Cove Creek Waterfall Rappel: Learn Waterfall Canyoneering

Two waterfall rappels after a training class, not a guided tour watching someone else descend.

A beginner-friendly rappelling and canyoneering class at Cove Creek Waterfall in Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, where you learn the basics and then descend a 75-foot waterfall and a 45-foot waterfall with a seasoned guide. The experience includes a 1.5-mile hike to the top, gear instruction, a practice rappel, creek scrambling, and a swimming hole, all in about 3.5 hours.

The experience

You start with gear sizing and a relaxed hike through forest to reach the top of Cove Creek Waterfall. Once there, your guide outfits you with a harness, helmet and technical gear, then teaches you the fundamentals of rappelling before you practice on a short training rappel. This hands-on instruction is the foundation. You're learning the skill, not watching a demonstration.

When you're ready, you descend the 75-foot main waterfall, then a second 45-foot drop, both surrounded by canyon walls and water. Between rappels and after, you navigate knee-deep creek water, scramble over boulders, and follow trails alongside the waterway. The route finishes at a refreshing swimming hole before the hike back out.

All equipment (harness, helmet, rappelling gear and shoes) is provided. Your guide speaks English or Spanish and has years of experience teaching beginners. Children from age 12 are welcome if they're in good physical condition and comfortable hiking on rocky terrain at a relaxed pace. No prior climbing or rappelling experience is required.

What’s included

• All rappelling gear including harness, helmet and technical equipment.
• shoes.
• instruction and practice rappel from a seasoned guide.
• access to the swimming hole.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 72 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “After arriving behind the Ranger Station you will find your guide near his vehicle with appropriate equipment. He will be wearing a Pura Vida t-shirt.”

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 15

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Pura Vida Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can follow instruction in whichever language works for you. If you're in good physical condition and comfortable with a relaxed hike on rocky terrain, you'll manage the fitness demands. No prior climbing experience is necessary.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Under 12: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the hike like to get to Cove Creek Waterfall?

The hike to the top of the waterfall is 1.5 miles through forest at a relaxed pace on gentle hills and rocky terrain. It's the approach before the rappelling begins, not a strenuous scramble.

Do I need climbing or rappelling experience to do this?

No experience is required. The guide teaches you the basics of rappelling on the ground before you practice on a short training rappel, so you learn as you go.

What happens after I rappel down the waterfall?

After the 75-foot rappel, you descend a second 45-foot waterfall, then navigate creek water and boulders on the way to a swimming hole where you can cool off before hiking back out.

Can my 12-year-old come along?

Children from age 12 are welcome if they're in good physical condition and can hike on rocky terrain at a relaxed pace. The guide will assess readiness during gear sizing.