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A short trail atop steep bluffs that passes through a rare plant community.


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.1

KM

Out and Back

232' 71 m

High

215' 66 m

Low

38' 12 m

Up

39' 12 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

5%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Wildflowers

Flower Hill is open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

Overview

Much as it did 70 years ago, Flower Hill offers a quick escape to the high country. A short, half-mile trail briefly passes across the bluffs more Piedmont-like plateau before tiptoeing atop a cliff face clustered with rhododendron. Its an stunning collection, as dense as youll find in western North Carolinas Pisgah or Nantahala national forests. Take the trail down to Moccasin Creek for an impressive bottom-up view.

Description

With just a half mile of trail (a mile out-and-back), dont come to Flower Hill anticipating an aerobic workout (although be aware that the east end of the trail is challenging). Rather, come expecting to marvel at a geographic anomaly that once brought this tiny slice of Johnston County into national prominence.

Flora & Fauna

A large group of longleaf pine are found on top of the steep bluffs along Moccasin Creek. The bluffs also lower the temperature several degrees and have allowed a plant community more commonly found in the mountains to thrive. Galax, catawba rhododendron, and other mountain species grow along the bluffs, as they have for 10,000 years since the end of the last ice age.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matthew Rutledge

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 4 votes

#2390

Overall
  4.8 from 4 votes
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#2,390

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Photos

In May, the beautiful Catawba Rhododendron entice visitors with their colors and scent.
Jan 5, 2016 near Archer…, NC
Hikers check out a tree stump during the annual May Rhodo Ramble.
Jan 5, 2016 near Archer…, NC
Flower Hill Nature Preserve-A nice trail. There are some inclines. Be sure to stay alert for tree roots and downed trees.  A lot of fun with my husband Anthony..
May 29, 2022 near Archer…, NC
Trees along the trail at Flower Hill.
Dec 30, 2015 near Archer…, NC
Trees at TLC Flower Hill.
Dec 30, 2015 near Archer…, NC

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