On Monday, September 16, I hiked Jakes Creek Trail B to campsite #27. Jakes is only 3.7 miles and the terrain is not terribly difficult. There are two campsites along this stretch. Campsite #27 is smaller, and might be able to fit two small tents, whereas campsite #26 is large and could fit many.
The wildflower report from my hike follows but special note about the Mountain Gentian that are about two and a half miles up the trail. They are just starting to bloom; however, many of them are at peak bloom. If for no other reason it would be worth it to hike up to see this absolutely beautiful display. They are a few tenths of a mile before campsite #27. If you take the trail, try to locate the Pink Turtlehead about 1.5 miles up the trail on the left about two feet from the trail in the small stream below the trail.
- Asiatic Dayflower: few – Appear to be at peak bloom.
- Black Cohosh: few – Past peak bloom (quit blooming in lower elevations several months ago).
- Blue Asters: few – Past peak bloom.
- Coreopsis: few – At or just beyond peak bloom.
- Erect Goldenrod: many ++ – Most at peak bloom or just beyond.
- Hearts-a-busting: few – Seed pods displayed – colorful.
- Heal All: few – Past peak bloom.
- Mountain Gentian: some – Just starting to bloom with some at peak bloom.
- Pale Jewelweed: many +++ – Most at peak bloom – some beyond peak bloom.
- Pink Turtlehead: 1 – At peak bloom (most beautiful one that I have seen) About 1.5 miles up trail on left in creek.
- Spotted Jewelweed: many – Mostly past peak bloom.
- White Top Aster: many – At peak bloom lower elevations – just starting to bloom in higher elevations.
- Whitewood Aster: many – Mostly at peak bloom.
Note: Photos shown come from file folder – not made today
Tom Harrington is a regular hiker who reports on wildflowers in the Smokies.