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Hike Description:
The preserve’s limestone karst ecosystem and its population of endangered leather flower are unique to the tristate area surrounding Chattanooga from south of Sewanne, TN to Huntsville, AL and east of Lookout Mountain, GA. A unique mix of soils and geography of these Southwestern Appalachian and Plateau escarpment regions have led to the evolution of several endemics. Threatened by development, invasives and natural secondary growth reforestation, they tend to be managed better with partial clearing and occasional fire. We hope to see many blooms of our target species, the endangered Morefield’s leather flower (Clematis morefieldii), and Cumberland wood mint (Blephilia subnuda), as well as the four-leaved milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia), woodland pinkroot (Spigelia marilandica), coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) and other endemic wildflowers. Similarities to our other regional limestone woodlands such as Little Cedar Mountain and Lost Cove areas will be evident for those who’ve been fortunate enough to experience them. In addition to the blooming wildflowers, we may see two leafcups (Polymnea leavigatus and P. canadensis), eared goldenrod (Solidago auricula), Tennessee ironweed (Vernonia flaccidifolia), golden St. Johnswort (Hypericum frondosum), fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), Short’s aster (Symphyotrichum shortii), American beak grass (Diarrhena americana), American smoketree (Cotinus obovatus), and dwarf hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia).
Hike Leader: Zach Irick is the Southern Appalachian Grasslands Ecologist for the Southeastern Grasslands Institute. Zach has broad experience in field botany, plant taxonomy, plant community ecology, and restoration ecology throughout the interior southeast. Through his affiliation with SGI, he has worked with federal, state, private, and non-profit entities to lead research and restoration projects in the Southern Appalachian region. In his spare time, he likes to study the plants of the southern Table Plateaus (Lookout and Sand Mountain), southern Ridge and Valley (Coosa valley area), northern Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee (Big South Fork and Obed), and anywhere else really. He also enjoys drinking coffee all day every day.
Rating: Moderate due to 500 ft elevation gain of the outward bound aspect of the trail. Alternating rocky, sandy and steep sections. Not planning the optional steep spur down to the base of the sink/falls, which is rocky and can be slick or muddy depending on recent weather.
Distance: 1.3 miles up to falls then back, plus exploration, for 2 ¾ miles total.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours for exploration, photography and discussion.
General: General waiver. Bring plenty of water, insect repellent, sunscreen, parasol/umbrella +/- poncho depending on the weather, appropriate sturdy boots. Hiking poles/stick. Bring snacks and lunch. No pets at any of our Wild Ones hikes, please.
Links:
Nature Conservancy Keel Mtn iNaturalist flora of Keel Mtn Morefield's leather flower status update Alltrails Keel Mountain Preserve (shows 2 miles of trail, but we’ll do only the first 1.3 miles) |
