March 12, 2024
Oconee Bells Trail at Devils Fork State Park
With a cool start this morning quickly warming up to near 40°F we completed a short loop hike to see the Oconee Bells wildflowers. We did see a number of them in bloom that were quite beautiful. However, we were a bit early and thus, there were not large masses of blooms, just "spatterings" of blooms along the unnamed creek in the southeast section of trail. Nevertheless it was nice hike and a great way to great the coming spring with th1s rare wildflower. The hike was easy on a well-used, but dry trail. There are numerous, excellent plant identifications along this path.
TODAY'S HIKERS: Lynn Steele, Roger Willis, Shelia Getman, Jack Treadman, Ken Kellerman & Cutie Pie, Pam Hembree, Vic Robson, Renee Corbett, Jenny Bell & Mike Bell
The route
1.3 mi · 164 ft climbing · 44m out · 1.8 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
9 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (12)
The star of this trail today. Today's Hikers (L-R): Lynn, Roger, Shelia, Jack, Ken, Cutie Pie, Pam, MIke, Vic, Renée & Jenny. Gathering, then heading out. Our first sighting of Oconee Bells. Then some more along the creek bank. Just some information of this rare wildflower. Trying to keep folks on the trail to protect the Oconee Bells. A very small waterfall along the way. Another early wildflower, Trailing Arbutus, ready to bloom. Looks like Mr. Beaver has made a home here. Another attractive water feature. A nice place to hike with good facilities.