, you reach a cool 30-foot suspension bridge. You’ll also encounter two small streams while looping back to the Pisgah Forest Ranger Station.
Distance: 0.7 mile (loop)
Directions to Trailhead: From the intersection of US 276, NC 280 and US 64 in Pisgah Forest, head north on US 276 for 1.6 miles to the Pisgah Forest Ranger Station.

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StoryWalks: Here’s a great way to combine a walk in the woods with the written word. There are three StoryWalks trails in Transylvania County that pair up easy trails with fun children’s books.

Easy

Hooker Falls: This trail makes for a great introduction to DuPont State Recreational Forest. This short out-and-back also has a wonderful surprise at the half-way point: beautiful Hooker Falls, site of a former grist mill and a perfect spot for a picnic.
Distance: 0.8 mile (out-and-back)
Directions to Trailhead: From the intersection of US 276 and US 64 in downtown Brevard, travel south on US 276 for 11 miles. Turn left on Cascade Lake Road and go 2.5 miles. Turn right on Staton Road and travel 2.5 miles to the Hooker Falls parking lot.

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Moore Cove Falls: Cruise across small streams and alongside hills covered in ferns to this grotto-like waterfall. This hike has limited parking so remember our tip about hiking early of late in the day.

Distance: 1.2 miles (out-and-back)

Directions to Trailhead: From the intersection of US 276, NC 280 and US 64, enter Pisgah Forest heading north on US 276 for 6.7 miles to parking area on the right.

Moderate

Devil’s Courthouse: Want a hike with spectacular views? This is it. While a short trail, the climb up to Devil’s Courthouse is steep. But you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views from its iconic rock pinnacle.
Distance: 0.8 miles (out-and-back)

Directions to Trailhead: From the intersection of US 276 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, head south on the BRP to milepost 422.4.

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John Rock Trail: Here’s another great hiking workout that rewards you with an awe-inspiring view of Looking Glass Rock. We urge caution when you reach John Rock. This sloping rock face can be treacherous even in dry weather.

Distance: 4.6 miles (loop)

Directions to Trailhead: From intersection of US 276, US 64 and NC 280, enter Pisgah National Forest. Go 5.3 miles on US 276 and turn left onto FR-475. Go 1.4 miles and turn left into parking lot.

Difficult

Rainbow Falls Trail: This popular trail descends to the Horsepasture River before beginning a fairly strenuous climb to the falls. But the effort is worth it. If you’ve got energy to burn you can continue up the trail to Turtle Back Falls and Drift Falls.

Distance: 3.9 miles (out-and-back)
Directions to Trailhead: From downtown Brevard, go west on US 64 toward Sapphire for 18.2 miles. Turn left on NC 281 and go 0.7 miles. Turn left into park entrance and proceed to Grassy Ridge parking lot.

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Art Loeb and North Slope Loop: With almost 1500 feet of climbing, this loop is perfect if you’re looking to combine a vigorous workout with lots of variety – including river crossings, spring wildflowers and dense forest.

Distance: 7.2 miles (loop)

Directions to Trailhead: From the Pisgah Ranger Station, turn left on US 276 and go ¼ mile and turn right onto the Davidson River Campground Road. Start from the Art Loeb Trailhead parking lot.

Discover More

Click here to find all of our recent blogs or check out the three blogs below.

Escape the Ordinary

Leave it Better

Wildfower Walks

Read the previous Field Notes here.

Brought to you by Transylvania County Tourism

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