May 9, 2023
Bartram Trail: Wallace Branch to William's Pulpit and Beyond
near Franklin, NC
A great day to challenge our 13 hikers on this moderate to strenuous hike. The weather was perfect and the trail was in very good condition. Many of our hikers climbed the steep inclines well beyond William's Pulpit to Wallace Knob. This was also another good day for so many types of wildflowers, but dominated by False Solomon's Seal in bloom along most of the trail. We were also amazed by the many large American Columbo plants and a small clump of Pink Lady Slippers. Good job everyone!
The route
6.8 mi · 1,972 ft climbing · 4h 39m out, 3h 58m walking · 1.7 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%
17 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (20)
While early in the hike, Ray Cove Falls on a tributary to Wallace Branch was a nice attraction along this trail. Todays Hikers on William's Pulpit (L-R) Back: Ray, Jane, Matt, Ken, Jack, Edwin, Renee, Jim, Rich; Front: Mike, Terre, Vic, Jenny & Squirt Getting started, but is Renee giving me the "evil eye?" Good morning hikers! This was the first of several nice bridges at stream crossings. A initial greeting by Indian Cucumber just starting to bloom. The trail was lined much of the way by these really healthy and blooming False Solomon Seal plants. The trail, while well used, was in excellent condition showing regular maintenance. The only example of Ground Pine seen today. An example of Catesby's Trillium found along the trail. White Baneberry and Sweet Shrub. This Eastern or possibly Red Spotted Newt poised for us just off the trail. One of a cluster of several Pink Lady Slippers seen early in the hike. Encouragement on our long climb up to William's Pulpit! Surprise! Unusual to see such a large number of American Columbo plants in bloom. Mitch is about ready to take a pic of a very tall one. Another unusual plant . . . Wild Comfrey or Giant-Forget-Me-Not, we think??? Gotta love these Indian Pinks. What a great day for wildflowers! A panoramic view from William's Pulpit. A somewhat artistic form in this weathered tree. We made it!