Moore Cove Falls
A short, easy hike in Pisgah National Forest leading to a 50-foot waterfall you can walk behind.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Moore Cove Falls
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A short, easy hike in Pisgah National Forest leading to a 50-foot waterfall you can walk behind.
"This is one of the few waterfalls that you can actually walk behind. Absolutely beautiful!"
🎯 Look for the Sign
Roadside signage is minimal; approach slowly and watch for the entrance sign to avoid missing it. :warning:
👟 Sturdy Shoes are a Must
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear good hiking shoes with grip. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walk Behind the Waterfall
Moore Cove Falls
Experience the unique thrill of walking behind the 50-foot cascade. A truly magical and memorable moment!
Gentle, Family-Friendly Hike
Moore Cove Falls Trail
An easy 1.2-mile roundtrip trail suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it perfect for families.
Picturesque Scenery
Moore Cove Falls Trail
Enjoy beautiful rock formations, creek crossings, and lush forest surroundings on this scenic path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Fewer Crowds
Trail Conditions & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Look for the Sign
Roadside signage is minimal; approach slowly and watch for the entrance sign to avoid missing it. :warning:
👟 Sturdy Shoes are a Must
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear good hiking shoes with grip. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Pet-Friendly Trail
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome! Remember to clean up after your furry friends.
📸 Capture the Moment
Mid-morning or golden hour offers the best lighting for photos, especially behind the falls.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Look for the Sign
Roadside signage is minimal; approach slowly and watch for the entrance sign to avoid missing it. :warning:
👟 Sturdy Shoes are a Must
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear good hiking shoes with grip. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Pet-Friendly Trail
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome! Remember to clean up after your furry friends.
📸 Capture the Moment
Mid-morning or golden hour offers the best lighting for photos, especially behind the falls.
💧 Water Volume Varies
Falls are most impressive after rain. Dry spells can significantly reduce water flow.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Moore Cove Falls for its unique walk-behind waterfall feature and easy, family-friendly trail. The short hike offers a significant reward, making it a highly recommended stop in Pisgah National Forest. Some note that parking can be tight and the trail can get slippery after rain, but these are minor inconveniences for the stunning natural beauty.
"This is an easy short hiking trail, we calculated to be 0.7 mile each way. This is one of the few waterfalls that you can actually walk behind. 😊The 50-foot waterfall is absolutely beautiful, and the feeling is so serene and relaxing, simply impressive and well worth the trip, located just 2 minutes away from Pisgah National Forest, another favorite spot in the area. The trail took us approximately one hour at a slow pace, allowing us to stop, take pictures and enjoy the views. We saw people walking their dogs on a leash and they had a bag with them for their dog’s business. I appreciate it when dog owners are respectful and responsible.
TIP: There are no signs on the road as you approach the park. The “only sign” is directly in front of the entrance. Once you start heading towards the park approach it slowly and make sure you are on the lookout for the sign or you will miss it, because we did and had to turn around.
If you like the outdoors like we do, you will love this park. We loved it and will be back next time we are in town. Highly recommend. 😍
090525"
Lourdes Summerdancer
"Stunning trail and water fall! The views are spectacular, and the hike is definitely doable for a beginner or for children & dogs. I will warn that if it has recently rained or is raining at all, be prepared for some slippery areas of mud, or slippery wood walk ways or rocky areas. Over all the hike to the waterfall one way took about 30-ish minutes maybe? But thats with stopping every few minutes to admire the views and snap a photo. Parking can be a bit of a pain, but it wasn't too terrible, the walk from your car to the trail entry is likely the trickiest part with the fast moving traffic coming up and down the mountain without a clear sidewalk of walking path or visitors to safely walk along from their vehicles to the entry way."
Erica Stamey
"Tall refreshing falls! I went on a Saturday and had no trouble finding a place to park. The trail is a wide, well-worn dirt path about .7 miles long. Wooden footbridges will help you cross the creek a few times. Fairly easy trail and worth going if you're in the area."
