Spring Wildflower Hike in Big Creek

Haywood Waterways Association will lead a hike to Mouse Falls in the Big Creek Watershed of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tuesday, April 11th, and Saturday April 15th. 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.

Hikers will meet at the end parking lot just before the campground at 9:30 am and will conclude by 2:30 pm. 

Local wildflower enthusiast Donna Machen will help identify the great diversity of flowers on display this time of year. Donna’s passion for wildflowers began over 25 years ago. While hiking, trout fishing, and whitewater kayaking she saw many beautiful flowers, and wondered what they were called and wanted to know more about them, thus began her passion quest. The Big Creek Watershed is one of her favorite places to show off nature’s beauty; spring wildflowers are abundant from April to May. The outing will start with a short walk up Baxter Falls trail. 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.

REMINDER: The Park has implented a mandatory parking pass system starting March 1, 2023. Please pick up a day pass for this event if you wish to park your vehicle at the trailhead here; https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm

Space is limited to 13 participants. 

Members can sign up now; non-members will need to wait until March 31st. 

Reserve a spot by contacting Haywood Waterways Association at info@haywoodwaterways.org or 828-476-4667 ext. 2 or 3.