Charmed at Chimneys

This post is going to be short and sweet, like the Cove Hardwood Trail at Chimneys Picnic Area.  (Not like me, I'm short and somewhat ornery.)

When I pulled in to the loop for Chimneys Picnic Area the other day I was stunned by the display of White Trillium.  They are everywhere!  The 3/4 mile nature trail is a little steep in spots, but definitely easy enough for anyone to tackle and filled to the brim with wildflowers.

lots of cute Rue Anemone

When I first started the trail I thought the pink Trillium I was seeing might be another variety, but further reading informed me that the petals turn pink with age, informing pollinators that pollination has already occurred.  Is that cool or what?

I almost missed the Fringed Phacelia tucked in amongst the Triliums. This bloom also apparently fades to purple as it ages.

I stopped at Chimneys on my way back from Newfound Gap and a quick jaunt on the Appalachian Trail which I'll tell you about next time!