Easy hikes and walks in Avery County

Embark on an easy hike to discover multiple waterfalls, including the impressive Elk River Falls, Jones Falls, and Splash Dam Falls. This route covers 2.8 miles (4.5 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 237 feet (72 metres), making it accessible for most hikers. You can expect to complete this scenic journey in about 1 hour and 14 minutes, enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

When planning your visit, be aware that the Elk River Falls area is quite popular, especially during warmer months, so consider arriving early for parking. While the initial path to an overlook of Elk River Falls is straightforward, the trails leading to the base of the falls and towards Jones Falls can be steep and rocky. Always check local conditions before you head out to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Located within the beautiful Pisgah National Forest, this trail offers a diverse experience, transitioning from the well-known Elk River Falls to the more secluded Jones Falls and Splash Dam Falls. You will see the powerful 50-foot cascade of Elk River Falls and later encounter the stunning 100-foot Jones Falls, which provides a sense of remote wilderness. The route even touches a section of the famous Appalachian Trail, adding a unique historical context to your adventure.

The Lost Cove Loop Trail offers an easy hike through shady hardwood cove forests, providing a refreshing natural experience. You will follow the drainages of Lost Cove Creek and Gragg Prong Creek, with views of water features such as Hunt Fish Falls. This route is a gentle 2.9 miles (4.6 km) long, with a modest elevation gain of 179 feet (55 metres). Most hikers complete it in about 1 hour and 16 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick outdoor escape. The atmosphere is peaceful, inviting you to enjoy the sounds of nature and flowing water.

Before you head out, remember that the Lost Cove Wilderness Area, though home to this easy trail, can have rugged sections elsewhere. It is always a good idea to check recent trail conditions, especially after heavy rain or other weather events, to ensure a smooth trip. The trail's remote feel means you should plan to bring all necessary supplies, as services are not readily available. Consider starting your hike in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and ample daylight.

This trail stands out for its abundant water features, offering a chance to cool off in swimming holes along the way. The route provides a great introduction to the natural beauty of the Lost Cove Wilderness Study Area. It is an excellent option if you are looking for a relatively short and accessible outdoor adventure. The combination of forest and water makes it a unique and enjoyable experience in the region.

Embark on an easy hike along the South Harper Creek Falls Trail, a 1.9-mile (3.0 km) route that takes about 50 minutes to complete. You will gain a gentle 132 feet (40 metres) in elevation, making it a pleasant and accessible outdoor experience. The trail leads you through a rugged landscape, rich with water features, culminating in the impressive South Harper Creek Falls. This double sliding waterfall plunges 120 to 125 feet, offering a spectacular sight. You can even find a high cliff overlook across the gorge, providing a unique perspective 150 feet above the falls. On clear days, you might catch distant glimpses of Grandfather Mountain.

The South Harper Creek Falls Trail is situated within the Harper Creek Wilderness Study Area, a region known for its natural beauty. When planning your visit, be aware that while this specific trail is easy, the broader wilderness area includes numerous wet creek crossings. These can be ankle to knee-deep, especially if you venture beyond this particular route. Always check local conditions before heading out, and prepare for potential water on the path.

This trail offers a rewarding journey to one of the area's most notable natural features. The Harper Creek Wilderness Study Area itself is a significant natural preserve, providing a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. If you are considering a longer stay, dispersed campsites are available throughout the wilderness area, allowing for extended exploration of this rugged and scenic environment.

Embark on an easy hike along the Buckeye Creek Falls Trail, a short 0.9 miles (1.4 km) route that takes approximately 23 minutes to complete. You will experience a gentle elevation gain of 44 feet (13 metres) as you wander through a peaceful wooded environment, dense with rhododendrons. The trail follows the soothing sounds of a creek, leading you directly to the beautiful Buckeye Creek Falls, where you can enjoy the cascading water.

Parking is conveniently available at the Buckeye Lake Recreation Center, making access straightforward. Be aware that due to recent flooding, two bridges below the waterfall are currently out of commission. This means the trail is accessible only as an out-and-back route to the waterfall, so you will not be able to complete a full loop until repairs are made.

This trail offers a rewarding experience, culminating in the sight of Buckeye Creek Falls, which plunges between 15 to 25 feet high. A well-placed bridge in front of the falls provides excellent vantage points, perfect for capturing photographs of the natural beauty. It is a perfect quick escape into nature, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene forest and enjoy the sounds of the flowing water.

Embark on an easy 3.4-mile (5.4 km) hike along the Big Lost Cove Cliffs Trail, a route that guides you through lush hardwood and rhododendron forests. You will gain 568 feet (173 metres) in elevation, a journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete. The highlight of this trail is reaching the Cliffs overlook, where you can enjoy expansive panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain, Grandmother Mountain, and the surrounding rolling ridges, often dotted with ancient pine trees clinging to the rock.

