Little River Trail begins in Elkmont, a little less than a mile from the entrance to the campground. The trail is a little over 4 miles long and is considered moderately difficult.

The Aug. 31 wildflower report covers the section from the start of Little River Trail to the Cucumber Gap Trail junction. The calendar may be turning toward fall, but the route still offers color and seasonal interest for hikers who slow down and look closely.

Pale jewelweed provided the strongest showing, with many plants at or near peak bloom. Whitewood asters were also plentiful and approaching peak bloom. Wild goldenglows added yellow along the trail, while white snakeroot was just beginning to open, with many plants still in bud.

Wildflowers found

  • Daisy Fleabane – Few – Slightly past peak bloom.
  • Doll Eyes – Few – Berries (not blooms).
  • Erect Goldenrod – Few
  • Flowering Spurge – Few – Past peak bloom.
  • Heal All – Few
  • Hearts-a-bustin – Few – Seed pods (not flowers)
  • Pale Jewelweed – Many ++ – Mostly at peak bloom.
  • Pink Turtlehead – (1) – Past peak bloom.
  • White Snakeroot – Few – Just starting to bloom   (many   buded).
  • Whitewood Aster – Many – Approaching peak bloom.
  • Wild Goldenglows – Some – Some at peak bloom –   others just starting to bloom (also called   Greenheaded Conehead).

The mix of blooms, berries and seed pods makes this stretch of Little River Trail a rewarding late-summer walk, even as some flowers fade and others prepare to reach their peak.

Tom Harrington is a regular hiker who reports on his hikes and mountain stories from the Smokies.

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