Accessibility – Easy

Height: Approx 20′ over a series of drops

Distance – 0.6 miles (out and back)

Beauty – 7

Photo rating – 6

Solitude – 7

GPS: Unknown

Last updated – 04/01/2017

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This waterfall and the next one mentioned aren’t ones you would go out of the way to visit but if you’re going to hike to the Waterfall on Cove Creek, the Pothole Cascade is worth a stop. It’s along the way and requires only a short scramble down to the creek. The path is steep in spots but the view is worth the effort. The falls is a series of drops totaling about 20 feet. The upper sections are littered with potholes, while the lower level is smooth stone. When combined with the Waterfall on Cove Creek, the Waterfall on Caney Bottom Loop and the rockside on Cove Creek it makes for a great half day hike. The total distance to do all four waterfalls in one loop hike is about four miles. If doing an out and back for this one, it’s 0.6 of a mile.

From the intersection of US64/US276/NC280 in Brevard, follow US276 5.3 miles to the split with FR475. Make the left onto FR475 and follow it 3.2  miles. There is a parking area on the left just before the road turns to gravel. The lot will fill up and it isn’t uncommon to have to park on the side of FR475. Across FR475 from the parking area is a gated road to the group camp area. Walk around the gate and follow the road towards the group camp areas. The road passes through Cove Creek but you can take a side trail to the right to avoid getting your feet wet. Less than half a mile after crossing the creek there is a side trail on the right. It is a steep decent down to the cascade. It isn’t the easiest descent but I thought it was worth it.

The hike is kid friendly but the scramble can be a bit dicey. My then five-year-old daughter did the scramble without problem. Setting up on the large flat stone downstream of the cascade offers a great vantage. The canopy provides even lighting to time of day won’t have too much bearing on your shots. The vegetation bordering the creek is thick and provides a nice frame for the cascades.