Cove Creek Natural Area — Attraction in Damascus

This a natural preservation area and not a park in the sense of a city or state park that is well developed and attentively maintained. Rather it is 228 acres of land under protection and management so that it might exist naturally as a self-sustaining ecosystem. It is first and foremost a conservation project.

There are some good stands of trees here, especially areas of shortleaf pine at the core of the preserve, but certain areas of forest are degraded, overrun with invasive and non-native species, particularly Chinese privet (the shrub), and an imbalanced proportion of native Eastern Red Cedar. Such species create a less "natural" woods and are a far cry from the dense oak, hickory, and pine forest that would have originally existed here.

This is a quiet and secluded natural area without typical park infrastructure—that is, it has limited signage, sparse parking, no bathrooms or potable water, no trash receptacles, and only a modest 1.5 mile trail loop. A few interpretative signs dot the route. The trail crosses two sturdy footbridges, parallels Cove Creek for a quarter mile and has a couple of short trail spurs lead to stunning overlooks of the creek.

The "natural condition" and off-the-beaten-path location seems to limit its use although it has become more popular since the advent of Google Maps. It is unlikely that you will encounter many visitors. Some hunting is permitted so you may encounter hunters, especially in the fall and winter months. The woods may not be as "high-quality" as other natural areas, however the conditions should be appreciated and respected for the long-term process of ecosystem protection and reclamation that is underway here.

Overnight camping and fires are NOT permitted. Enjoy and be kind to nature. Do your part to make the conservation...

Cove Creek Natural is an easy & kid friendly area. Not crowded. Shade most of the way. Few streams on trail -could jump over. From trail/To the left goes to the lookout and to the right leads down to the water. Beautiful area, wildflowers, waterfalls, and streams. A biodiverse area as you will notice from...

Good little stretch wandering through the woods to the creek and up to the bluff overlooking. Looks like they just burned back the undergrowth. A few minor cascades here and there, but you would have to tromp through the brush to get to them. Well maintained and marked EASY walk...