Latta Plantation Nature Preserve

Over the weekend,

Sister and I took some "girl time" together

and headed out to the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. 

What a stellar way to start out the month of October!

This amazing piece of property allows visitors to peek into

life in the 1800s.

Although the land hosts the historical cotton plantation

and all of its outbuildings, we decided to save that tour for another day.

On this day,we hiked.

The charming stroll up to the welcome center is a delight for the eyes.

Lush greenery with a sprinkling of color winds its way to the entrance.

Welcome Center

Inside you'll find nature displays,

including some of the critters likely to be seen while hiking.

Trail maps can be acquired at the front desk,

along with information about membership, classes offered, and party rentals.

The garden just behind the welcome center is rather rustic,

and hosted this brilliant example of beautyberry,

which we were sure the birds would be enjoying all season.

Latta has 16 trails open to hikers, bikers and horses.

When Sister informed me that they have horses available for rent,

I knew this would be only our first visit of many to come.

I grew up riding and have really wanted to get back into it,

and Sister has never been on a horse.

What a fabulous way to spend a cool, fall day.

We'll be sure to share that adventure!

The trail awaits.

With serenity surrounding us,

we took off for parts unknown!

The quiet enveloped us,

and the only sounds heard 

were from the countless birds who call this place home.

This property is the county's largest nature preserve

and boasts over 600 acres of sprawling splendor.

Clearly marked trails enable you to explore without worry.

Without a trail map to guide us,

we wandered through the woods,

anticipating something wonderful around every bend.

Aside from enjoying a picnic lunch next to the water,

visitors can participate in kayaking, paddle boarding or fishing.

We were content to simply gaze at the tranquil ebb and flow before us.

From the MECKNC.gov website:

"Latta Plantation Nature Preserve also preserves habitat for 97 species of birds, 17 species of mammals, 14 species of reptiles, and 9 species of amphibians. Among the species that have been found at the Preserve are: Bald Eagle, Wild Turkey,red fox, gray fox, mink, and red-spotted newt. The Preserve also protects two federally endangered plants (Schweinitz's sunflower and Michaux's sumac), a federal candidate species (Georgia's aster), and the largest population of puttyroot orchid in Mecklenburg County."

Our journey took us through meandering paths,

greeting fellow hikers (some of the four-legged variety),

and relishing the stillness within the protection of the woods.

We both agreed that this type of activity does not even seem like exercise,

there is so much to see, hear and appreciate.

What a fantastic place to do nature studies for homeschooling.

It was wonderful to read about the educational programs available,

some geared specifically for homeschoolers.

This type of hands-on teaching is what fosters a life-long love of learning.

Our next trip will be planned when fall has been around a while,
since mosquitoes were a bit of a problem.
Sister gets eaten up, it's probably because she's so doggone sweet.
After hearing about this glorious treasure,
I'm glad I finally got to see it for myself.
I'll be back.

Lake Norman State Park

I celebrated another year on the planet
by doing one of my favorite things in this world!

We spent the morning at Lake Norman State Park
in nearby Troutman.
This park is special to me because
we almost bought a house right in its backyard.
Much of the appeal of that house
was the location.
Can you imagine having a state park just steps away from your front door?
For a nature lover like myself,
it would have been a dream come true.
Just the photo ops alone had me drooling.
Alas, it wasn't meant to be.

In 2011-2012 when we lived in Central Florida, 
we decided to visit one state park each month.
State Parks are a phenomenal chance to get up close
with the natural world.
We have visited several state parks here in North Carolina
over the years that we have been vacationing here.
I'm hoping we will take more time to explore them
now that we are full-time residents of this great state.
You can find more on our State Park visits from both states
underneath the header.

Inside the visitor's center,
you will find information about the state park system,
as well as historical facts about the area.

Over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails await the adventurer.
We opted for two shorter trails
and were not disappointed with the views.

Although it was mid-summer,
the canopied trails had a cooling effect.

We kept our eyes open for unusual sights,
like this collection of winding branches.

Each trail is clearly marked
and is focused on educating the hiker on the local flora and fauna.
Kiosks with pertinent information keep the backpacker engaged.
This is such a wonderful homeschooling opportunity.

Boating, fishing and swimming are some of the water activities available.

With so much to see and appreciate,
even my "non-hikers" enjoyed the trek.

The trails meandered through thick brush,
keeping us in suspense about what might be lurking around every bend.
From the website:
"Though most of the park's animal species are rarely seen, at least 35 species of mammals have been found in the area around the park. Upland communities are home to coyotes, Virginia opossum, eastern cottontail, gray squirrel, red and gray foxes, and white-tailed deer, as well as the eastern mole and several species of shrews and mice. Muskrat and raccoon may be seen in the marshes along the creeks and lake."

The peaceful setting invites hikers to follow the trail,
and  
              savor 
                      the 
                                      serenity.

Fallen trees abound and no doubt create 
ample habitats for the wildlife living here.

Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats are available for rent,
and personal watercraft are welcome within the park's boundaries.
We saw one person paddle boarding and thought 
it was a stellar way to greet a summer morning.

Though most of the park is shaded,
we did spy some pollinator-friendly plants near the water.

If these logs could talk...

We made note of a medley of mushrooms along the way.
Sister (who abhors them), thought they didn't look real!
What a fabulous forest of fungi!

As I get older,
the need to slow down and reflect becomes more centering.
This peaceful place lends itself well to that endeavor.

Along with free admission to the park,
there is no charge to use picnic areas.  
Picnic shelters can also be used at no cost,
and accommodate visitors with restrooms, tables and grills.

Campsites are open to tents and trailers,
although there are no hookups at this park.
A bathhouse is located near sites for campers' use,
but no laundry facilities are available.
Those who enjoy a more rustic experience,
would no doubt be right at home here.

Found treasure!

After our hike,
we took advantage of these inviting rockers
overlooking the lake.

Someone else made himself to home.

What a blessing to be able to spend time
with those I love on my special day.
With surroundings like this,
the day couldn't help but be magical.

State Park Posts:

Crowders Mountain
King's Mountain
Morrow Mountain

Wordless Wednesday-State Park Serenity

The Maple Hil Hop 125

Welcome to 

The Maple Hill Hop.

This is a hop for folks who love the outdoors.

Feel free to post about anything that's going on

OUTSIDE

in your neck of the woods,
no matter the season.

(Please share only outdoor posts.)

*Grab the button above to link back to Maple Hill 101.*



With a cool change in the weather,
and a free weekend,
we decided to visit our favorite state park to date.

Welcome to Highlands Hammock State Park
in Sebring, Florida.
The perfect place for a family bike ride in early spring.

One of the few times we took our bikes off the beaten path,
we were treated to tranquil and fascinating views.

Wanna come along?

The sense of serenity is palpable.
God sure does some amazing work.

I'm proud to be a tree-hugger.

Big K pointed out how the cypress is growing 
right on the handrail.

This is what greeted us at the end of the boardwalk.

Within this lush swampy area,
blooms were to be found.
Unexpected pops of color delighted us.

This is old Florida,
the way it looked when folks first arrived here to settle.
So much to explore.

We hadn't remembered seeing these warnings posted
the last time we were here.
Needless to say, we stayed mostly in the bike lanes on the main road.

We were able to rent a bike for C,
as his is now too small for him.
It prompted him to decide on a new model 
once we returned home.
Win-win!

Nothin' like the freedom of spending a day
doin' something you love.
We are so very blessed.

Check out all of our state park visits under our header.

 What outdoor adventures have you been on lately?
HOP to it! 

  

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