Washmorgan Hollow State Natural Area, Cookeville, TN

New In/out short hike. Wear Water shoes. In spring, it blooms with thousands of wildflowers. Those flowers include large populations of the perennial wildflower Hepatica (Hepatica nobilis) and Synandra (Synandra hispidula), which is in the mint family and uncommon in Tennessee. A rock-bottomed stream flows through the property ending at a steep waterfall known as Hardscrabble Falls. We will be crossing the stream several times so bring water shoes. Washmorgan Hollow is home to a number of tree species including sugar maple and red maple, beech, tulip poplar, sycamore, box elder, buckeye, basswood, ash, oak and hickory. Several species of migratory warblers have been spotted at the preserve, including scarlet tanagers, cerulean warblers, northern parulas and worm-eating warblers. Directions: Exit 286 at Cookeville. Drive northward on State Road 135 for 13.6 miles along the state highway to Dodson Branch. Turn right on Step Rock Hill Road and proceed 2.4 miles to Spring Creek Road. Turn left and proceed 1.2 miles to Washmorgan Hollow where you will see Nature Conservancy preserve signs from the road. There is just enough space to park along the side of the road at the trailhead. Start hiking along the narrow path, which will occasionally be lost and force you to hike up the stream. Option for 2d hike: Cummins Falls or Cane Creek Lake. Depart 7:30 am CDST from the Crossville Cracker Barrel rear parking lot. Pack water, snacks and lunch (option: eat late lunch in Cookeville). Carpool cost is $6.