This trail is situated within the Lost Cove Wilderness Study Area, offering a tranquil hiking experience that generally sees less foot traffic compared to more popular routes in the region. Parking is usually available directly at the trailhead, providing convenient access to this serene, wilderness-like environment. Plan your visit to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

The Big Lost Cove Cliffs Trail provides a unique opportunity to explore a part of Pisgah National Forest known for its dramatic geological features. The Cliffs overlook stands impressively 1,000 feet above the valley floor, giving you a sense of the vastness of the landscape. This route is an excellent choice if you are looking for a rewarding outdoor experience with significant scenic payoffs without an overly strenuous climb.

Embark on an easy hike along the Elk River and Jones Falls Trail, a scenic 3.2-mile (5.1 km) route that takes you through varied terrain in Pisgah National Forest. You will gain 306 feet (93 metres) in elevation over an estimated 1 hour and 24 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a shorter adventure. The trail guides you past the impressive 50-foot Elk River Falls, complete with its large plunge pool, before continuing to the taller, 100-foot Jones Falls, which features two distinct sections.

When planning your visit, note that the trailhead is easy to find and leads directly to Elk River Falls. While the path to Elk River Falls is generally straightforward, be aware that some sections can be rocky and slippery, especially near the plunge pool. The route to Jones Falls becomes more diverse, including some steeper parts and potential muddy spots, so wearing appropriate footwear is a good idea to ensure a comfortable experience.

This trail offers more than just waterfalls; it also includes a short segment of the iconic Appalachian Trail, adding a unique historical touch to your journey. As you hike, keep an eye out for wildflowers that often dot the path, enhancing the natural beauty of the wooded areas and open fields you will traverse. It is a rewarding option if you are looking for an accessible hike with diverse scenery and two stunning waterfalls.

Embark on the Chestoa View Loop Trail for an easy hike through a beautiful hardwood forest, where you will find rhododendron thickets and native wildflowers. This short route covers 0.9 miles (1.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 118 feet (36 metres), making it perfect for a quick outing. You can expect to complete the loop in about 24 minutes. The highlight is the spectacular Chestoa View Overlook, which offers impressive panoramas of the rugged Linville Gorge. From this vantage point, you can clearly see prominent landmarks like Table Rock, providing a unique perspective of the valley below.

To begin your hike, head to Milepost 320.8 on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, where you will find convenient parking right at the trailhead. The Chestoa View Loop Trail is a great option if you are looking for a quick and accessible outdoor experience. You are welcome to bring your leashed dog along to enjoy the views and the forest atmosphere. Additionally, picnic tables are available in the parking area, providing a pleasant spot for a meal before or after your adventure.

This trail stands out as an excellent choice for experiencing the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway without committing to a long or strenuous journey. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystem of the region, characterized by its rich flora and the dramatic geological formations of Linville Gorge. The Chestoa View Overlook itself is a well-known point of interest, making this loop a popular stop for those exploring the parkway and seeking rewarding mountain vistas.

Embark on an easy hike along the Harper Creek Trail, a 3.6 miles (5.8 km) route that follows the pristine mountain waterway, offering continuous creek views. You will gain 393 feet (120 metres) in elevation over approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes, making it a relaxed outdoor experience. The highlight is a viewpoint overlooking the impressive 120-foot South Harper Creek Falls, with glimpses of Grandfather Mountain in the distance. As you walk, you might spot diverse wildflowers, adding to the remote feel of this wilderness study area.

Accessing the Harper Creek Trail is straightforward, with parking conveniently located near the trailhead. This route is generally accessible, making it easy to start your adventure. While this specific trail is easy, be aware that the wider Harper Creek area features many creek crossings, which can be more challenging on longer loops. Always check local conditions before you head out to ensure a smooth trip.

This trail takes you through a designated wilderness study area, providing a true sense of remoteness and natural beauty. It stands out in the region for its dramatic waterfall views and the opportunity to immerse yourself in an untouched environment. The trail offers a unique chance to experience the area's natural heritage without venturing into more strenuous terrain.

Embark on an easy 3.3-mile (5.4 km) hike to Bard Falls, gaining 425 feet (130 metres) in elevation over approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes. As you follow the North Harper Shortcut and North Harper Creek Trail, you will wind through lush rhododendrons, paralleling the pristine mountain waterway. The path leads you to the impressive Bard Falls, a 25 to 30-foot cascade where the creek narrows into a channel with unique potholes, offering a refreshing sight.

Before you head out, be prepared for creek crossings, as you will need to wade across North Harper Creek. High water levels can make these crossings dangerous or even impassable, so always check conditions beforehand. The rocks around Bard Falls can be slippery, and reaching the base might be challenging, though ropes are sometimes available to assist with the descent.

This scenic journey through Pisgah National Forest offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area. The distinctive rock formations at Bard Falls, including the channel and potholes, make it a notable feature. You might even discover a pool at the base of the falls, perfect for cooling off on a warm day and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.