LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Monday, April 6, 2009

A Hike to Moore's Cove Falls

After several days of welcome rain the sun came out and gave us a marvelous spring day. A perfect opportunity for hiking to another waterfall. We decided upon Moore's Cove Falls, a relatively easy hike in Pisgah National Forest. Moores Cove is a recessed rock cliff and the water free falls with a drop of fifty feet. A shallow cave behind the falls allows people to walk behind the falls.

The falls are fed by a small creek and the flow is variable. In very dry spells, the flow is a mere trickle. Recent rains provided a very good flow.



The recessed area continues in the rocks to the right of the falls.


The water at the top of the falls glistens in the sun.


The trail to Moore's Cove follows the creek that created the falls above.


Huge rocks are found throughout the forest. This one is totally covered in moss and has a small bush growing from the top.


Bushes grow in the limited soil on top of this outcropping.


I love this formation. At the base is a cave large enough for several people.
The weekend weather was perfect for being outdoors after several days of rain. Today, like most of the country, we are expecting a major change with a cold front threatening to bring a hard freeze. We have our fingers crossed that the sub-freezing temperatures are not sufficiently low and sustained to damage the fruit trees. And it seems the TarHeels will be having SNOW for their game tonight! Hasn't this been a wonderful tournament? I can't wait for the game which promises to be a great one regardless of the outcome. Of course, I will sleep better if the 'Heels win.



21 comments:

Thistlebrooms said...

So happy to see a healthy forest with the outcropings...Seeing the lichen and mosses I still have hope for the planet...
Absolutely 'ENJOY' the photo of the 'Beautiful' falls...

Were expecting rain again shortly, but then again it is April!!!
Enjoy your Spring like weather while you can...

Best To You...Marilyn

KB said...

It looks like you had a beautiful hike. Waterfalls and caves - what highlights!

I was surprised that most of your photos still looked wintery with little green - I guess that spring isn't as far along as I expected in your part of the country.

Now that Duke is out of the tournament, I'm with you. Go Heels! And on the women's side, Go UConn!

Tina said...

It is always such a great feeling to have that sun shining down upon you after several days of rain and grey!!
Your walk looked very up-lifting..seeing all the mosses and other greenery showing its springy faces.
Nice post!

robin andrea said...

What a beautiful place to hike. It's always so good when the rains stop and the sun comes out. It's the best invitation for some exploration.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Beautiful pictures of the waterfall. We've seen that one... I love that entire area...Nice day to be outside, wasn't it?????

Hope your team wins tonight!!!! They are so much better than all of the other teams this year I think..

Let's hope for no damage here the next couple of days due to the upcoming freeze.
Hugs,
Betsy

Cedar ... said...

Do you think that people lived in that cave thousands of years ago? I always think about that after reading Clan of the Cave Bear. that is a beautiful waterfall!

Dog_geek said...

Beautiful waterfall photos! I'm glad that you got out and enjoyed the weather while you had a chance - it was such a great weekend, but it looks like the next few days are not going to be quite as much fun!

Cheryl said...

What a wonderful place....it really restores my spirit to see such beauty......

I do hope that the freeze misses you.....and the fruit trees are spared......

Champion of My Heart said...

Oh, man. What a great hike!

Carol Murdock said...

I love blogging, I get to see so much I love and miss!Great shots!
Carol

Oh.....very haunted means ALOT of things going on! Slightly haunted is every once in awhile something happens.

RuthieJ said...

What a beautiful hike you had! I'm sure the rain will really help green everything up too!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Carolyn: What a wonderful and wild place to visit. I love the falls and the rock formations.

Kim said...

Love the creek and falls pictures! The place looks so serene and lovely.

Forty Two East said...

Beautiful photos!! I love the NC mountains. I haven't been in about 2 years.....!

Shelley said...

Beautiful hike and photos!

Being as I'm from Michigan - I'll be rooting for the green! :-) But as I just glanced at the t.v. - I see we're getting a good butt whooping! LOL!

Cicero Sings said...

A lovely explore on a lovely day ... what could be better!

Dawn Fine said...

I love hikes like this! Can I come next time? tee hee

Jayne said...

What a beautiful hike! I too will hope that the freeze is minimal, and we can get on with the business of spring.

Ruth said...

I am just catching up on blog reading. Love the dogs and the Crossbills. Our Crossbills are long gone. This looks like a lovely spot to explore.

Appalachian Lady said...

That looks really nice. I am glad you could get a chance to get out before the big freeze. We are at 35 degrees right now.

George said...

As Betsy said, we've been to Moore's Cove Falls. It is in a beautiful area. Thanks for the memories.