What a gorgeous hike to Courthouse Falls! It descends into a cove into Pisgah National Forest. The waterfall is about 45 ft. from a narrow chute into a beautiful swimming hole! It’s an easy hike at only 1 mile from the forest service road.
Located off NC Highway 215 the trailhead to Courthouse Falls hike is three miles up a gravel, one-lane forest service road (FR140). This road is sometimes closed during winter months and early spring.
Just after a bridge at three miles, you’ll see a pull-off for parking. On the left near the bridge is the start of the Summey Cove Trail. The trail follows the cascading Courthouse Creek and has some wet and muddy areas, and wooden bridges/steps could be a little slippery. After about 1/4-mile, you will hear the falls and begin seeing them below you on the left. Don’t take one of the “cut-through” trails that are very steep. If you keep walking, a side trail takes a sharp left that takes you safely to the base of the waterfall (look for the multiple red blazes on the trees).