Daniel Ridge Trail

Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed recreation areas.

Pisgah National Forest

Length: 4.0 miles
Rating: Moderate

Daniel Ridge Trail parallels the Davidson River for 0.5 mile, beautiful view of Pilot Mountain Trail eventually leads to a gravel road and brings you to the base of a 90-foot falls.

For personal accounts about this trail and others leading to waterfalls in the area go to Rich Stevenson's site. Photo By Rich Stevenson

Beginning at the gate you will stay on the gravel road for 100 yards and cross a concrete bridge. This marks the start of the loop. Turn left across a stream and the trail parallels the Davidson River for 0.5 mile. Just before reaching an old wooden bridge, the trail turns sharply to the right and up Lanning Branch. You will climb moderately for almost one mile before intersecting the Farlow Gap Trail, which goes left. Turn right and the trail passes through a young forest and past a regeneration area that affords a beautiful view of Pilot Mountain. From here the trail enters a series of wildlife fields. Keep a sharp lookout for trail blazes, because there are many turns in this section. You will eventually drop down to the gravel road. Turn right onto the road and hike 0.5 mile back to the gate. A left turn onto the gravel road will lead you to the base of a 90-foot falls.

Directions:

From the Pisgah Ranger Station, follow US276 north to the intersection with USFS 475 turning left towards the State Fish Hatchery/Education Center. Pass the Fish Hatchery (on left) and bear left at intersection with USFS 475B, continuing on USFS 475. Pass the entrance to Cove Creek Group Camp on right, and continue to the next parking area on the right. This is the parking area to access the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail.