The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is fast gaining a reputation as a park that knows how to celebrate spring.
On Saturday, the area will hold two wildflower programs - one for horseback riders, and another for hikers.
The horseback version starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Bandy Creek, Area F day-use horse trailer parking lot. From there, riders will travel along a small portion of the North White Oak Loop, and then cut off to Coyle Branch, where beautiful sandstone cliffs and waterfalls can be seen along the way.
At the bottom of the trail, participants can tie their horses and take a short hike to view more wildflowers along the bank of North White Oak Creek.
Park botanist Marie Kerr will join the group to help identify the plants in bloom. On the return trip, riders will have the option of going out to Leatherwood Ford Overlook. Pack a lunch, and bring your own horse.
At 10 a.m., ranger Howard Duncan will lead a spring wildflower hike along the Big South Fork River, the main body of water that flows through the 125,000-acre park. Hikers will meet at the Leatherwood Ford Gazebo and walk two miles to Angel Fall Rapid. There will be ample opportunities along the way to enjoy the common spring wildflowers, as well as some that are uncommon.
The hike is an easy four-mile round trip. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch.
For more information on both the equestrian and pedestrian wildflower programs, call the Big South Fork visitor center at 423-286-7275.
Morgan Simmons may be reached at 865-342-6321.
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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