Waterfall Hero Hikes: Mills River Pisgah

Mills River is a major tributary of French Broad River in Henderson and Transylvania County. Much of the area surrounding the river is part of the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. For the purposes of this page, Mills River comprises the National Forest lands bounded by NC-280 to the south, Blue Ridge Parkway to the north, US-276 to the west and NC-191 to the east. This area is home to a tremendous number of waterfalls as well as hiking trails and camping.

Map:

Trails:

Andy Cove Nature Trail (#288):

Length: 0.7 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Blaze: None

Trailhead GPS: 35.28476,-82.72553

Andy Cove Nature Trail starts from behind the Pisgah Ranger District Office along US-276. The trail heads up and crosses boardwalks and a suspension bridge to go into Andy Cove and loops back around connecting with Exercise Trail.

Avery Creek Trail (#327):

Length: 3.2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Blue

Trailhead GPS: 35.31488,-82.74921

The southern end of Avery Creek Trail starts along FR-477 (Avery Creek Road) about 2 miles from US-276. The trail descends to the creek and crosses on a footbridge, where Clawhammer Cove Trail (#342) goes right. Avery Creek Trail turns left following the creek upstream and passing by Avery Creek Falls. It meets up with Buckhorn Gap Trail (#103) for a short ways then continues following the creek upstream and passing Upper Avery Creek Falls. The trail ends back on FR-477 close to the northern intersection with US-276.

Bear Branch Trail (#328):

Length: 1.2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Blaze: Blue

Trailhead GPS: 35.42593,-82.65269

Bear Branch Trail starts along Wash Creek Road (FR-5000) a couple miles past the North Mills River Recreation Area. The trail follows Bear Branch upstream for just over a mile and ends at Seniard Mountain Road (FR-5001). Hiking back down this gated road allows for a loop hike.