WaterfallNear Me

Whaleback Falls

Transylvania County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Transylvania County, North Carolina
Access status
National forest; short path and a steep scramble to the river
The walk
A little over 100 yards each way
Ground & access
Easy walk, then a steep scramble down the bank to the river. Rocks are very slippery.
NC Waterfalls: Whaleback Falls

Whaleback Falls is an 8-foot cascade on Davidson River with a large pool, in Pisgah National Forest. It shares a trailhead with Cove Creek Falls. From the parking area, take the gravel path on the same side of the road and follow Cove Creek downstream to Davidson River. Near the river the path splits; either way leads in a few feet to a campsite. The falls are right there but hidden by trees. Walk about 50 feet from the campsite and take the steep scramble path down to the river.

Plan your visit

Cove Creek parking on FS 475, path beside Cove Creek to Davidson River, then a scramble path down to Whaleback Falls

NC Waterfalls gives a hike distance of a little over 100 yards.

Easy walk, then a steep scramble down the bank to the river. Rocks are very slippery.

Where to start

Small parking area on the left side of FS 475, 3.1 miles from US 276, just before the single-lane bridge over Cove Creek, with a sign for Cove Creek Group Camp. Published trailhead coordinates: 35.28302, -82.81684.

Timing & water

The pool is a popular summer swimming spot. Take care in high water.

Before you go

No fee is mentioned in the sources read. Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Ranger District.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Transylvania County, North Carolina.

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