Hikes in the Davidson River Area
Although there are many more trails and potential hikes in the area than this, the following represent what we believe to be the best hikes are within the Davidson River area of Pisgah National Forest's Pisgah Ranger District. These are covered here in complete detail, including a description, directions, maps, and photos where available. Choose a hike below for all the information!
Ridgewalk
1.4mi, Easy
- Climbing: Few Hills
- Tread Condition: Few Hills
Following the level upper portion of the Bennet Gap trail, this is an easy hike along a ridge to some great views. Watch the forest transition as you hike and the ridge becomes drier, rockier, and narrower. This hike is suitable for children and families, and makes a great destination of its own or addition to another hike in the area.
Moore Cove Falls
1.4mi, Easy
- Climbing: Climbs Gently
- Tread Condition: Climbs Gently
This plunge-type falls is located in one of the most popular areas of the Pisgah National Forest, near the Davidson River in the "Land of Waterfalls". It's a delightful, beautiful walk thru fern-filled woods. And it's easy enough for families with small children to take. This falls is highly recommended, and a hike to it can be combined with another hike in the area if you are looking for a more difficult day of hiking.
Pink Beds Loop
4.3mi, Moderate
- Climbing: Few Hills
- Tread Condition: Few Hills
This hike loops you around a unique, flat, high-elevation valley. You'll see rare mountain bogs, including glimpses of some rare and endangered species of plants if you're lucky. You'll pass through a forest in transition, as beavers have dammed the South Fork Mills River to form their ponds, which are drowing out the trees. You'll also find crystal clear brooks, wildlife meadows, and scenic fern-filled woods. This forest is one of the first to ever be managed through modern forestry techniques, earning it the nickname "The Cradle of Forestry in America."
Cove Creek and Caney Bottom
4.2mi, Moderate
- Climbing: Climbs Moderately
- Tread Condition: Climbs Moderately
This hike takes you on a loop past several nice waterfalls. Climbs moderately overall; some of the first climbs are very steep but short. Mostly easy trails with one rough section up from Cove Creek Falls to the trail. Beautiful Pisgah scenery and lush woods abound, and travels through some nice flats above the Davidson River valley at the base of the Pisgah Ridge. Passes seepage bogs and fern-filled open woods.
Looking Glass Rock
6.4mi, More Difficult
- Climbing: Climbs Steeply
- Tread Condition: Climbs Steeply
This hike takes you to the top of an icon of the Pisgah Ranger District: the huge granitic pluton known as Looking Glass Rock. Visible from many locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway and found on postcards in every gift shop in the region, this rock provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As such, this challenging hike has been one of the most popular in the area for a long time.
John Rock Loop
5mi, More Difficult
- Climbing: Climbs Steeply
- Tread Condition: Climbs Steeply
This hike takes you past a small but attractive waterfall, up to the top of John Rock, which is the large mountain you see looming behind the Fish Hatchery parking area in Pisgah National Forest. Views of the valley below, up to the Pisgah Ridge, and across to Looking Glass Rock are this hike's main scenic attraction besides the waterfall. It also passes by tranquil meadows near Picklesimer Fields, and through some nice displays of wildflowers in the spring.
