Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
For some of you, the above title might be a book you read or was read to you. For others, it might bring back thoughts of Walnut Creek with your friends at DLAMN. If you don’t fall into either group, we need to get you out more often!
It is time we took a hike to Walnut Creek. This will be a two-in-one hike. For those that are up for a fairly easy 1-mile walk, there will be a lot to see and hopefully learn. For those able to make a moderately strenuous 3-mile hike, there will a lot more to see and experience.
When and Where: Thursday, April 25 at Walnut Creek Starting at the Low Water Bridge on USFS road 47 off Crystal Springs Road. The hike will start at 10:00 a.m. The short version will take approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The longer hike will be 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Directions will be at the end of the email.
We’ll start at the low water bridge on FS47/Hickorynut Mtn. Rd. From there we will take an easy walk down an old road several hundred yards to Presidents Pool. A spring fed pool with interesting mosses and ferns. Even though we had to postpone the Mosses and Ferns Class, we can take this opportunity to start our field study of the mosses and ferns at Walnut Creek. From there we’ll walk back to FS47 and walk several hundred yards up the road to Pipe Spring. There we’ll see one of the most beautiful flowers of the Ouachitas, the Kentucky Lady’s-Slipper orchid. As we walk we can work on our moss, fern, and tree identification skills along the road. We’ll mill about the area of Pipe Spring. This is where the LOViT Trail and the Charlton Trail intersect. A great place to see Dwarf Iris, Wood Betony, Hepatica, Witch-hazel and a bunch more!
Those participating in the short version will walk back down FS47 to their cars. Those ready for an adventure will continue up the Charlton Trail to the Three Amigos, turn off the trail and bushwhack down the draw to Three Knolls, the Lone Papaw, the Road to No-Where, Pleasant Valley, Cotton Mouth Crossing, and the Pinch before ending up at Pocosin Spring. There we’ll probably be greeted by a “preacher”. In addition to the preacher, there is a lot of diversity in this area. It is only a couple hundred yards from Pocosin Spring to the cars.
For those that have made this walk during previous Aprils, join us and see how the forest has changed. If you haven’t made this walk, don’t miss it! There is terrific plant diversity all along this beautiful walk in the woods.
What to bring: A HIKING STICK OR POLE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED! Also, the weather has been warm. The ticks are beginning to stir around and they are looking for a blood meal. You do not want to be on the menu! Bring insect repellent. We’ll cross some small streams and seeps. Appropriate footwear is recommended. At the halfway point, Pleasant Valley, we will stop for a break. Bring a snack or light lunch and water.
Directions: We will use the Harp’s Grocery Store at the intersection of Hwy 270W and Thornton Ferry Rd (Mt. Pine junction) as the starting point for directions. This is a good place to meet for those that want to carpool. I would suggest those wanting to carpool meet there between 9:00 and 9:15 and leave for Walnut Creek at 9:15. I will not join you to carpool but I’m sure you can figure out who is going on the longer hike and who is going on the shorter hike and who can ride with whom.
From Harp’s, travel west on highway 270W for approximately 13 miles to Crystal Springs. At Crystal Springs turn right onto N. Crystal Springs Rd. and travel 1.6 to 1.8 miles. Turn left onto Hickorynut Mt. Rd/ Forest Service Rd 47 and travel 1.8 to 2 miles to the trailhead of the Charlton Trail and the LOViT trail. You will see Pipe Springs on your left. You are almost there. Travel another quarter mile and you will be at the low water bridge on Walnut Creek. There is parking before and after crossing the bridge.
The weather for Thursday looks good. It is a little iffy but I am optimistic. If the forecast worsens, I will send an email on Wednesday evening.
Oh, The Places You’ll Go!