Cover Falls Preserve is home to a unique, 30-foot spray-cliff waterfall located at the heart of the Mainspring’s most recent preserve. The falls flow into the waters of Britton Creek, a trout stream and tributary of the ecologically rich Valley River.
The trail is named in honor of Lillian Brittain Cover (rhymes with “over”), a Cherokee County native and political pioneer who, just four years after women gained the right to vote, became a delegate to the 1924 Democratic Convention.
The half-mile hiking trail, which was completed in Spring 2026, provides direct access to Cover Falls. The trail will be incorporated into an approximately 1.35-mile loop during the next phase of development.
*note: The trail is rated intermediate/difficult and natural features are integrated into the path, making it slippery and muddy in places. Closed-toed shoes are recommended.
Click here to read more about the acquisition of the project.
VISIT:
Mainspring is happy to have you visit and explore Cover Falls Preserve. Please respect our policies.
What we allow: foot travel, fishing, swimming (at your own risk).
What we do not allow: In order to protect the water, plants, and soils, please remain on the trail while hiking to the falls. If you’re enjoying the water, please do not stack rocks. And for the protection of wildlife and rare species, no dogs are allowed. Dogs are welcome at our nearby Welch Farm Preserve.
Park in designated areas only. Parking is limited, so please carpool as much as possible and be considerate of residents’ property.
DIRECTIONS:
Directions from Cherokee County/Andrews Rest Area: Leave the rest area and drive straight through the stoplight intersection on US 74 E onto Beaver Creek Road. Drive 0.3 miles and turn right onto Stewart Road. Drive 0.5 miles and turn left onto Cover Falls Road. Drive 600 feet and trailhead parking is on right
