Spring Wildflower Hike Series - Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

620 Virginia Cates Road,Hillsborough NC 27278

14 May, 2023

Description

Note that this hike takes place at 9:00am rather than the usual 2:00pm in order to ensure that we have ample parking first thing in the morning. Explore the highest hill in Orange County on the Occoneechee Mountain Loop and Chestnut Oak Trails. If the blooming cycle is right we may see Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel flowering and a plant community more typically found in the NC mountains. Our hike leader will introduce you to this special mountain habitat right here at home! Blooming of wildflowers can be unpredictable, but we will be sure to see some wonderful plants growing in this unique habitat. We will stop off for a scenic overlook of western Orange County and Hillsborough. Directions: Take exit #164 from I-85. Turn north toward Hillsborough on Churton Street. Turn left on Mayo Street; go past a small shopping center. Turn left on Orange Grove Road. After less than one mile, turn right on Virginia Cates Drive (gravel) just before Orange Grove passes under the interstate. The parking lot is on the left after the ponds. The address is 620 Virginia Cates Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278. This hike will take approximately two hours (sometimes less, sometimes more). Please feel free to bring water and snacks. Wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and shoes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome as long as they are under your control and on a 6 foot leash. COVID-19 guidelines: As this is an outdoor event, masks and vaccination status are not required to attend. Please practice social distancing to keep yourself and others outside of your group safe and healthy. This event is rain or shine. We will contact you if severe weather is expected that would cause us to cancel the hike. If your plans change and you are unable to attend the hike, please contact [email protected] to cancel your registration so that we may offer your spot(s) to our waitlist. Cover photo by: Sheila Tayrose