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
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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
