Part of Dennis Cove
Overview
Coon Den Falls is a hidden gem in Dennis Cove, and this route reaches it the long way: up the Appalachian Trail, through open forest and a quiet hollow, with views that stretch for miles.
The trail begins gently, carrying you through moss-covered rocks and logs, small streams, and dry stream beds waiting for the spring rains. When the climb begins, it doesn't demand more effort. It gently asks. Several spots along the way invite you to rest and look out over God's creation.
From the Appalachian Trail, Coon Den Falls Trail drops toward the falls, and then, all at once, they are in front of you. After heavy rain they rush down the cliffs; in drier times they are little more than a gentle stream of water. Both are beautiful. Even in the busiest times of the year, this place is quiet.
The journey back asks more of you than you might expect. But the descent into the cool hollow is a pleasant way to end the day, and the road brings you back, once more, to everyday life.
Trail at a Glance
- Location
- The hike begins at the Dennis Cove trailhead and follows the Appalachian Trail to the Coon Den Falls Trail junction, then turns onto Coon Den Falls Trail to the falls and returns the same way. Parking is at the Dennis Cove trailhead, across Dennis Cove Road from the trail. The road is busy in peak season with traffic for the campground and the popular Laurel Falls Trail.
- Terrain
- Open forest with moss-covered rocks and logs, small streams, and dry stream beds. A long, steady climb on the Appalachian Trail gives way to a downhill on Coon Den Falls Trail that must be climbed again on the way back, and a short, steep climb from the junction up to the falls. There are a few tricky spots along the stream, but they can be avoided. The Appalachian Trail is easy to follow. Coon Den Falls Trail is harder: when leaves are on the ground, it can almost disappear among the rocks, and
- Seasonal considerations
- The falls are strongest after heavy rain and can slow to a gentle stream during drier times. Spring rains fill the dry stream beds along the lower trail. In fall, the foliage can be seen for miles from the rest spots along the climb. Spring brings wildflowers to the open field. Fall and spring are the best seasons for this hike, but snow or ice can make the climbs and the falls trail difficult. During peak season, Dennis Cove Road is heavily traveled, so take care crossing to the trailhead.
Route details
Coon Den Falls via Appalachian Trail
Great hike through an open forest to a secluded fall.
- Distance
- 4.9 miles round trip
- Estimated time
- 5 hours
- Trail type
- Out and back
- Difficulty
- 1.25 out of 5 (Low to moderate, with a sustained climb)
- Elevation
- About 1,521 ft of climbing · about 1,540 ft of climbing
Other routes on Dennis Cove
Key Points
- Crossing Dennis Cove Road (0 mi) The road is heavily traveled in peak season. Take care crossing to the trailhead.
- Old cabin and open field (0.25 mi) An abandoned cabin just before the field, which has room for dispersed camping and wildflowers in spring.
- Through the hollow (0.25–0.8 mi) Open forest, moss-covered rocks and logs, small streams, and dry stream beds. A reliable stream crossing at 0.6 and a small campsite at 0.7.
- The climb (0.8–1.5 mi) Steady, never demanding. Several spots to rest and take in views that stretch for miles, including the resting point near 0.9.
- Appalachian Trail junction (1.6 mi) The AT continues up. Turn left onto Coon Den Falls Trail. From here, watch the trail closely. In leaf season it can disappear among the rocks, and side trails to overlooks can look like the real thing.
- Down toward the falls (1.6–2.4 mi) A gentle downhill that betrays the climb back out.
- Coon Den Falls Trail junction (~2.4 mi) Right leads to the falls. Left continues down toward Dennis Cove Campground.
- Coon Den Falls (2.45 mi) A short, steep climb, and then the falls appear all at once. A trail-made bench against a boulder gives a perfect view.
- The climb back (2.5–3.45 mi) The most demanding part of the day. It ends at the AT junction.
- The descent home (3.45–4.9 mi) Back into the cool hollow, past the old cabin, and down to the road.
