Flower Hill Nature Preserve

Flower Hill Nature Preserve is a hidden gem in Johnston County, North Carolina, near Middlesex. This roughly 25-acre sanctuary, protected by the Triangle Land Conservancy since 1989, features a striking geographic anomaly: steep south-facing bluffs along Moccasin Creek that support rare Appalachian flora far from the mountains. Visitors follow a short, easy half-mile trail through Piedmont oak-hickory forest before reaching slopes blanketed with Catawba rhododendron, galax, and other montane plants—earning it the nickname of a “freak of nature” from naturalist B.W. Wells in the 1930s. Best visited in early spring (especially May for rhododendron blooms), the preserve offers a peaceful, low-key hike that feels like a mini Blue Ridge escape amid the surrounding flat farmland in the Triangle area, open daily from dawn to dusk at no cost.

9038 Flower Hill Rd.
Middlesex, NC 27557

Directions:

Flower Hill Nature Preserve is located in eastern Johnston County near Middlesex.  To visit, head east from Raleigh on I-87/US-64/US-264 for about 17 miles.  Where US-64 and US-264 split, bear right to stay on US-264 east.  In 2.1 miles, take exit 21 for NC-39 south.  Turn right on NC-39 south and go 5.6 miles, then left on NC-231 north.  Go 2.9 miles turn right on Flower Hill Road.  The parking will be on the left almost immediately.

Map:

Trails:

Flower Hill Trail:

Flower Hill Trail is a half-mile trail through the preserve.  The trail starts at the end of the parking lot near the road and gradually heads up behind some homes.  After passing two small drainages, the trail leads along the top of the bluff where the rhododendron are growing.  From here, the trail leads down to Moccasin Creek and becomes private property.

Wildlife:

Flower Hill is best known for its disjunct population of Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense).  These shrubs are normally found much further west in the southern Appalachian Mountains.  In early May, the rhododendron flower and put on a beautiful show.

Blog Entries:

01-Dec-2018: Goose Creek Hike

External Links:

Triangle Land Conservancy Website: https://triangleland.org/preserve/flower-hill-nc