2023 is the Year of the Trail in North Carolina, and we're celebrating by showcasing a different Featured Hike each week. If you'd like to hike with us on one of the Featured Hikes, head to our Trips Calendar and book a private hike!
Moore Cove Falls (Pisgah Forest, NC)
Trailhead: Moore Cove Falls in Pisgah National Forest
This easy waterfall hike is just off 276 in Pisgah National Forest. It tends to be cool and can be muddy since the dense tree cover shields it from the sun. Once you pass the stairs at the beginning of the hike, the trail becomes a very gradual climb to reach the waterfall itself. You'll likely see folks walking under the falls, but be careful; wet rocks can be slick! At just 2 miles round trip, it tends to get very crowded on weekends, so we recommend checking this one out on a weekday when trails tend to be less crowded.
We offer this as a guided hike! It's a great easy Half Day Hike, or can be added to several other waterfalls for a Half Day or Full Day Waterfall Tour.
Sam's Knob (Canton, NC)
Primary Trailhead: Ivestor Gap Trailhead in Pisgah National Forest
Also easily accessible from the MST Trailhead on 215, the Flat Laurel Creek Trailhead, or the Black Balsam Knob Trailhead
This hike in Pisgah National Forest is a less crowded but just as spectacular alternative to Black Balsam Knob. From the Ivestor Gap Trailhead, this 3-mile out-and-back hike takes you through an open meadow before beginning the steep climb up to the twin peaks of Sam's Knob. I love checking out both when I'm there! The trail can be poorly marked in places, so I recommend either taking a map (and knowing how to read it) or going with a friend who is familiar with the area. It can be easily connected with the MST and Flat Laurel Creek for a ~10 mile loop or with the Little Sam Trail and Art Loeb for a ~5 mile loop. For overnight trips, this area requires the use of a bear canister.
We offer this as a guided hike! It's a great Half Day Hike, or a beautiful Full Day Hike if utilizing one of the longer loops. It's also a family friendly overnight trip!
Dupont Waterfall Loop (Brevard, NC)
Primary Trailhead: High Falls Trailhead or Hooker Falls Trailhead in Dupont State Forest
This beloved hike is a classic for a reason! This hike is about an hour southwest of Asheville, featuring 3 epic waterfalls in a 4-mile loop. The trail is wide, well graded, and easy to navigate, making it a hike that many folks can complete. This hike is a combination of the High Falls Loop, Triple Falls Trail, and Hooker Falls Trail. Although the water looks inviting - especially on a hot summer day - hikers should be aware that it is COLD and exercise additional caution on slick, wet rocks. The accessibility of this hike makes it very busy, so we recommend going on weekdays or during less busy seasons.
We offer this as a guided hike! It is a great Half Day Hike, or can be extended to a Full Day Hike by connecting it with other trails in Dupont.