Home › North Carolina › Arden › Collier Cove Nature Preserve
Collier Cove Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 128 Google reviews · Running trail in Arden, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Collier Cove Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Steep, forested hillsides featuring loop trails with scenic vistas and benches.
What runners say about Collier Cove Nature Preserve
“Plus, those dependable operating hours (7:30 AM–8:30 PM) mean you can always count on a full day of safe, clean family fun.”
“Beautiful trails tucked back behind a residential area.”
“Nice quiet spot to relax, have a meal, think and take in nature, breathe, and practice yoga.”
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.
Beautiful views. Trails are either uphill or downhill. Not much flat level land. If you're up for a vigorous hike with nice wooded scenery, this one's for you!
Around 1.85 miles and 800 ft climbing if you cover every foot of trail. A few easily avoidable sections of poison ivy
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.
Trail conditions & character
“I think it's almost 600 ft of elevation change so you're always going either up or down relatively steep grades.”
“It’s not easy getting too, but it has some sweet views.”
“I left home, walked the whole outer loop, and was back in under an hour.”
“Nice quiet spot to relax, have a meal, think and take in nature, breathe, and practice yoga.”
“Free to use and reasonable rates if you accidently pull into premium parking.”
Plan your run at Collier Cove Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitebuncombenc.gov
- Phone(828) 250-4260
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM–8:30 PM |
Running trails near Arden
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Blue Ridge Parkway
4.9 ★★★★★ 837 reviews
Scenic mountain drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway featuring many overlooks, hiking trails, and visitor center.
The North Carolina Arboretum
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,179 reviews
Arboretum in a forest with mountain views, gardens & a bonsai exhibit, plus hiking & biking paths.
Bent Creek trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 174 reviews
Many of the trails in this area are for both hikers and bikers.
Rice Pinnacle Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 105 reviews
Hiking area with a public restroom that's also popular with mountain bikers.
Hard Times Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 391 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area with many trails for mountain biking and walking, plus an arboretum and a lake.