Pisgah National Forest, NC - Trip Report & Pics

“Pisgah National Forest, NC
Looking Glass Rock Area
SCJack solo Day Hike
Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Looking Glass Rock, Slick Rock Falls
Monday, September 1st, 2003

For today, I decided on (4) destinations in the Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Rock Area, just North of Brevard, NC.


1st Stop - Looking Glass Falls:
Parking area is on the right side of US276 about 6 miles North of Brevard, NC

Looking Glass Falls are one of the best Waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest, and their location makes it possible for anyone to enjoy them. You can get a good view of the Falls from the Pull off /Parking Area on US276, or you can get to the base by climbing down 30-40 steps. This is a popular and crowded sight, but I got there early enough that I had the Falls to myself. The Falls were roaring more than usually today as the area had heavy storms the night before. There was so much mist, that I could not get any close-up shots, but it still makes for a nice picture from the distance! Looking Glass Falls is a must see if you are in the area.



2nd Stop - Moore Cove Falls:
About two miles north of Looking Glass Falls is the Pull off/Parking Area for the Moore Cove Falls Trail.

This easy trail off just under a mile will take you to Moore Cove Falls. While nowhere near the water flow as Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls is still a pretty sight. It falls over a nice sized cave and you can actually walk behind it for an interesting perspective. There is an unofficial campsite near the base of the Falls and another smaller waterfall just past this campsite. The trail is nice, and easy, but nothing spectacular. However, Moore Cove Falls is worth the easy 2-mile out and back trip.



3rd Stop - Looking Glass Rock Trail
Head back south on US276 from Looking Glass Falls and Turn Right at the 1st paved road you see. Trailhead is less than a mile on the right.

This is a nice, easy to follow, well blazed trail of about 3.2 miles that gains about 1700ft of elevation. The many switchbacks along the way make for a nice moderate climb. The views from the top of Looking Glass Rock are well worth the climb. It starts off following a steam with some small cascades along the way, before beginning a series of switchbacks up the mountain. After about 2 miles it reaches a flat rock area, which is used as a Helicopter Pad by the Transylvania County Rescue Squad. At this point a spur trail heads off to the left past the Helipad, which leads to some nice views from the top of Lower Looking Glass Cliffs. The main trail heads off to the left and continues its climb to the summit. You can’t actually see much from the summit, but the trail continues and descends for a short while to Upper Looking Glass Cliffs. More spectacular views here, but don’t get too close to the edge, as its very easy to slip here. After enjoying the views, return the way you came.



Last Stop - Slick Rock Falls Trail
From the Looking Glass Rock Trailhead continue West for about 2 miles. Just past the Fish Hatchery, the road turns to gravel. Turn right almost immediately after that. Continue on the gravel road for about 2 miles. Slick Rock Falls Trailhead and parking area is on the Right.

Slick Rock Falls can be seen from the parking area. A short easy climb will take you to the base of the Falls. Another nice, easy to access falls! Past the Falls, the trail continues on for about another mile. It’s a gradual, moderate climb but not all that interesting. However, it ends up at the base of Looking Glass Rock Cliffs, which is an impressive sight! I got to observe some Rock Climbers scaling up the near vertical rock wall. I think I’ll stick with hiking - Rock Climbing is not for me. Return the same way for about a 2-mile out and back trip.


Overall, this was a great way to spend my day off. The Pisgah National Forest is beautiful and these are (4) very worthwhile destinations. I’ve just got to learn that when photographing waterfalls, you have to wipe the mist from the lens between pictures.

Pictures can be seen here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/88452550rJUwXp?4

SCJack”

“Very cool pictures dude!

Waterfalls are one of my favorite things too see when backpacking.

It looks like the weather was 100% perfect!

8)”

“I was in that area Friday and got to see Slick Rock Falls and Cove Creek Falls. I was looking for another one when I realized it was at the other end of the FS road. I will be back to check out the one I missed and hopefully see the other ones.”