Daffodil Flats

Sandy had Sunday off, so we took Alex out for a hike at his favorite place - Linville Gorge.  We left early and got to the Pinch In Trailhead just before 8.  Pinch In Trail descended steeply down to the gorge.  The trail is open due to recent fires, but it was too cloudy for a view on the way down.  When we reached the river, we took a short break here.

Then we got on Linville Gorge Trail heading south.  It was early in the season, but we spotted a couple bloodroot flowering.

In about 1.5 miles from Pinch In Trail, we arrived at Daffodil Flats.

An old homesite from before the gorge was a wilderness, the only thing left is the field of daffodils that bloom year after year.  Despite the challenging hike, it is very popular and there were numerous other groups coming and going.

We had lunch down here, then started making our way back.  The climb back up Pinch In Trail was brutally steep, but the clouds had cleared so numerous opportunities for a break.

Near the top, there was a big rock to climb on for fantastic views of Linville Gorge.

We slowly made our way back to the parking area.  It was really hot for Alex.

Driving out on Kistler Memorial Highway, there were cars parked up and down the road at all the access points for Daffodil Flats.  This sure has become a popular spot.