While Pisgah National Forest was not protected by Conserving Carolina, it is an extensive (over 500,000 acres) area of treasured protected land in our region with tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation!
This hike is part of Conserving Carolina’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 8, which takes you to 8 amazing hikes on protected land. Take the challenge to discover some great places!
Trail Length: 4.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,046′
Great For: Running, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Dog Walking, Peaceful Time in Nature
How to Get There
From the Pisgah District Ranger Station/Visitor Center parking lot, turn right onto US 276; proceed approximately 3 ½ miles to FS 475 (signed for Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and Pisgah Forest Fish Hatchery) and turn left. Continue 1½ mile to the former Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, 1401 Fish Hatchery Rd, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768. The trail starts from the parking lot of that facility.
Click here for a link to Google Maps.
GPS users may enter N35.284179, W82.790682
The Hike
Here is a link to AllTrails.
Pass through the gate on the gravel road near the main building; the trailhead to Cat Gap Loop (#120, orange blazes) is on your right just past the bridge. The trail crosses John Rock Creek, and then soon converges with Cedar Rock Creek, where there is a pleasant cascade and a popular primitive campsite on the left. It then passes Picklesimer Fields, near the intersection with Butter Gap Trail (#123). The trail then climbs moderately to Cat Gap to join the Art Loeb Trail. Turn left and proceed about 100 feet before leaving the Art Loeb Trail and dropping steeply toward Horse Cove. The trail then becomes moderate and rocky as you pass large hemlocks and tulip poplars. After crossing the gravel road in Horse Cove, the grade becomes easy. The last mile is a pleasant walk along the Davidson River to return to the parking lot.
*Note: Cat Gap Loop is open (seasonally) to mountain bikes, but only from the described trailhead to the intersection with Butter Gap Trail.
Park Rules
- Stay on marked trails
- Carrying out all trash
- Keeping dogs on a leash
- Be bear-aware by making noise
BECOME A MEMBER AND SUPPORT CONSERVATION!
Take the White Squirrel Hiking Challenge!
This hike is part of White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 8—an opportunity to explore eight great hikes, all in places that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect. Take all eight hikes and earn your White Squirrel patch!
