Spring Wildflower Hike in Big Creek – April 12th

Haywood Waterways Association will lead a hike to Mouse Falls in the Big Creek Watershed of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Sunday April 12th. Come enjoy the variety of spring wildflowers that will be on display.

The event is free for members and a $5 donation for nonmembers. Haywood Waterways’ memberships start at $25. Please note, the new National Park parking fee is in effect. You will need to have a parking pass for this event. Parking passes can be purchased onsite or by visiting https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm. A day pass is $5.

Hikers will meet at the end parking lot just before the campground at 9:30 am and will conclude by 3:00 pm. Local Horticulturalist Adam Bigelow will help identify the great diversity of flowers on display this time of year. Adam leads guided walks and hikes all over Southern Appalachia and we are excited to have him lead our spring wildflower hike this year. You can learn more about Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions at bigelowbotanicalexcursions.com. The outing will start with a short walk up Baxter Falls trail and for those that want to extend the outing, an easy to moderate 4-mile hike (round trip) to Mouse Creek Falls will follow. Information on hiking Big Creek can be found at http://hikingthecarolinas.com/bigc.php.

The event is part of Haywood Waterways’ “Get to Know Your Watershed” series of outdoor recreation activities working to raise awareness of Haywood County’s natural beauty. The organization’s mission is to educate and engage the public, and work in partnerships to maintain and improve Haywood County’s waterways.

Please wear comfortable trail shoes, weather appropriate clothing and bring water and lunch. Don’t forget your camera and wildflower books! Please leave pets at home. Carpooling is highly encouraged.

Space is limited to 13 participants. Members can sign up now; non-members will need to wait until March 28th. Reserve a spot for the April 12th hike by contacting Katy Warren-Parker ([email protected]) or 828-476-4667.