Big Lost Cove Cliffs Trail is a 3.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Newland, North Carolina that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
hiking
walking
forest
views
muddy
rocky
Cool rock formations and views at the end. Moderate is accurate because of the beginning and end, both are steep, but the rest is pretty flat and easy.
I gave it a five because of the views although the trail is listed as moderate I would rate it a very hard moderate because of the shape of the trail , well worth the effort
Beautiful hike, not too strenuous either though I do agree with the split in the trail can be somewhat difficult to differentiate where it splits, but once you reach the top completely worth it. We did come across a rattlesnake near the top on our way back down, while hiking here about a month ago! Just be cautious:)
This is a nice hike in a nice forest and the end you have a great view of the mountains. Parking is somewhat limited at the trailhead some of the trailmarking is gone probably due to some fire damage. The map is good, but before the view there is a split of the trails: keep left
The views at the end of the trail are breathtaking. The scenery along the way is nice too. We saw dozens of different mushrooms. Also appreciate that it is secluded and lightly trafficked.
fantastic views, mainly easy in and out once you get past the first and last quarterish of a mile
Moderate hike with an AMAZING view! The trail is a bit rough in some places, but well worth the hike. I took my 12 year old on the trail and she completed it with ease. This is definitely a trail I will hike again.
Very limited parking at the trail entrance so just be aware. Good trail overall and the view is totally worth the hike. Some parts are very washed out so weary with smaller kids. Also, just keep following the yellow markers to keep on path.
Follow yellow marks, took about 75 minutes one way from trailhead to overview. Some of the hike was over the spine of a ridge allowing glimpses of views to either side (early spring, few leaves) otherwise mainly a wooded hike. You can see Grandfather Mountain off in the distance.Would hike again.
Just completed this trail yesterday and really enjoyed the overlook. Only issue we faced as newcomers to the trail was when the trail splits at three different points which was confusing. The first split on the trail has a tree with a yellow trail mark on the right path so we went right. The next split was further down where the forest opens up with visibility and we chose to go left. The last split in the trail was almost 100 ft away from the overlook so even though we went left again I doubt going right would not bring you to another overlook location, but don't take my word for it. We arrived at the overlook after about an hour of steady pace and most of these pictures posted just can't do the view justice. Highly recommend this trail for a short day hike and be wary that the parking near the trail head only allows for 4 car spaces approximately.
Some pretty good washouts but some fantastic scenery awaits anyone taking this trail. Pretty crazy to see a couple horses back there!
Easy to moderate hike with a nice view at the top end.
This is my favorite trail so far. Not only are the views amazing, but you will more than likely not encounter people. The trail is hidden on a dirt road that has a few spots for parking. It's a bit rugged, the rain has washed out a good portion of the trail. It's a forested trail until you get to a clear opening revealing the view of the mountains. Also, be cautious of rattlesnakes. Did not come across any myself, but came across a guy studying them on one of the cliffs.
Bill T.
great trail and not crowded at all due to remote locale that not a lot of people know about. fantastic view at the end.
This is one of my favorite trails. Although it's gotten harder grouch out the years. We took our 3.5 year old and she did pretty good. The beginning is really washed out and a bit steep but it's fairly short. A lot of the trail is narrow as well. Could use a clean out. The views at the end are breathtaking. When I close my eyes and go to my "happy place" it has always been there. A hike I've been doing since I was being carried in a pack. 30 years later sharing it with my family was special.
The trail is steep uphill, then steep downhill to the cliffs with one easy and fairly level mid section. The steep parts are washed out like ditches making the trail a little difficult here and there. Great views down in the cove with Grandfather Mountain in the background. Plenty of space on the rocks for a break and to take in the views. Well worth the effort!
Trail was pretty hard and was muddy the day we went. But WOW at the view once you reach the top
Beautiful views of Grandfather Mountain from large rock formations. Saw a Peregrine Falcon! Fall views were so colorful. Easy hike in and out.
Josh S.
Great views, great to add this trail if your jumping from trail to trail as it can be done quickly depending on endurance and skull level. I prefer this hike in the fall/ winter months for the views alone!