Chestnut Cove Overlook

This overlook was named for the trees that made up about 25% of the historic Blue Ridge forest landscape. Sadly, a fungal blight wiped out the majestic, mature American chestnut trees by the end of the 1930’s. Chestnut Cove Overlook offers a mix of mature pines and mixed hardwoods in the forest canopy with one massive red maple tree at center stage. A variety of tall shrubs, vines, and small trees are growing down the hillside, including mountain laurel, blueberry, blackberry, sassafras, sumac, wildflowers, and hardwood sprouts (including American chestnut). This rich mix of vegetative cover makes it great wildlife habitat, especially for birds. Look and listen for eastern towhee, black-throated green warblers, indigo buntings, tufted titmouse, red-eyed vireo, and Carolina chickadee. A large variety of birds can be evident at this overlook (especially in summer) due to the mature trees, the mixed shrub layer, and the edge where the two habitats come together. Berries, nuts, and fruits from these plants are also valuable to small and large mammals. The view is east across the French Broad River Valley. Ball Mountain can be seen in the foreground with Little Pisgah, Bearwallow, Bank, High Top, and Couch Mountains visible in the distance on a clear day. Access to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is across the Parkway from the overlook. Check the conditions of the area before you visit.