If you like wildflowers, you’ll love the
Charles Creek Loop Trail. It’s right next to the Cranberry Glades Boardwalk and
supports wildflowers galore. Creek side, glade, meadow, forest, the trail slices
through a diverse set of environments each with a unique charm. All this
variety comes in just a round trip of 2 1/4 miles and an elevation change of
just 100 feet. The best time to hike this loop is mid-July, and I will describe
the flowers you’re likely to see at that time of year.
Start at the Cowpasture Trailhead (GPS: Lat.
38.195573, Long. -80.272579) on the Cranberry Glades Road about 750 feet before
(south) of the Cranberry Glades Parking Lot. The trail begins in woods and is
flat with a smooth tread. Great Rhododendron line both sides of the trail, and
in mid-July the shrubs are loaded with blossoms. Hugging the ground, Heal-all
plants abound as well. What I especially like about this section of trail are
all the Bee balm flowers. In the wetter stretches of the trail, they are
prolific brightening the trail with a natural reddish glow.
Great Rhododendron
Bee Balm
Heal-All
After about 0.6 mile, the trail bursts out of
the woods and into a glade. At this point look for some blue plastic flagging
hanging from a tree limb on the left side of the trail. The flag marks a
bushwhacked trail into the woods and leads towards a couple of Turks cap lily
plants next to Charles Creek. Although the way is awkward and difficult to
follow, the Turk’s cap lily blooms are worth the extra effort. The blossoms are
numerous, and in the sun, glow a dazzling bright orange.
Turk's Cap Lily
As the trail progresses through the glade,
milkweed abounds. At 0.9 mile, the trail crosses a little bridge over Charles
Creek. Around the bridge and a little beyond, Black-eyed Susans are common.
Black-eyed Susan
Common Milkweed
At the 1 mile mark, the Charles Creek Trail is
picked up, and you are plunged into dark woods for a bit. The trail winds
through some tall grass and thistle, which blooms in late August. In the wooded
portions of the trail, ferns are thick and lush. After 0.5 mile you emerge at
the Cranberry Glades Road.
Turn right on the road and take it for 0.75
mile to loop back to the starting point. Lots of flowers line the road on the
way back. Evening primrose is common, as is bee balm and St. John’s wort. Since
it’s practically all downhill, you’ll be back at the start in no time with a
camera full of flower photos and a pack of fond memories.
St. John's Wort
Evening Primrose
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