Invasive plants along the Appalachian Trail

Throughout the month of May the Carolina Mountain Club will be hosting informational workshops concerning the problems associated with invasive plants along the Appalachian Trail.

The workshops will be taught by expert instructors who will discuss the problem of invasive exotic plants, threats to native biodiversity, identification of 12 to 15 plants of particular concern, and management techniques used along the Appalachian Trail.

A workshop will be held on each Saturday throughout the month of May and will include a hike along various sections of the Appalachian Trail in the Pisgah National Forest, including hikes beginning from Lemon Gap, Sam's Gap and Roan Mountain.

The first workshop is tomorrow. Click here for the schedule and contact information.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Chimney Rock State Park Wildflower Walk

As part of its Naturalist Series, Chimney Rock State Park will be offering a park-wide Wildflower Walk on May 15th.

In a quest to see the maximum diversity of wildflowers, this program will take place on several trails throughout the park. Be prepared to walk about three miles with frequent stops to study in detail some of the 700+ species of plants known to occur at Chimney Rock.

The program will last from 10am-3pm (lunch break at noon) and will cost $35 for Adults, $30 for Annual Passholders, $25 for ages 6-15, and $15 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for the day).

For more information and to register, please click here.

For more information on the trails at Chimney Rock State Park, please click here.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Zoar State Forest

Yesterday I also took the opportunity to drive down to Aylett and check out Zoar State Forest. Last time I was out here in December, most of the forest was underwater due to all of the rain and snow we had. I must say that in spring, this forest is nothing short of wonderful! The historic house (our office on site) and the surrounding buildings look reminiscent of the civil war era with a beautiful dogwood in the front.

The real jewel of this forest is the Mattaponi Bluffs River Trail which is on the northern end of the forest. This short trail makes for an excellent after lunch stroll. There is a canoe launch and two short loop trails for users to enjoy. Visitors are greeted by great views of the Mattaponi as well as massive trees such as American Beech, River Birch, American Holly, and many others. Most of the interpretive signs and trail maps are in disrepair but I've been told that local boyscout troops and the Mattaponi Pamunkey Rivers Association are going to be taking care of that soon enough. I gave a packet of tree identification plaques to the boyscouts to install so that users will know what trees they are seeing.

For a town that was once best known for it's prostitution and gambling, Aylett now holds one of our best small forests. Take some time to visit this one!

Zoar State Forest

Yesterday I also took the opportunity to drive down to Aylett and check out Zoar State Forest. Last time I was out here in December, most of the forest was underwater due to all of the rain and snow we had. I must say that in spring, this forest is nothing short of wonderful! The historic house (our office on site) and the surrounding buildings look reminiscent of the civil war era with a beautiful dogwood in the front.

The real jewel of this forest is the Mattaponi Bluffs River Trail which is on the northern end of the forest. This short trail makes for an excellent after lunch stroll. There is a canoe launch and two short loop trails for users to enjoy. Visitors are greeted by great views of the Mattaponi as well as massive trees such as American Beech, River Birch, American Holly, and many others. Most of the interpretive signs and trail maps are in disrepair but I've been told that local boyscout troops and the Mattaponi Pamunkey Rivers Association are going to be taking care of that soon enough. I gave a packet of tree identification plaques to the boyscouts to install so that users will know what trees they are seeing.

For a town that was once best known for it's prostitution and gambling, Aylett now holds one of our best small forests. Take some time to visit this one!

Sandy Point

Kiosk at entrance
Picnic pavilion at the river

Parking lot/entrance
Yesterday I visited Sandy Point where an eagle scout project is planned to help bridge the pavilion area along the river to another trail. This will require about 100 feet of boardwalk to cross a swampy area and then approximately half a mile of trail to connect the areas. This is certainly going to challenge the scout as he only has two months to complete the project! There are many opportunities for scout projects on this state forest as well as others.

While at the forest I looked at another possible trail to connect the pavilion area to Meadow Road, which would make a nice loop through the swamp. The planted longleaf are looking good and hopefully a prescribed burn will soon wipe out the surrounding competition from loblolly pine, sweetgum, grass, and ailanthus.

