Tryon Creek State Park, April 29, 2026
This is the third “hike” I have taken on my own as I learn how to walk and move like I once was able to. Just me, my trekking poles and a lightweight folding chair that I carry as I would a backpack.
I was hoping to do a 1.1 mile loop trail, starting on the Maple Ridge Trail, then connecting to the Middle Creek Trail and finally to the Old Main Trail to complete the loop.
Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that the elevation drop was as steep as it was for this unstable hiker. Downhills are still quite the challenge for me, so I turned back well before High Bridge, and finished up on the Center Trail.
The trailside was filled with Pacific Waterleaf and Stinging Nettles, which weren’t quite in full flower yet.
Click on any image to enlarge it
While the leaves are in the background in this photo, the distinct pattern of each leaf is visible. The stamens and pistils extend beyond the petals of this wildflower.
Because the trails of Tryon Creek are all fairly forested, the shade plants were doing great. Piggy-Back Plants were flowering with their delicate long tipped petals that curl up at the ends.
Large-leaved Avens was also abundant along the trail. The lower leaves are more rounded at the edges than the upper leaves. Bright yellow flowers catch the eye in the fields of green leaves of all the plants.
Though I am sure these grow in many areas of Tryon Creek, I could only find one location with them. The right image shows the flowers before opening, and the left with young flowers. The three petals will turn reddish brown as they mature.
Hooker’s Fairy Bells were just beginning to bloom. The flowers hang below the leaves and sometimes are difficult to find.