Seth Sorano
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moore Cove Falls is located off U.S. 276 in Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard, NC. It's about 55 minutes from Asheville. Look for the entrance sign, as it's easy to miss.
Parking is available at a small lot near a stone bridge. It can be limited, especially on weekends, so arrive early.
No, you park and then hike to the waterfall. The trail is about 1.2 miles roundtrip.
Public transport options are very limited in this national forest area. Driving is the most practical way to reach Moore Cove Falls.
From Asheville, take I-26 E to US-64 W, then NC-280 W towards Brevard. Continue on US-276 N into Pisgah National Forest. The trailhead is off US-276.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Moore Cove Falls. It's a free public access trail within Pisgah National Forest.
Moore Cove Falls is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours as it's an outdoor natural attraction.
There is no entrance fee for Moore Cove Falls. Access to the trail and waterfall is free.
Since there's no fee, advance booking is not necessary. It's a first-come, first-served natural attraction.
No permits are required for day use of the Moore Cove Falls trail.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 1.2 to 1.5 miles roundtrip, taking about 30-60 minutes depending on your pace and stops.
The trail is considered easy to moderate, with some stairs, uphills, and downhills. It's suitable for most fitness levels.
While dogs may play in the water, it's generally not recommended for people to immerse themselves due to potential hazards and dog use.
Yes, it's a great family-friendly hike. The short distance and unique waterfall experience are enjoyable for kids.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction, as the trail can be slippery and rocky, especially after rain.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Moore Cove Falls. You'll find restaurants in nearby Brevard or along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Picnicking is not explicitly prohibited, but there are no designated picnic areas. It's best to pack out all trash if you choose to eat there.
Pisgah National Forest is a natural area with limited amenities. Pack your own snacks and water.
The town of Brevard, NC, offers various dining options, from casual cafes to local eateries.
Food trucks are not commonly found directly at trailheads in Pisgah National Forest. Check local listings in Brevard.
📸 📸 Photography
Mid-morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best lighting for photography, especially when you can walk behind the falls.
Yes, one of the main attractions is the ability to walk behind the falls and capture unique perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the waterfall and surrounding landscape. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections.
Drone usage in National Forests is often restricted. Check current regulations with the U.S. Forest Service before flying.
Experiment with different angles, especially from behind the falls. Consider a tripod for longer exposures if conditions allow.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The unique experience of walking behind the waterfall is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages, sparking wonder and excitement. 🐶 Pet Owners
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for mid-morning or late afternoon for the best light, which can create magical shots. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the full scope of the waterfall and its surroundings. Be prepared for mist, which can add atmosphere but also requires protecting your gear. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Experience of Walking Behind a Waterfall
It’s a relatively short hike to reach this natural wonder, making it accessible for many. The trail itself winds through the forest, adding to the sense of discovery before you reach the main attraction. This feature is a significant draw, differentiating Moore Cove Falls from many other waterfalls in the region. The feeling of being enveloped by the water, with the roar and spray all around, is something many visitors describe as magical.
When planning your visit, consider that the water volume can vary significantly. After a good rain, the falls will be much more powerful and impressive. During dry spells, the flow might be reduced, but the unique walk-behind feature remains.
This makes it a destination worth revisiting throughout the year to see its different moods. Navigating the Moore Cove Falls Trail
+1 It begins with a few steps and includes some gentle uphills and downhills as it winds through the Pisgah National Forest. Wooden footbridges are strategically placed to help you cross creeks, adding to the charm of the hike. Footwear is crucial for this trail. Many visitors emphasize the importance of wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip, especially if it has rained recently. The trail can become muddy, and the wooden walkways and rocky sections can be slippery.
Finding the trailhead can be a minor challenge as signage on the road is minimal. Travelers advise approaching slowly and keeping an eye out for the specific entrance sign to avoid missing it and having to turn around.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit