Andy Cove Nature Trail (easy)

Driving directions**:  From the college, drive right on Broad Street for 3 miles until you get to the Pisgah Forest intersection (near the Wal-Mart store).  Turn left into Pisgah Forest (Route 276N) and go about a mile and turn right into the Pisgah Forest Ranger Station and park.

Hiking directions:  This trail begins and ends at the Pisgah Forest Ranger Station.  It is a 2.2 mile easy hike, which takes you along the Davidson River for about ½ of the way.  Note:  you must cross highway 276 two times during the hike, but for the most part the trail is away from the road.  Begin the hike behind the Ranger Station parking lot.  The hike will first take you up and around a hilly path on a nature walk with labeled plants. The trail will then intersect another trail (the Exercise Trail, however it is not marked) and you should turn right and follow a path that will lead you, in a short distance to a point where you must cross highway 276.  Cross carefully to follow a path that will lead you along the Davidson River.  As soon as you cross the highway, you will walk across a bridge that takes you to the English Chapel.  Walk right past it (peaking inside if you are curious about the old chapel, which is still used, mostly by campers, I suppose).  Head downstream along the trail that takes you right along the River.  Continue for about a mile (passing numerous Davidson River campsites and the road for the entrance to the Davidson River campground along the way).  Cross the entrance road (still on this side of the river) and continue the trail for another 1/3 mile until you come to a swinging footbridge.  Cross over the swinging bridge, turn left and head upstream along the other side of the river, for another 1/3 mile where you will walk through a parking lot and the entrance road for Davidson River campground (this time you will be on the Hwy 276 side of the river).  Continue on the path along the river for another few tenths of a mile until the path forces you to cross Hwy 276.  Pick up the trail on the other side of the highway and continue for another 1/3 mile or so till you are at the Ranger parking lot again.
 
 

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Important Information:  As always, when hiking you should always:

• Hike with someone
• Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return
• Wear appropriate footwear and clothing (carry rain gear)
• Carry water (and snacks)!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Have a map of the area (available downtown at the Forest Place or at Dolly's ice cream shop (at the corner of 64, 276 and 280, near Wal-Mart)

** I am not responsible for anyone getting lost or injured when taking one of these hikes.  Neither is the College.  You are responsible for making sure you are adequately prepared.
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