Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Trail type
Loop
Distance
2.50 mi (4.02 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Bear Cove Trail is a 2.5-mile loop trail located in Devils Fork State Park. The trailhead is across the parking lot from Eclectic Sun kayak rentals and is very accessible. The trail itself is hilly, rooty, and is lined with black cherry, red maple, and dogwood trees among along with pines and oaks. The trail crosses a road after a short time and continues on before splitting to begin the loop. Once the trail forks you will have an option to go left and through the cove first or to the right and see the lake shore first. Both directions are about the same level of difficulty. There is a spur trail that leads down to the cove that is fairly easy to recognize. Once reaching the cove or the lake, you can jump in to cool off or sit and enjoy the view. Wildlife such as salamanders, snakes, deer, and bear are all around the area and may be seen year round. This is a trail you'll want to hike multiple times because of the great access to the relaxing cove.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Easy footing. Swimming coves. Lake views. Old-growth deciduous forest.

Cons

None.

Trailhead Elevation

1,500.00 ft (457.20 m)

Features

Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers
Family friendly

Location

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.