Collier Cove Nature Preserve — Attraction in Royal Pines

This is a lovely little preserve if you need a quick nature hit and don't have time for a whole trip to Pisgah, especially if you're already nearby. I left home, walked the whole outer loop, and was back in under an hour. It's only a couple miles of trail but enough to work up a sweat and feel removed from civilization. I think it's almost 600 ft of elevation change so you're always going either up or down relatively steep grades. But in those couple miles you'll be treated to dense forest, lots of rhododendron, grassy clearings with wild blackberries growing in the summer, and even some nice mid-range views.

This gets 5 stars because of what it offers considering the size and location. There just isn't anything else around that wouldn't take significantly more time to get to. I'm really grateful it's there and to the people that make it happen, and so happy it's finally reopened after Helene. Check it out if you're...

Love this little oasis of forest just two miles from the main strip of Airport Rd, Arden. Yes, the trails can be quite steep, and residential homes can be seen from parts of them, but there are some great views, comparable to an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Definitely check it out during seasons when the trees are without leaves for the best views. Much of it is obscured by leaves in the warmer months. The parking lot is a bit long and a bit narrow. For example, my F150 supercab takes up about 3/4 of the width of the lot when parked at a 45 degree angle from the side (which is the way the parking spaces are arranged). The trash large trash by the trail entrance can be difficult to close properly, as it is supposed to prevent animals from getting into the trash. I did start by saying I love this place, right? It truly is...

Beautiful trails tucked back behind a residential area. The sign is NOT KIDDING about these trails being rigorous. It's been a while since I've been on even a short hike, admittedly, so I'm out of shape. That said I would not reccomend this hike for beginners. I started Trillium trail, thinking the shorter hike would be better but the steep incline you see at the beginning continues for a good 5 minutes or so (depending on how fast you hike, obviously). There is a bench at the top of the hill, which was a lovely place to sit, catch my breath, and enjoy a very nice view. Next time I think I'm going to try Walnut Way, as it looks like it has less of an incline, at least...