The Pilot Cove–Slate Rock trail (Forest Service Trail 102) is a scenic mountain-biking and hiking route in the Pisgah National Forest, in the Mills River area of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains southwest of Asheville. Part of the legendary Pisgah trail network, it's a quieter, more remote singletrack that rewards riders with beautiful forest scenery and a taste of classic Southern Appalachian backcountry.

The trail offers a fun descent with several stream crossings along the way — nothing too steep, but genuinely enjoyable, winding through lush hardwood forest with a waterfall to admire en route. Because it doesn't see heavy use, it keeps a wild, off-the-beaten-path feel, though that also means you may encounter downed trees and rougher trail conditions than on busier routes. Many riders link it with adjacent Pisgah trails to build longer loops through the Pilot Cove area.

This is a natural-surface forest trail, so come prepared: bring a map (Pisgah's trail network can be confusing), plenty of water, and basic repair gear, and be ready to hike-a-bike over obstacles or across streams. Conditions are best in the drier months, and trails can be muddy and slick after rain.

As always in the national forest, yield appropriately on shared trails, respect any seasonal or wildlife closures, and pack out everything you bring. For riders and hikers seeking a scenic, lower-traffic slice of Pisgah, Pilot Cove–Slate Rock delivers.