Walking the Trail
The Gentle Ask
*Dennis Cove to the Appalachian Trail Junction*
Crossing the road to the trailhead can be tricky during peak season. The road is heavily traveled, carrying traffic to the campground and the popular Laurel Falls Trail.
Once on the trail, it gently brings you to the incline, through beautiful open forest filled with short but amazing views. Moss-covered rocks and logs. Small streams, and dry stream beds waiting for the spring rains. The trail winds through a hollow, teasing the climb that awaits you.
When the climb begins, it doesn't demand more effort. It gently asks.
Slowly, you climb. There are several spots along the way to rest and look out over God's creation. In autumn, the fall foliage can be seen for miles.
Reaching the junction for Coon Den Falls is no easy task, but it is certainly not the most difficult climb along this stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
The Falls
*The Appalachian Trail to Coon Den Falls*
At the junction, the Appalachian Trail continues up. Turn left toward Coon Den Falls.
The gentle downhill betrays the difficult climb back out.
At the Coon Den Falls Trail junction, turning right leads to the falls. Left takes you down toward Dennis Cove Campground. The climb up to Coon Den Falls is short from the junction, but not easy.
Reaching the falls happens all at once. One minute you are climbing the hill; the next, the falls are in front of you.
A trail-made bench against a boulder gives a perfect view of the falls. After a heavy rain, the falls are at their strongest. During drier times, they can be little more than a gentle stream of water coming down the cliffs. I have seen the falls at both extremes, and I have to say both are just as beautiful. The rushing falls drown out the noise around you, while the gentle falls lull you into a restful meditation.
Sit here and enjoy the peace. Even in the busiest times of the year, this place is quiet.
Rest. Eat.
The Return
*Coon Den Falls to Dennis Cove*
The journey back requires more effort than you realize. Climbing back up the trail asks more of you.
Once you are back at the junction with the Appalachian Trail, you have reached the end of the most difficult part.
The descent back into the hollow is very pleasant. The coolness of the hollow brings comfort. It can also bring a sense of loneliness, if you allow it.
Passing the abandoned cabin just past the open field lets you know your journey is almost done.
Reaching the road brings you back, once more, to your everyday life.
Itinerary 9 items
- Meet at TrailheadGather together before the hike begins
- IntroductionsA brief introduction of the trail, the guide, and each other. This is where the expectations are presented.
- The Walk BeginsWe put on our packs, or pick up our water, and head onto the trail.
- Slow and SteadyThe trail meanders through beautiful forest. Allow the trail to help you begin to relax in the moment.
- Coon Den FallsHere we stop for snacks, teaching, and journaling. We discuss the thoughts that may have surfaced on the trail and learn from eac other.
- The ReturnPacking back up and heading back up to the trail.
- Back to the RoadWe walk and listen as we prepare to return to everyday life.
- Back at the TrailheadA brief recap of the hike and short discussion. Follow-ups and an invitation to other hikes.
- DismissalEveryone is dismissed to their vehicles.
Before You Go
Crossing Dennis Cove Road to the trailhead can be tricky during peak season. Take your time.
The climb up the Appalachian Trail is steady but gentle. The climb back from the falls is harder than it looks on the way down. Save energy for the return.
The falls are strongest after heavy rain and gentlest in dry spells. Both are beautiful. Spring and fall are the best seasons to go.
The Appalachian Trail is easy to follow. Coon Den Falls Trail can be hard to see when leaves cover the rocks, and side trails to overlooks can look like the main path. Watch your way carefully.
Water is easy to reach along the stream and at the falls. Bring a way to treat it, along with lunch to eat at the falls. Wear footwear suited to uneven, sometimes wet terrain.
Walk it with Eremos
*Eremos is an invitation to walk with intention.*
*To notice the trail beneath your feet. To pay attention to the world around you. To rest when rest is offered. To reflect when something stirs within you.*
*These notes mark places that have become meaningful through repeated visits—not because they demand your attention, but because they have often rewarded it.*
*Take what is helpful. Leave room for surprise. The trail may have something different to teach you today.*
