Group hikes are nor permitted in White Oak Sinks. It's limited to 8 persons per group. There were just 2 of us today. It is raining and we have skipped our Pilgrimage hike for the day.
It wasn't planned, but as we drove by the trailhead for Schoolhouse Gap, there was a vacant space. Wow. We are going to White Oak Sinks! There was a Pilgrimage hike also leaving at the same time but not to the sinks as it is off limits.
I have been visiting this Yellow Lady Slipper for more than a decade. It is still here but I do remember there being another one next to it that is not there now. It is fenced off so no up close photos can be made.
This and the next 3 photos are of Shooting Stars. They have already peaked and are on the way out. The volunteer in the sinks told us where to look for them. He told us the sinkhole with Virginia Bluebells was off limits and he had never personally seen them. I have!
The Sinks were getting overrun with people about 10 years ago. Trails led everywhere. Now, during the bloom, volunteers are centrally located and greet everyone with a overview of the area, where to find certain plants and to keep you on the trails. I like the way this area has recovered due to this policy.
Another waterfall named Rainbow Falls. This one is in the sinks which are limestone. So, this waterfall disappears into the ground and who knows where it re-emerges.
We watched this bear sleep in the crook of a tree for about 20 minutes.
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