Hiking with Harrington: November wildflowers surprise on Huskey Gap Trail

November is bringing some unexpected wildflower sightings to the Great Smoky Mountains, even as the fall foliage season winds down.

During a Nov. 9 hike along Huskey Gap Trail, I found several varieties of asters still blooming and an especially pleasant surprise — Canadian violets in full bloom.

Most wildflower books list Canadian violets as blooming from April through July, making the discovery of about a dozen flowering plants particularly noteworthy.

Wildflower sightings

• Blue asters: Many, with several varieties mostly at full bloom.
• Canadian violets: About a dozen, at full bloom.
• Erect goldenrod: One, past peak bloom.
• White asters: A few.
• White snakeroot: A few, at or just beyond peak bloom.
• White-top asters: A few, past peak bloom.

Some asters appeared to have white blooms with a slight blue tint. They were at peak bloom.

Finding so many flowers still blooming on Nov. 9 was another pleasant surprise.

Fall foliage report

Fall foliage along Huskey Gap Trail has passed its peak display.

• Yellow leaves: Many trees still showing color.
• Red leaves: A few trees retaining red foliage.
• Overall conditions: Past peak fall color.

Trail conditions and hiking information

Huskey Gap Trail is 4.1 miles long, running between U.S. Highway 441 and Little River Trail in the Elkmont area.

The trailhead along U.S. 441 is approximately 1½ to 2 miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center, on the right side of the road.

Most hikers would probably classify the trail as moderately difficult.

Walking the trail at this time of year presents additional challenges. Heavy leaf cover hides roots, rocks and deep water bars, making careful footing especially important.

Although the fall foliage has passed its peak, the unexpected November wildflowers and mountain scenery still make Huskey Gap Trail a rewarding destination.

Photos by Tom Harrington: Canadian violet, white asters, white snakeroot and a view of Mount LeConte from Huskey Gap Trail.