Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail Map

Route map of the Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail as tracked by the Gaia GPS app and depicted a la Google Earth...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail Map

Route map of the Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail as tracked by the Gaia GPS app...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock East Trailhead (Yellow Gap Road) -- 2,800'

The east trailhead on Yellow Gap Road is located about 1.5-miles from its western trailhead on the same roadway.

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock East Trailhead (Yellow Gap Road) -- 2,800'

The Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail as it departs its eastern trailhead on Yellow Gap Rd (F.R. 1206)...

Slate Rock Creek -- 2,820'

Slate Rock Creek, which will be a close companion for the first three miles of the trail, splashes by just above the trailhead...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 2,830'

Entering a green tunnel...a common experience on trails around here...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 2,850'

Despite the thick foliage there are still quite a few nice looks at the creek to be had...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 2,880'

As the valley narrows the trail begins an ascent up the steep slopes bordering the creek...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 2,920'

A rather root-y stretch of trail...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 2,940'

Crossing the first of many tiny tributaries feeding Slate Rock Creek from the north...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 2,950'

The little tributary from the previous shot has a pretty cascade just downstream though, unfortunately, it's mostly covered by deadfall...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 2,960'

A forest of young hardwoods covers the slopes above...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 2,970'

Nearing the creek once again...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 2,980'

Passing through a beautiful cathedral of trees...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 2,990'

The next tributary crossing boasts this beautiful cascade, just upstream...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 3,000'

At this point you'll start to hear falling water from ahead and below...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 3,000'

Slate Rock Creek Falls is easily spotted through the rhododendron, with this well-cleared scramble path down to the creek allowing for a closer look...

Slate Rock Creek Falls -- 2,980'

Though not huge, Slate Rock Creek Falls is still an enjoyable place to take a quick break. It's fairly easy to spot from the trail but, just in case, watch for it to the left about 3/4-mile up from the trailhead...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 3,000'

The green tunnel continues above the falls...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 3,020'

Evidence of this trails former life as a logging grade...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 3,050'

The next tributary crossing offers the option of a bridge, though you might find it easier just to rock-hop it...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 3,070'

Slate Rock Creek is still nearby though it tries to stay hidden, as much as possible, beneath the rhodo...

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail -- 3,090'

The ridgeline seen through the trees here contains Slate Rock, though on its opposite side...