June 7, 2022
Buckeye Creek Trail & Bartram Trail to Hickory Knoll Rd
near Otto, NC
It was another great day for a hike. It was a bit humid on our climb up the Buckeye Creek Trail (formerly the Bartram Trail) to meet the now rerouted Bartram Trail which leads southwestward to Hickory Knoll Rd. It is a steady climb for the first 2.7 miles to reach the "Old School Bus." This section of trail is a progressive mix of gravel road, old logging road and then forest trail. It seemed like the further north we went, the worst the trail became. The last quarter mile before reaching the intersection with the new Bartram Trail is overgrown, narrow, rocky and today, slippery from the rain the night before. This required careful footing to avoid falling. Once reaching the new Bartram Trail, it opened up for the most part showing regular maintenance. Yes, the Old School Bus is still there and still poises the question, how did it get there? We saw more wildflowers today than we expected although the consensus was poison ivy was the dominate plant species along much of the trail. However, we were surprised by the numerous examples of Fire Pink along the section of trail just prior to the school bus. We also encountered fauna on our hike starting with Jack Wintle spotting a pregnant deer crossing the road just behind us as we got started. Later we saw several Eastern Red-spotted Newts, a young Walking Stick and a Garter Snake. The short hop between the trailhead and finish made for a very good one-way hike.
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The route
6.9 mi · 1,558 ft climbing · 4h 45m out, 4h 14m walking · 1.6 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
10 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (34)
One of our goals today, reach the "Old School Bus," now guarded by Poison ivy. Today's Hikers (L-R): Jim, Edwin, Heather, Jenny, Phil, Lynn, Jack, Vic, John, Ray & Mike. Starting trailhead for today's hike. The initial path is along an old road bed now behind a closed Forest Service gate. Later turning into a nice trail. Then narrowing down to a traditional trail. A very unusual tree gall all the way around the trunk!. Nice new trail sign at the intersection of Buckeye Creek and Bartram Trails. Two of the three Eastern Red-spotted Newts we saw today. More pictures at the bus stop. Hey, we did get everyone in that pic! Come on, smile Mike! Lots of Fire Pinks on the way to the school bus. An interesting rock wall along our return path to Hickory Knoll. I forgot these Indian pipes are actually wildflowers, not some type of fungus. We were surprised by several Flame azaleas still in bloom. Question of the hike, "Is this Pipsissewa or Spotted wintergreen?" Spotted wintergreen according to the Peterson Institute. A beautiful, late Jack-in-the-pulpit and one with fruit. Can't forget our Garter Snake. Photo by Heather Wall Oh, and here's the young Walking Stick! Lots of mystery plants today. #1 - Could it be Venus' pride? Mystery plant #2. Anyone? Mystery plant #3: Anyone? Mystery plant #4: Anyone? Goat's Beard budding up . . . I think? Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus) Indian cucumber (Medeola virginiana) I think this is one of Ray's favorites: Whorled Loosestrife(Lysimachia quadrifolia) Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa ) Hairy skullcap (Scutellaria elliptica)??? Beard-tongue (Penstemon canescens ) Venus' Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata) ??? Another mystery plant #7: Alumroot of some type ??? This large oak was ~5' in diameter! More trees with character. One of just a few nice views on our way back.