Grandma called them “woods flowers.” They take advantage of the bees coming out of hibernation – and bloom early, before the blooms that aren’t so frost-resistant can survive.
Don’t think you have to travel too far to see a good diversity. I stayed within 50 feet of the Mary E. Fritsch Nature Center and saw these lovelies. The Zalla trail (1.7 miles with a nice climb at the beginning – my 5 year old loves it!) will be awash in blooms in a week or two.
Pack a picnic and wander around the picnic pavilion on the relatively flat Rockcastle River flood plane. Or pack a water bottle and hike the Zalla trail. Be sure to pick up a wonderful interpretative brochure on the first level of the Nature Center.
Go 5 miles south of Livingston on Route 25. Turn right onto Lower River Road (just before you cross the Rockcastle River). Go one mile.
Take Exit 49 east on 909 from I-75. Go one mile North, just across Rockcastle River. Turn left onto Lower River Road. Go one mile.
