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. ⚠️
👟 Sturdy Shoes are a Must
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear good hiking shoes with grip. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 898 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
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. ⚠️
👟 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. ⚠️
👟 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
"Flat hike and easy for kids, dogs and beginner hikers. This is an easy hike but really hard to park at especially during peak season. There is lot of “off the side of the road parking” because the small lot gets full quickly. Very crowded, but easy to hike on the path with other hikers. The falls at the end is really cool to see with all the layers of sediment. I really enjoyed all the babbling brooks that the hiking path takes you around and over. Very relaxing if it’s quiet enough from the cars on the road and other hikers."
Jessica Mah
"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
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit