OUTDOOR EVENT RECOMMENDED HIKES

Provided by Randy Richardson, Outdoor Program Director

Shut-in Trail from the Mills River Valley Overlook.

Since our outdoor programs are cancelled until further notice, we’ve decided to send monthly hike suggestions that our members can explore safely on their own.  Our first recommended hike for the month of July is the Shut-in Trail from the Mills River Valley Overlook.  The trail was built by George Vanderbilt around 1890 and this section features sections of the original well-built rock walls supporting the trail.  A highlight in mid to late July is a sunny wet meadow with hundreds of turks cap lilies less than a mile north of the overlook.  On the way you can also find lovely starry campion and leatherflower in bloom. Heading south from the overlook, one can find lots of Solomon’s seal and plume, as well as some uncommon species like featherbells and pale corydalis.  As a bonus, the Mills River Overlook offers one of the finest views (in both directions) along this section of the parkway.  A few pictures are included here from a visit on July 19th of 2019.

The Mills River Overlook is located at milepost 404.5 of the Blue Ridge Parkway roughly 11 miles south of the Arboretum at an elevation of 4085 feet above sea level.  The trail is a single track, so be careful to socially distance from other hikers.  Enjoy!

Flat Laurel Creek Loop

It is summertime and therefore we’ll find the most wildflowers in sunny meadows.  But as hot as it’s been lately, we’ll want to get high up enough to beat the heat.  For those reasons we’ve selected the Flat Laurel Creek loop as this month’s recommended hike.  At between 5000 and 6000 ft. elevation it promises to be much cooler than sweltering Asheville and in August the meadows near Sam Knob are full of interesting wildflowers, such as Fireweed and Hairy Bush Pea.  There are also some interesting orchids along this trail if you keep your eyes peeled.

This is a loop trail about 2.5 miles in length, departing from the Black Balsam parking near Milepost 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  A nice description of the hike is available here.  https://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/black-balsam/flat-laurel-creek.

While not as busy as nearby Graveyard Fields, this is still a popular hiking destination, so take care to socially distance.  Weekdays and early mornings will be safest.  A few photos from past hikes there are included here to whet your appetites.   Enjoy!