Courtesy NC Division of Parks and Recreation (FALLS LAKE)
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Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake
WILDFLOWER WALKS Five hikes where spring blooms, beautifully
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hey’re so small, yet they offer so much hope: the first blossom of a spring beauty, no bigger than a dime with its five white petals splayed, or a trout lily unfurling its delicate yellow fingers, streaked in crimson. When you see these poking through the forest floor, you’re finally allowed to begin the count-
by JOE MILLER down to spring. Winter is on its downside, the annual cycle of life is about to begin, and shorts and t-shirt weather is around the corner. In the Triangle, springtime happens bit by bit. Bottomland hardwood forests bloom first: those wildflowers need to grab life-giving sunshine before the canopy fills and hogs it all. South-facing
slopes are next, benefitting from their extended exposure. Meadows are typically last; no rush, they’ll have sun into fall. Just as predictable as wildflowers responding to spring’s warmer weather are hikers, as some trails get crowded — but not all! Turn the page for five under-theradar spots in the Triangle good for catching the spring show. THe Art & Soul of Raleigh | 25
