Harrington finds wildflowers on two trails

I hiked the Norris River Bluff trail in Rocky Top, Tennessee. This trail is a 3.2 mile loop that is rated as moderate difficulty.

The Norris Riverbluff Trail is off of U.S. 441 less than a mile from Norris Dam headed toward Lake City (Rocky Top). Turn left at the second intersection after crossing the dam and after turning take the road on the left going down the hill. The trail is on the TVA reservation at the dam. It is an outstanding wildflower trail (3.2 miles long – a loop trail).

Also, TVA website states this is a great trail for observing a large variety of wildflowers in a small area including several rare species of which I saw the following.

Bloodroot: Many –about 70% budded – others blooming – some past peak bloom with petals falling to the ground
Common blue violet: Two – 1 blooming and 1 budded
Dutchmen’s Breeches: Some – some in full bloom, many in the early blooming stage
Hepatica: Few – just starting to bloom
Rue Anemone: Some – just starting to bloom
Seersucker Sedge: Some – at peak bloom
Spring Beauty: Many – most are budded – some starting to bloom
Toothwort: Many ++ – some at peak bloom – others budded
Trout lily: Some – mostly budded but few blooming – warm weather will likely bring them out quickly
Wild phlox: Some – just starting to bloom at the halfway point of the trail

I also hiked Porter Creek Trail, a 7.2-mile out-and-back trail near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, considered a moderately challenging route. The trail starts four miles from U.S. 321 (about a mile from the Gatlinburg city limits – right side coming from Gatlinburg toward Cosby).

Fern Falls

Fern Falls is located 1.8 miles up the Porter Creek Trail in the Greenbrier section of the park. The falls is 45 feet tall and was especially beautiful today after recent rainfall. The falls gets its name from the abundant ferns growing in the area. It is reported that there are over 65 species of ferns and fern allies growing in the park.

Blooms appear to be a little late this year. Expect in a week, they will be outstanding.

Bishop Cap: Small one in bloom on right – 1/10 of a mile after long foot log bridge
Blood Root: Some – were budded; however will likely open up in full sun
Dutchmen’s Breeches: Few – blooming about 2/10 of a mile before Fern Falls.
Halberd Leaf Violet: Many + – About one third in full bloom – others budded
Hepatica: Many ++ – at least half of them are in full bloom – mostly 1/10 of a mile after long foot log bridge
Long Spurred Violet: Few blooming
Rue Anemone: Few blooming
Seersucker Sedge: Many blooming in 1/10 of a mile after long foot log bridge
Spring Beauty: Many budded in 1/10 of a mile after long foot log bridge
Star Chickweed: Few blooming
Sweet White Violet: (3)
White Fringed Phacelia: Many – just starting to bloom – probably 1 week before full bloom

Bloodroot

Toothwort

Wild phlox at Norris

Rue Anomone