One of the most beautiful and ecologically significant natural heritage sites in the southeast, Bluff Mountain Nature Preserve, near Warrensville, North Carolina, offers visitors scenic beauty, unusual landforms, and an amazing botanical variety. Within mere steps in the preserve lie a Carolina hemlock forest, a dwarf red oak/white oak forest, and a rare flat rock plant community. A southern Appalachian fen-a broad, high plateau containing an unusual wetland-adds to the intrigue.
Wildflowers Galore
Wildflower lovers will appreciate the changing floral show on Bluff Mountain between April and October that includes many rare plant species. Among the 400+ species of plants on the mountain are Indian paintbrush, Gray’s lily, fringed gentian, spreading avens, and sundew.
A Birder’s Paradise
Bluff Mountain Nature Preserve is also a birder’s paradise. The high-elevation hardwood forests of Bluff Mountain provide ideal nesting habitat for many neotropical migratory bird species such as black-throated green warbler, veery, rose-breasted grosbeak, scarlet tanager, and blue-headed vireo. During spring field trips to Bluff Mountain, visitors may hear the distinctive drumming of ruffed grouse. Elusive bobcats den in rocky outcrops, while ravens are often seen soaring over the cliffs.
The Nature Conservancy owns and manages the Bluff Mountain Nature Preserve.
Hours of Operation
You can access the preserve by joining a scheduled hike ($15/person) or arranging a private hike ($150/hike; 10-person limit). The local Ashe County Steward, Kelly Clampitt, organizes hikes. To make reservations or if you have questions, please contact Kelly at spiritcanoelodge@gmail.com.
Hikes are led by knowledgeable local Ashe County hike leaders. In addition to their hiking expertise, the hike leaders also have skills in photography and wildflower identification (wildflowers are best seen in May, June, and July).
Admission Fees
Cost is $15/person to participate in one of the scheduled hikes listed on the Bluff Mountain Preserve website, or $150/hike for a private hike. Please contact Kelly Clampitt (email listed above) to arrange your hike.
Hours of operation and fees are subject to change. Contact directly for the most current information.
Location
Bluff Mountain Nature Preserve
West Jefferson, NC
