Have you ever toyed with the idea of hitting the trail…just to see what’s out there?
Have you been mentally ready but don’t know how to begin?
Where to go?
What will you see?
What do you wear?
Well, if that’s you, I’ve got just the right place to start!
Take a Hike
The aptly named Wildflower Trail is a wonderful woodland oasis just minutes from downtown Huntsville at the end of Cleermont Drive in Blossomwood.
Park in the small gravel parking lot on the west side of the road and let the adventure begin. The trailhead (where a trail begins) has an information kiosk.
As you leave the roadway and step down the path steps, watch for roots and rocks. (Stepping over these small obstacles also works different muscle groups – you are walking in the woods and exercising at the same time!)
Birding enthusiast or not, you’ll hear many varieties of birdsong in the woods. And, in the early spring you may see the brilliance of a multitude of wildflowers.
Yellow trout lily, burgundy and green Trillium, Virginia Bluebells, Cut-leaved Toothwort, and red Shooting Stars adorn the creekside trail in the early spring.
Natural Beauty
For those who may be inclined, small boulders make great spots to sit, pull off your shoes, and dip your toes in the water of Fagan Creek. It is cool and awesome!
For the more adventurous, you might want to try and catch a crawfish. They abound here and entice squeals of excitement and laughter, especially from the young at heart.
After exploring the tadpole holes just past the intersection of Wildflower Trail and Wagon Trail, keep walking and you’ll find two waterfalls cutting through the rocks.
Even though the water flows best in spring and winter, the beauty of this area offers a great place to snack or simply relax before you head back to your car.
Tips
30 minutes of easy walking time takes you far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are a few things that you can do to make your adventure even better.
- Be aware of the weather forecast. No sense being caught in the rain without a poncho!
- Protect your toes by wearing closed toed shoes. Nothing hurts more than clipping a rock with your little toe!
- Bug spray can be your new best friend. A few squirts on your ankles, legs and arms can ward off the insects that are as fond of this area as I am.
- Take a friend, some water, and a snack.
- Don’t forget your camera!
- Pets are welcome but please keep them on leashes.
I promise you this will be an adventure to repeat often and every season! If you would like more info you can call the Land Trust of North Alabama office at 256.534.LAND (5263).
The Land Trust offers guided hikes in the spring and fall, as well as environmental education programs in the summer. We also have printable maps of our properties and trails on our web-site.
Guest Blogger: Marie Bostick
Marie enjoys her position as executive director of the Land Trust of North Alabama after spending 25+ years working in the planning department for the City of Huntsville. Marie has always had a passion for nature and playing outside, volunteering for many years with the Land Trust and working with the city to establish greenways and preserves. She hopes to see you on the trails!
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
