by Julie Dodd
The April Classic Hike of the Smokies, on April 11, was Big Creek Trail and provided the hikers a great day to experience the signs of Spring in the Smokies, including many types of wildflowers.
Twenty hikers made the 10-mile hike, with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. Dolly McLean, an avid hiker, horticulturalist and REI Green Vest Expert, led the hike.
Big Creek Trail follows an old railroad grade that was used to haul lumber out of the mountains during the logging boom at the start of the 20th century.
Wildflowers were the highlight of the hike, giving photography inclined hikers lots to capture.
Yellow trillium, wild geranium, fire pinks, and dwarf crested iris were some of the flowers identified by the group.
The group had lunch at Walnut Bottoms, with the surrounding area carpeted with fringed phacelia.
The hikers also explored Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls.
Thanks to Linda Spangler, Jack Case and Marielle DeJong for photos from the hike.
The May Classic Hike will be to Caldwell Fork on May 9.
Classic Hikes of the Smokies are held the second Tuesday of the month, from March through December. Each guided hike is $20 for current members, which helps fund the Trails Forever program to complete major trail restoration projects in the park.
For new and renewing annual members, the cost is $35, which includes your first hike and a one-year membership to Friends of the Smokies. Subsequent hikes receive the current member discount.
After completing registration, you will receive an email the Friday before the hike with carpool specifics, directions and more information. To register for the hike or if you have questions or need to check your membership status, please contact Marielle.
Wildflowers of the Smokies is published by the Great Smoky Mountains Association and is available in official stores and the GSMA online store.