Getting Here
Videos
General Info
Outdoors
Arts & Culture
Festivals
Event Calendar
Kid Friendly
Transylvania County is an ideal vacation destination for families. And if you’re looking to celebrate North Carolina’s Year of the Trail with your young ones, we’ve got some terrific family-friendly hikes that are short in distance but long on rewards. Each of the following short treks makes for a great introduction to the wonders of our natural environment.
1
1
Moore Cove Falls
Pisgah National Forest
Cruise across small streams and amid hillsides covered in ferns to this lovely grotto-like waterfall. There’s very little elevation gain on this trail, making it a perfect option for families with young adventurers. Note: This is a popular hike with limited parking. On summer and fall weekends we recommend hiking this one earlier in the morning (before 10 am) or later in the afternoon (after 4 pm).
Distance: 1.2 miles (Out and back)
Starting point: Moore Cove Falls Trailhead
Directions to Trailhead: From the intersection of US 276, NC 280 and US 64 in Pisgah Forest, head north on US 276 for 6.7 miles to the parking area on the right. Hike a footbridge over the Davidson River and follow a well-marked trail to the falls.
2
2
Andy Cove Nature Trail
Pisgah National Forest
This little gem of a trail is a pure delight, no matter how young or old you are. After a short initial climb, the trail winds its way back into scenic Andy Cove via a footpath and several cantilevered boardwalks. Mid-way, you’ll reach a cool 30-foot suspension bridge. From there you’ll cross a couple of small streams while looping back to the Pisgah Forest Ranger station.
Distance: .7 mile (loop)
Starting Point: Andy Cove Trailhead (in the parking lot of the Pisgah Forest Ranger Station)
Directions to Trailhead: From the intersection of US 276, NC 280 and US 64 in Pisgah Forest, head north on US 276. Travel 1.6 miles. Turn right into the Pisgah Forest Ranger Station.
3
3
Hooker Falls Trail
DuPont State Recreational Forest
This mostly flat, groomed trail has a couple of great features: a beautiful view of Hooker Falls and a small sandy beach where the young ones can cool off on a hot summer day.
Distance: .8 mile (out and back)
Starting Point: Hooker Falls Trail
Directions to Trailhead: From the intersection of US 276 and US 64 in downtown Brevard (corner of Main and Broad), travel south on US 276 for 11 miles. Turn left on Cascade Lake Road and travel 2.5 miles. Turn right on Staton Road and travel 2.5 miles to the Hooker Falls Access parking area on the left. Note: This is a popular hike with limited parking. On summer and fall weekends we recommend hiking this one earlier in the morning (before 10 am) or later in the afternoon (after 4 pm).
4
Upper Bearwallow Trail
Gorges State Park
This easy woodland walk delivers you to a scenic, long range view of Upper Bearwallow Falls. Perfect for family members of all ages with resting benches along the way.
Distance: .5 mile (Out and back)
Starting Point: Upper Bearwallow Trailhead
Directions to Trailhead: From the intersection of US 276 and US 64 in downtown Brevard (corner of Main and Broad), travel west on US 64 for 18.5 miles. Turn left onto NC 281 and travel south for 1 mile. Turn left into the Gorges State Park entrance and follow road for 1 mile to the Visitor Center area and turn left. Follow the road .9 mile to the second picnic area on the right for the Upper Bearwallow trailhead.
