Bear Corn in full bloom
An epic wildflower hike on the first day of Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage 2022 ended the 2 year pandemic drought of my favorite event. It was so exciting to start this year's event off with a hike on Maddron Bald and Gabes Mountain trails. Our walk was led by Carol Ann, director of the NC Herbarium at Chapel Hill and Theresa, an enthusiastic high school biology teacher. We had several other quite knowledgeable botanists along as well. There was a particular interest in tree identification. Silverbells, Buckeyes, Magnolias were all in full bloom.
Stonecrop
We began with a van ride from Cosby picnic area to the Maddron Bald trailhead. The first 1.2 miles of the hike was a slow walk at botany pace on the gravel road which Maddron Bald Trail begins on. The park service still uses this road. The most prevalent vegetation along here was poison ivy.
The first exciting find of the day was One Flowered Cancer Root, a parasitic, non-chlorophyll plant. They are quite subtle and can get lost in the dense vegetation. We probably saw at least a half dozen during the day. More than I have ever seen in one area.
One Flowered Cancer Root side view
Just after passing the Baxter cabin at .7 mile, we passed a display of Daylilies (not blooming), indicating a former homesite. Shortly we were at the trail junction with Gabes Mountain trail where I spotted the Pink Lady Slipper below while answering nature's call.
We saw brilliant displays of Bishop's Cap, Foam Flower and Brook Lettuce at stream crossings. Gabes Mountain Trail wanders through a diverse forest of large trees. I wondered if portions had been spared the timbering spree in the early 20th century. Nearby Albright Grove was also spared. The massive hemlocks in this area are in various stages of the adelgid aftermath. Some still standing and many laying on the ground decaying into the earth.
Foam Flower made many appearances today
Bishops Cap display
Dwarf Ginseng
The sculpted bark of a Buckeye
We sat in a sunny spot for a lunch break. Warblers, Vireos and a Mountain Wren entertained us in the background.
Wild Geranium
Shortly after lunch we walked through a beautiful display of Wild Geranium and a solo Yellow Lady Slipper.
A showy display of Showy Orchis
Midafternoon found us finally at Henwallow Falls. We had crossed the creek which puts on this display about 4 times before reaching this spot.
Painted Trillium
After the waterfall viewing, the group split apart for the final 2 miles back to Cosby. The wildflower displays were over for the most part. We did spot 2 Pink Lady Slippers at about the final half mile mark.
Fabulous walk in the forest today.
