Guided Wildflower Hike - Willie Duke's Bluff

A guided hike to Willie Duke's bluff, nearby the MST trail in east Durham. Dutchman's breeches, an uncommon Eno wildflower abounds!

This hike is somewhat difficult and will be off trail, with some bushwhacking and one steep climb. This usually requires about three hours. If there have been recent rains, parts of the trail may be muddy. The hike will lead you to a noteworthy natural area called Willie Duke’s Bluff where you see outstanding displays of spring wildflowers, including some that are rare and unusual in our area of the Piedmont. The site boasts a showy display of spring ephemerals, with extensive areas of Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), along with the rare Eastern False Rue Anemone or Isopyrum (Enemion biternatum) and numerous other wildflowers, including Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), and both Southern or Dimpled Troutlily (Erythronium umbilicatum), and its northern, tetraploid counterpart (E. americanum). The shrub layer consists of Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), and Painted Buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica), which will be in various stages of flowering.

Wear sturdy shoes and long pants, and bring gloves in case you feel inclined to pull out any invasive Chinese privet seedlings that you might encounter. You will also learn some history and geology along the way.

Please feel free to bring water and snacks. Well-behaved dogs are welcome as long as they are under your control and on a 6-foot leash.

Children under the age of 6 do not require a ticket.