The Mattaponi was beautiful yesterday and showcased it's value as a bald eagle flew right over my head. Unfortunately I was not quick enough with the camera. There is a bald eagle nest on the property but I'm not telling where, I'll let you all find it on your own. Sandy Point is also home to the pink ladyslipper and some purple loosestrife.

Sandy Point

Kiosk at entrance
Picnic pavilion at the river

Parking lot/entrance
Yesterday I visited Sandy Point where an eagle scout project is planned to help bridge the pavilion area along the river to another trail. This will require about 100 feet of boardwalk to cross a swampy area and then approximately half a mile of trail to connect the areas. This is certainly going to challenge the scout as he only has two months to complete the project! There are many opportunities for scout projects on this state forest as well as others.

While at the forest I looked at another possible trail to connect the pavilion area to Meadow Road, which would make a nice loop through the swamp. The planted longleaf are looking good and hopefully a prescribed burn will soon wipe out the surrounding competition from loblolly pine, sweetgum, grass, and ailanthus.

The Mattaponi was beautiful yesterday and showcased it's value as a bald eagle flew right over my head. Unfortunately I was not quick enough with the camera. There is a bald eagle nest on the property but I'm not telling where, I'll let you all find it on your own. Sandy Point is also home to the pink ladyslipper and some purple loosestrife.

Cumberland State Forest

On Monday I spent a wonderful day playing in the rain at Cumberland State Forest. I started the day off by taking a hike around Channel Cat Loop at Bear Creek Lake State Park. On May 15th during the trail celebration I will be leading a guided hike about trees and wanted to get a preview and some talking points. Halfway around this 2 mile loop the sky opened up and I got drenched. But it was totally worth it when I encountered a whole colony of pink ladyslippers! For those who don't like pine plantations and say they are not diverse, I would say, why then does this uncommon orchid make it's home there?

After getting out of the rain for a bit I decided to hike along the Cumberland Multiuse Trail and clear some downed trees. I also wanted to check on the swinging bridge and some other areas. I also began to look at a trail that will extend from the southern swinging bridge, past three beaver ponds, following the Willis River and Bear Creek, and popping out on the far side of the forest. This would be potentially a 5+ mile loop with an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing.

At the end of the day I had a great time visiting with the wonderful Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park and we prepare for the May 15th trail celebration!

Cumberland State Forest

On Monday I spent a wonderful day playing in the rain at Cumberland State Forest. I started the day off by taking a hike around Channel Cat Loop at Bear Creek Lake State Park. On May 15th during the trail celebration I will be leading a guided hike about trees and wanted to get a preview and some talking points. Halfway around this 2 mile loop the sky opened up and I got drenched. But it was totally worth it when I encountered a whole colony of pink ladyslippers! For those who don't like pine plantations and say they are not diverse, I would say, why then does this uncommon orchid make it's home there?

After getting out of the rain for a bit I decided to hike along the Cumberland Multiuse Trail and clear some downed trees. I also wanted to check on the swinging bridge and some other areas. I also began to look at a trail that will extend from the southern swinging bridge, past three beaver ponds, following the Willis River and Bear Creek, and popping out on the far side of the forest. This would be potentially a 5+ mile loop with an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing.

At the end of the day I had a great time visiting with the wonderful Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park and we prepare for the May 15th trail celebration!

Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest

Azalea in bloom
Sphinx moth flying
Swallow nest?

Last week I completed the flagging of the new trail. All together it's about 5 miles long, on rolling terrain, with 17 stream crossings. We are already looking to contract a skidder or bobcat with a mulching head to clear the trail. With any luck this trail should be completed within a year. Here are some pictures of what you might expect to find while out on the trail.

Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest

Azalea in bloom
Sphinx moth flying
Swallow nest?

Last week I completed the flagging of the new trail. All together it's about 5 miles long, on rolling terrain, with 17 stream crossings. We are already looking to contract a skidder or bobcat with a mulching head to clear the trail. With any luck this trail should be completed within a year. Here are some pictures of what you might expect to find while out on the trail.