Cooper speaking..."finally! At long last we are finally going on my most favorite trail, Andy Cove". Andy Cove is a .7 mile loop located behind the ranger station/visitors center. It's a great trail for families with small children; boardwalks, stairs, a suspension bridge, bridges, as well as a great overview of the forest are all to be found on this trail. This is another trail that we usually do a few times during the week...
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look closely, Ron & Coop are headed
down the trail |
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| a nice viewing platform. gives a great view of the forest |
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| walking along the boardwalk |
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| Coop running across the suspension bridge |
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| time for a drink |
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| the forest is especially beautiful during the early evening |
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| waiting for me. I think he's telling me to hurry up! |
We really enjoy this trail.
Friday, April 20
Today we went in search of early wildflowers, more specifically, trillium. We went to Moore Cove, which is a short, (1.4 mile round trip) up and down trail to a waterfall. This is another very popular family hike, mainly due to the shortness of the trail and the waterfall. The waterfall is located in grotto; it's fun to walk behind it.
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| and...we're off |
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| early wildflowers |
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| these are really delicate looking |
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| Coop loves playing in the water |
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| patiently waiting while I take pictures |
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| we found the trillium |
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| beautiful |
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| a beautiful day, a beautiful trail |
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| looking at the waterfall |
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| Ron and Coop in the grotto behind the waterfall |
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| taking a picture from behind the falls |
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| the result |
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| view of the grotto |
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signs are posted at the waterfalls. still,
people climb to the top |
We left Moore Cove and went to Sliding Rock. Sliding Rock is a major attraction; we wanted to view the rock before the crowds begin to arrive. Climb to the top of the rock, the force of the Davidson River pushes you down the rock and dumps you into a pool of water 8' deep. The water temperature is 55 to 60 degrees year 'round. Beginning Memorial Day weekend lifeguards are on duty.
Throughout the summer, people will wait in long lines for their turn to slide down the rock.
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| notice the rail at the top of the rock? during the summer months it's lined with people |
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| after sliding down, swim to the railing & head up to the top of the rock & slide down again! |
Saturday, April 21
Another one of our favorite waterfalls is Twin Falls. So named as there are two falls somewhat side by side. The best time to view the second falls is in the early spring or late autumn; before or after the trees have leafed out. We hiked Avery Creek to Buckhorn Gap trail to the falls for a 4.4 mile round trip hike. Cooper loves Buckhorn Gap trail as there are 12 water crossings!! Puppy heaven for a dog who loves to get into the water.
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| he's ready to go |
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| it's rather steep going down from the parking area |
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| Avery Creek |
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| there were quite of few of these cascades along Avery Creek |
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| more cascades |
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| Avery Falls |
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| we use the logs over the creek, Coop jumps right in |
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"I'm not crossing those logs and you can't make me". the bank was too steep and too high;
it took us awhile to find a place where he could cross the river |
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| after a half mile, we made it to Buckhorn Gap |
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| the first of 12 creek crossings on Buckhorn trail |
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| waiting for Ron to cross |
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| the trails in Pisgah are rooty and rocky. Buckhorn Gap is no exception |
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| getting closer |
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| almost there |
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| the first one |
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| time for a break. the second waterfall is right behind me |
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| the second one |
April brings with it Little League. One of the forestry employees, Cody, is the Commissioner of the Brevard Little League. Ron is umpiring for the Little League...
Sunday, April 29
The last couple of days have brought a bit of rain as well higher than normal temperatures; causing the trees to leaf out and flowering trees and shrubs to bloom. Wildflowers are still a couple of weeks behind...
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| dog wood is fading |
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| Davidson River from Exercise trail |
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cascade on the opposite side of the Davidson River,
Exercise trail |
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| beautiful azaleas |
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| back in the water; Andy Cove trail |
Till next time,
Dawn, Ron & Coop
