Hike Cove Hardwood Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The wooden staircase sections get genuinely treacherous when wet or covered in fallen leaves. Trekking poles are overkill here, but grippy-soled shoes are not optional.
Roots and rocks cross the trail frequently — watch your footing rather than the canopy, especially if you have young kids who tend to run ahead.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Park at the Chimneys Picnic Area and start the loop counterclockwise — the stair sections are easier to climb up than scramble down, especially when wet leaves make the wooden steps slick.
Bring a macro lens or use your phone's close-up mode. The real show here is at ground level: fungi, salamanders, and spring ephemerals like trillium and bloodroot that most hikers walk right past.
Pair this with the nearby Chimney Tops Trail for a half-day combo — the gentle cove walk makes an ideal warmup or cooldown around a more strenuous climb.
Photos
NPS
