Shelton Laurel & Rocky Fork: Wildflower Previews

As COVID-19 has spread across the US, we continue to seek refuge in the wilderness. Even in normal times, trails that are less traveled are always our preference. The first weekend in March, we went to Rocky Fork, which defies the typical concept of a state park. Rocky Fork is a 2,000 plus acre park that is mostly undeveloped, with a small parking area and primitive toilet facilities. The next week, we went to the Shelton Laurel backcountry, which is always a destination that feeds the soul with wildflowers and views. Both of these areas offer wonderful outdoor experiences that are only marred by people who don’t respect nature and do not comply with Leave No Trace practices.

Rocky Fork State Park

Staff and volunteers have worked to enhance bridge access across the varied streams in this remote area. Rocky Fork abuts the Cherokee National Forest in TN, the Pisgah National Forest in NC, and the Sampson Mountain Wilderness in TN. https://www.fs.usda.gov/attmain/cherokee/specialplaces

Hiking in the spring simply brings me to my knees- literally. Getting down on the ground is the best way to truly appreciate and explore the flora that is found below the leaf litter. One of my favorites is Heartleaf Ginger, that hides the cup-like flowers and requires a gentle removal of the upper layer of dead leaves for a better view.

Our destination was the Flint Mountain Trail, which crosses Rocky Fork Creek several times. We were here on a cloudy day with intermittent showers, but the weather was perfect for hiking and photography!

Halberd leaf violet is one of the early spring flowers, with variegated, heart-shaped leaves lying below the small, bright yellow violets.

Anyone who loves the woods is familiar with Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana), whose dainty flowers spread across the dried leaves of the forest floor. Upon closer examination, Spring Beauty has five petals, with delicate veins that radiate outward, attracting pollinators.

Most trails within Rocky Fork begin along Rocky Fork Creek. This stream spills along the roadside as you enter Rocky Fork, and then rushes through boulders and chutes alongside the trail. No matter the season, Rocky Fork is there for you: https://hikescape.org/three-birds-orchids-great-smoky-mountains-rocky-fork/

Shelton Laurel

The next weekend, we ventured out to the Shelton Laurel backcountry, now restricted due to COVID-19 concerns, and because it provides access to the Appalachian Trail. However, as anyone who hikes the AT knows, access from side trails isn’t fast or easy. The number of hikers we encountered? Two…..

The diversity of wildflowers here never disappoints, although bloom times vary depending on winter weather and when you visit.

Who doesn’t love a gorgeous waterfall? We gratefully absorbed the cooling mist, as it was an exceptionally warm day for early March. The sound of the water was constant as we navigated the steep terrain in the Shelton Laurel backcountry.

More digging in the leaf litter yielded this gorgeous Heartleaf Ginger cup, hiding away from the light.

Bloodroot is an early spring indicator, emerging if it is warm and sunny or cold and snowy. The hand-shaped leaf clasps the stem of the bloodroot as it escapes the soil, seeking sunlight before the trees leaf out.

Trailing arbutus can be tricky to find, because the leaves often obscure the flowers. But if you find it…enjoy this beauty, as it doesn’t hang around for long.

One of my favorite early spring herbaceous plants is Mayapple, tightly wrapped up before it unfurls its parasol of leaves to the mercies of spring weather.

Another of my favorites is Hepatica, (or liverwort), which has distinctive three lobed leaves on long stems. It trails along the forest floor, and the flowers can be white, pale pink or nearly violet. Shelton Laurel has a rich diversity of plant communities and wildflowers.

Since these hikes, we’ve been out in the woods nearly all weekend every weekend, in search of wildflowers and uncrowded trails. We are all struggling with the new normal that makes us worry for our health, our loved ones and our future. Stay safe and healthy, and take care of yourself and Mother Nature.

#nature #getoutthere #hiking #naturephotography

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.

John Muir