Tennessee · Hiking · Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness

Nichols Cove

5.7 mi
round trip
2,445 ft
climb
2,500 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Aug–Nov
best months

Is Nichols Cove open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in National Forests in North Carolina. It doesn't name Nichols Cove, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · National Forests in North Carolina. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Nichols Cove is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, on the Cheoah Ranger District of the National Forests in North Carolina. The trail crosses into Tennessee, and the Forest Service manages the land. The route starts at about 2,100 feet and climbs to a high point of 2,500 feet, with a total elevation gain of 2,445 feet over the round trip. The steepest stretch comes early, with a grade of about 27% at 0.27 miles in. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically September and October, when typical averages from the nearby Tapoco, NC weather station run from highs near 79°F to 69°F and lows from 56°F to 46°F. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the higher ground run cooler. The hike takes about three hours. Bikes are not allowed, and the trail is not accessible. Windy Gap and Big Fat are both about 1.2 miles away, and Mill Branch Trail is 1.8 miles off. Horse Cove Campground, about 5.6 miles away, offers a place to stay.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Aug–Nov

    Best time to visit Nichols Cove

    Best months: March–June and August–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      48° / 28°

      12 wet

    2. Feb

      52° / 31°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      60° / 37°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      70° / 44°

      11 wet

    5. May

      77° / 52°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 59°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 62°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      85° / 61°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      79° / 56°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      69° / 46°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      59° / 36°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      50° / 31°

      12 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Tapoco, NC, 3.7 mi away at 1,110 ft. The station sits about 1,400 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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