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Summer (Semi) Cool Spot #3 - Moore Cove Falls, North Carolina
In The Land Of Waterfalls
For the last several summers, I have had the opportunity to spend a few days in western North Carolina. I find myself drawn to Transylvania County and Pisgah National Forest in particular. You may have already seen two of my hubs that detail outings to Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls. I labeled these articles as Summer Cool Spots. I found another spot this summer but have elected to label it as a (Semi) Cool Spot. The main reason for the semi label is that at this waterfall there is no place to swim. However, it is very much worth seeing if you happen to be in the area!
Moore Cove Falls is situated between Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock on US 276. Unlike Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, Moore Cove Falls is not as prominently marked and is easy to miss if you are not looking carefully. Just as we rode by on our first pass, we wondered if we had just passed it. When we reached Sliding Rock, we knew we had and we turned around and went back. Parking is roadside and a National Park Service bulletin board provides details of the area.
Just beyond the bulletin board, there is a bridge that passes over Looking Glass Creek. Once over the footbridge, you will hike for less than a mile before reaching the falls. The hike has a fair amount of uphill portions going in, but the good news is that it is more downhill when you hike back out! There are no long uphill inclines though, so even the harder parts do not last long and you will have time to catch your breath. The trail is shaded and although it was a warm day, we enjoyed being out of the sun.
When you reach the falls, there is a large open area. A viewing deck has been built but it is still possible to reach the base of the falls and walk behind the falls under the rock formation. The waterfall itself cascades for approximately fifty feet. Apparently, it is possible to reach the top of the falls although we did not attempt to do so. Further research that I have done regarding this area indicates that the top of the falls can be dangerous. Several sources cited a death that occurred sometime around 2007-2008 when a visitor fell from the top of the falls. Another source included this waterfall on a list of top ten deadliest waterfalls, but if you stay away from the top of the falls, you should be fine.
Moore Cove Falls was not disappointing. The hike was enjoyable and the falls worth seeing. If you are in the area for either Looking Glass Falls or Sliding Rock, consider heading to Moore Cove Falls also. It is easy to see why Transylvania County is called the Land of Waterfalls. Please enjoy the pictures!