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Cherry Cove Viewpoint – Looking Glass Falls loop from Pisgah Forest Access

Cherry Cove Viewpoint – Looking Glass Falls loop from Pisgah Forest Access

Hard

2.7

(13)

riders

Cherry Cove Viewpoint – Looking Glass Falls loop from Pisgah Forest Access

04:09

78.1km

1,290m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 66.1 km for 132 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

11.9 km

Looking Glass Falls Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

Step off the bike and take the turn off of the main road to find the Looking Glass Falls Viewpoint.

Looking Glass Falls is the perfect quick pit-stop for everyone since it is practically right next to the parking lot. The accessibility to the falls viewing area was kept in mind during designing so that anyone would be able to view the beautiful scene; keep in mind that there are steps leading to the upper viewing platform.

Tip by

28.5 km

Cradle of Forestry Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Cradle of Forestry Overlook is located at Milepost 411 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and looks out over Pisgah National Forest. The main spectacle you can see is the obvious Looking Glass Rock. There are some historical informational signs next to the parking area with more information about what you can see from the viewpoint.

Tip by

29.6 km

View of Pink Beds

Highlight • Viewpoint

Pink Beds Overlook is situated at Milepost 410.3 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a popular pull-off due to the expansive view and the ability to see the mountain laurel and Catawba rhododendron that create the "pink beds" of flowers.

Tip by

31.3 km

Funnel Top View

Highlight • Viewpoint

You can find Funnel Top View at Milepost 409.3 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The view is an official overlook, and at 4,925 feet, this is a great spot to see multiple rows of mountain spines.

Tip by

39.6 km

Blue Ridge Parkway

Highlight • Cycleway

Cycling along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Pisgah National Forest reveals stunning Appalachian views, with rolling hills and verdant valleys. The parkway is lined with diverse trees, including oak, hickory, and pine.

Tip by

44.5 km

Cherry Cove Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

Like a lot of the other nearby overlooks, the Cherry Cove View overlook offers another perspective of Looking Glass Rock. It's located at Milepost 415.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and sits about 1,000 feet above the cove it is named after.

Tip by

62.5 km

Sliding Rock Viewpoint

Viewpoint

66.1 km

Looking Glass Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Looking Glass Falls is one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. And it's perhaps the easiest to view (one of the few accessible roadside waterfalls, making it perfect for folks with mobility and walking challenges). The name "Looking Glass" comes from Looking Glass Rock, where water freezes on its sides in the winter and then glistens in the sunlight like a mirror or looking glass. Looking Glass Creek, which flows past the rock, is also named for its impressive natural structure. Its easy accessibility makes Looking Glass Falls a popular spot for travelers along U.S. 276, Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, near Brevard in the Pisgah National Forest. Enjoy nice views from the parking area along the road. Or take a short walk for a closer look. The waterfall is 60 feet tall. Steps lead down to the falls for a close-up view. You can venture onto the rocks in the stream below the falls, and even do some wading and swim underneath the falling water when water flow is lower. For photographs, the sun comes up over the waterfall in the morning. So, afternoon lighting or a cloudy day is best. And visit during the winter to see beautiful ice creations.
romanticasheville.com/looking_glass_falls.htm

Tip by

73.9 km

Davidson River

Highlight • River

Davidson River marks the southern start of the Art Loeb Trail. It’s a good spot to filter water before the climb ahead. Expect a gradual but steady ascent as you leave the valley and head into the forested hills.

This is a popular fly-fishing spot with crystal-clear waters and abundant trout, including brown, brook, and rainbow.

Tip by

78.1 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

49.1 km

24.8 km

2.70 km

980 m

464 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

76.5 km

1.08 km

541 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Thursday 9 July

31°C

18°C

78 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a serious road cycling challenge with incredible rewards, the Cherry Cove Viewpoint – Looking Glass Falls loop from Pisgah Forest Access delivers. This difficult 48.5-mile (78.1 km) road cycling route packs in 4229 feet (1289 metres) of climbing over roughly 4 hours and 9 minutes, making it perfect for experienced riders with very good fitness who crave sustained ascents and panoramic views.

What to expect on Cherry Cove Viewpoint – Looking Glass Falls loop from Pisgah Forest Access

This loop is a true journey through the heart of Pisgah National Forest. You'll tackle the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway, where Cherry Cove Viewpoint offers expansive 180-degree views, including a clear shot of Looking Glass Rock. Then, brace yourself for the challenging 'Pisgah Highway climb' on US Highway 276, a fun, twisty road that can hit gradients of 8-9% with constant switchbacks. The reward? Descending past iconic Looking Glass Falls, a 60-foot cascade easily viewed from the roadside, and soaking in the heavily forested slopes and mile-high peaks that define this region. This route is for road cyclists who thrive on sustained climbing and long descents, offering a truly strenuous workout.

Planning your visit

The starting point for this loop is accessible from Pisgah Forest Access. While specific parking details for this exact loop aren't provided, parking is generally available at popular access points within Pisgah National Forest, such as near Looking Glass Falls. Given the significant elevation changes and the demanding nature of the route, ensure your bike is in excellent condition and carry plenty of water and nutrition. The Blue Ridge Parkway and US 276 are subject to seasonal closures, especially in winter, so check conditions before you go. Spring and fall offer beautiful scenery and more moderate temperatures for road cycling.

Trail details

Distance: 48.5 miles (78.1 km)
Elevation gain: 4229 feet (1289 metres)
Difficulty: difficult
Estimated time: 4 hours and 9 minutes

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Cherry Cove Viewpoint – Looking Glass Falls loop from Pisgah Forest Access

Looking Glass Falls Viewpoint

Cradle of Forestry Overlook

View of Pink Beds

Funnel Top View

Blue Ridge Parkway

Cherry Cove Viewpoint

Looking Glass Falls

Davidson River

Nearby routes

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