Exercise Trail #344

Area Status: Open

1.5 mi - Easy - This is an easy loop trail that is popular with people interested in a nice stroll through the woods and along the Davidson River. Signs mark important turns. Walking in a clockwise direction from the Ranger Station, you will walk along the back sides of the parking lots, pass through a stand of White Pines, then cross the highway. (Two highway crossings and two bridge crossings are the only occasions that you will be on pavement.) Shortly thereafter, you will turn left onto a dirt road that parallels the Davidson River, then turn right to cross the Davidson River via the two-lane bridge. (This is a congested area in summer; beware of traffic.) At the bridge’s end, turn right to parallel the river as you proceed upstream. This walk along the river is beautiful at all times of the year. Take time to look at the English Chapel, an historic wood and stone building built in 1860 that still has an active congregation. Just beyond the chapel, you will cross the river and the highway again. The trail enters another stand of White Pines, then crosses a small stream before returning to the Ranger Station.

Approximate Elevation Change: 30 feet
Blaze: Marked with signs

At a Glance

Open Season: Year-round
Usage: Heavy
Restrictions: Hiking Trail: foot traffic only.
Water: yes
Restroom: none
Operated By: US Forest Service

General Information

Directions: This trail is accessible from several places. The most common are the Pisgah District Ranger Station/Visitor Center, where the trail runs along the back sides of the parking lots; or the Art Loeb Trailhead parking lot, which is ¼ mile south of the Ranger Station at the intersection of US 276 and the entrance road to the Davidson River Campground.

Activities

Day Hiking