Hiking Trails Near Brevard

Kid Friendly

Andy Cove Trail

This gem of a trail winds its way back into scenic Andy Cove via a footpath and several cantilevered boardwalks. 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.

StoryWalks

Here’s a great way to combine a walk in the woods with the written word. Three StoryWalks trails in Transylvania County 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 halfway point: beautiful Hooker Falls, the 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.

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 or 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 the 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.

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 the 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 the 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 the park entrance and proceed to the Grassy Ridge parking lot.

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, wildflowers, and dense forest.

Distance: 7.2 miles (loop)

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