Cat Gap Loop Trail

Cat Gap Loop Trail (#120) is a 4.4-mile loop in Pisgah National Forest that circles John Rock and follows the Davidson River and its tributaries through hardwood coves and valley terrain. The route is blazed orange and is managed for foot traffic, with mountain-bike access allowed only seasonally on the trail sections that fall within the described area.

Start at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education & Fish Hatchery, where the trail begins from the facility parking area and proceeds from gated Forest Service Road 475C. The first part runs near the Davidson River floodplains, then transitions into uneven terrain as the route works its way toward Horse Cove.

In the mid-portion, the climb gets more serious: you pass the lower end of the John Rock Trail, continue uphill toward the gap area just south of John Rock, and reach Cat Gap, where the Cat Gap Loop briefly coincides with the Art Loeb Trail.

From Cat Gap, the loop drops back down on the north side of the ridge toward Cedar Rock Creek, including multiple creek crossings (some bridged) as the trail works through the lower valley.

The loop’s standout features are two Cedar Rock Creek waterfalls reached via short spur paths: Upper Cedar Rock Creek Falls and Lower Cedar Rock Creek Falls. The final stretch rolls back toward the hatchery area along the Davidson River before returning to the parking lot.

For timing and effort, expect about 1,050 feet of elevation gain and roughly a 2–3 hour hike for most parties, depending on how long you pause at the waterfall spurs.

More information: Visitor information, Cat Gap Loop Trail (4.4 miles; d\u003d5.50) - dwhike, John Rock & Cat Gap Loop (5.0 miles; d=7.30) - dwhike