Hike Cove Hardwood Trail

Overview Explore a forest of giants and wind through a lush mountainside on this iconic 0.75-mile loop hike. Cove hardwood forests are amongst the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, home to a multitude of trees, plants, and animals. This forest also tells a story of human settlement, logging, and regrowth, representing the resilience of the forests that make up the present-day park. Expect to climb several sets of stairs and step over roots and rocks at the beginning of this loop trail, but once you reach the trail junction the terrain climbs more gently and ends with a gradual descent. Find solitude among the songbirds and streams. The vibrant flowers of spring, the lush green of summer, the parade of color in fall, and the peaceful hush of winter create a sense of an enchanted forest here in every season. The trail begins in the Chimneys Picnic Area with stairs that wind up past the group picnic site and then transition to soil, roots, and rocks. The first section of the trail has two sets of steps (40 in total), but the trail becomes less steep for the rest of the hike. After the steps, approximately 700 feet from the trailhead, there is a junction with an arrow pointing to take the loop to the right. Follow the loop around until it begins to descend back to the junction. Turn right to return to the trailhead and parking area. Length 0.75 miles (1.2 km) roundtrip Parking & Trailhead Seven parking spots next to the trailhead and additional parking available throughout the Chimneys Picnic Area. Don't forget your parking tag. Nearest Restroom Restrooms available seasonally at Chimneys Picnic Area. Alternate Hikes Smokemont Nature Trail Cooper Road Trail