Wilson Creek Gorge

The Wilson Creek area is part of the Grandfather District of the Pisgah National Forest. Looking at a map, the area is just south of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Grandfather Mountain and east of NC 181, north of Morganton. Wilson Creek was added to the National Wild and Scenic River System on August 18, 2000. The headwaters are below Calloway Peak and the creek stretches over 23 miles before emptying into John's River. The designations are as follows - Wild - 4.6 miles; Scenic - 2.9 miles; Recreational - 15.8 miles. Activities in the area include hiking, car camping, backpacking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing and swimming.

Pisgah National Forest

Occupying the most interesting regions of the Blue Ridge Mountains, southern Appalachian Mountains, and Great Balsam Mountains, the Pisgah National Forest is composed of more than half a million acres of old-growth forests, wildlife niches, mountainous terrain, meandering rivers, and dazzling waterfalls. The Pisgah National Forest occupies 10 miles of The Coves ridge line. With the close proximity of this beautiful national treasure it makes an impressive amenity to an already bountiful offering for the residents at The Coves.