Provided by Randy Richardson, Outdoor Program Director

Shut-in Trail from the Mills River Valley Overlook.

Since our outdoor programs are cancelled until further notice, we’ve decided to send monthly hike suggestions that our members can explore safely on their own.  Our first recommended hike for the month of July is the Shut-in Trail from the Mills River Valley Overlook.  The trail was built by George Vanderbilt around 1890 and this section features sections of the original well-built rock walls supporting the trail.  A highlight in mid to late July is a sunny wet meadow with hundreds of turks cap lilies less than a mile north of the overlook.  On the way you can also find lovely starry campion and leatherflower in bloom. Heading south from the overlook, one can find lots of Solomon’s seal and plume, as well as some uncommon species like featherbells and pale corydalis.  As a bonus, the Mills River Overlook offers one of the finest views (in both directions) along this section of the parkway.  A few pictures are included here from a visit on July 19th of 2019.