Summer Hike at Jeremy’s Run Trail

This weekend we did a shuttle hike back and forth along Jeremy’s Run Trail. Starting at Elkwallow Wayside (a rest area with food and a gift shop), we walked 1.2 miles to the start of Jeremy’s Run Trail.

Jeremy’s Run Trail

Jeremy’s Run Trail goes on for 4.6 miles in one direction alongside Jeremy’s Run, a peaceful stream. The trail cuts across the stream several times and is relatively flat in most areas. One way is 5.8 miles, making it 11.6 miles out-and-back.

Camping

The loop trail is 14.7 miles long and seems like a popular camping trip. There were a few camping spots near Jeremy’s Run that were lovely.

Wildflowers on Jeremy’s Run Trail

Spotted Jewelweed

Spotted Jewelweed, or Impatiens capensis, is a member of the Touch-me-not family (Balsaminaceae) and blooms from July to October. It grows in most of North America in shaded wetlands and woods. This flower attracts nectar lovers such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Herb Robert

Herb Robert, Robert Geranium, or Geranium robertianum, is a member of the Geranium family (Gerabuaceae) and blooms May to October. Native to Europe, it now grows mostly in northern areas of North America. They favor ravines and rocky woods.

There were quite a few of these in some rocky areas we passed.

Late-flowering Boneset

Late-flowering Boneset, Late Boneset,  or Eupatorium serotinum, is a member of the Aster family (Asteraceae) and blooms July to October. It is native to North America and can be found throughout eastern and central North America.

This one was just starting to bloom so we couldn’t see its characteristic fluffiness.

Agrimony

Agrimony, or Agrimonia gryposepala, is a member of the Rose family (Rosaceae) and blooms July to August in thickets and woods. It is native to North America and is found in most places across the continent.

We saw these several times along the trail.

Creeping Bush Clover

Creeping Bush Clover, or Lespedeza repens, is a member of the Pea family (Fabaceae) and blooms May to September. This creeping plant with trailing stems favors open woods, clearings, and thickets. It is native to North America and can be found all throughout the eastern and central U.S.

The Return Trail

On the way back a thunderstorm started and we had to pick up the pace so as not to get completely soaked.

Recommended as a Moderate Hike

Although there are no mountain views on this trail, the forest and stream setting is beautiful. I think we’ll be going back in autumn.