Traveling through the rugged mountains on a 19th-century train to Old Fort, North Carolina, passengers would encounter an unexpected sight: Andrews Geyser. Unlike the natural geysers of the West, this geyser was a manmade marvel, crafted in 1879 as both a monument and attraction beside the Round Knob Hotel. Designed to honor workers who lost their lives building the railway to Swannanoa, the geyser also served as a refreshing spectacle designed to lure visitors seeking respite from the summer heat.Though the Round Knob Hotel itself succumbed to flames in 1903, the geyser’s allure remained intact. Rescued and relocated in 1911 across the creek within Pisgah National Forest, it was renamed after Col. Alexander Boyd Andrews, a key figure in the Southern Railroad System. Today, this engineered fountain continues to shoot a cooled plume of water skyward at regular intervals, enthralling visitors with echoes of its past.Beyond its historical significance, Andrews Geyser invites visitors into a quiet patch of protected forest where the rush of water dares you closer, the ever-present creek nudges your steps along, and the trees sway with a grounded dignity. The trail to the geyser is moderate in length, framed by towering hardwoods and the sound of water coursing over rocks. Paths range from lightly packed soil to sections where roots weave like natural cables underfoot—offering both ease and a mild challenge depending on your step.Preparing for this journey means more than just packing hiking boots and water. Consider timing your visit to capture the geyser’s full dramatic display, best seen in the warmer months when the flow operates at peak force. The summer months also promise bright sun and cool mountain breezes, while spring and fall cloak the forest in vibrant colors and vibrant life. Winter visits require sturdier footwear for frosted trails but reward with serene, near-solitude and stark landscapes.Andrews Geyser welcomes all who respect the force of nature—man-made or not—and those who seek to connect with a unique chapter in railroad history. Whether you’re drawn by the technical curiosity of this engineered fountain or by the layered stories in its waters, the site offers an accessible, rewarding diversion during your mountain travels.