ROCKY MOUNT, Va. — New hiking trails and a parking area are open at Bald Knob Natural Area Preserve in the Town of Rocky Mount, now open to the public for the first time.
From the trails, visitors can view the unique exposed rocks that support a tiny, globally rare flower called Piedmont fameflower (Phemeranthus piedmontanus). A moderate 1.3-mile hiking trail offers scenic viewpoints, with a section that is accessible for visitors with limited mobility and offers views of the rocky summit.
State and local officials welcomed the public to the natural area preserve at an event on Friday to unveil the public amenities.
“All Virginians, regardless of where you live, regardless of your income level, all of us should have the ability to connect with our outdoor resources,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova. “Everything that you see here in terms of the way the trail is designed, the way the parking lot is designed, is to make sure that people are connected, that they have access to this incredible resource — including those people with limited mobility.”
The preserve is managed by the Virginia Natural Heritage Program at the Department of Conservation and Recreation, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It is also the 40th anniversary of Natural Heritage.
DCR Director Nikki Rovner said staff had to meet the challenge of providing public access while protecting the natural heritage resources. “How do we allow people to see what is unique and special about this place without allowing them to damage what is unique and special about this place?” While the carefully designed trail avoids potential damage to the fragile habitat on the summit, she said, “When you’re here at the right time of year and when it’s sunny — you’ll be able to see the Piedmont fameflower.”
Rovner thanked the state, local and community partners involved with the project, including the family of Rocky Mount Mayor C. Holland Perdue III.
“This project is especially meaningful to me personally because my family once owned this property,” Perdue said. “I spent time here as a child long before it became what we are here to celebrate today. To see it preserved, improved and open for the public in a way that allows future generations to experience the beauty of this place is something that I genuinely appreciate.”
Bald Knob is home to the largest population of Piedmont fameflower, known only in five locations in the world. As the fragile soils of its habitat are sensitive to trampling, visitors and their pets are strongly encouraged to stay on marked trails.
Bald Knob is now the 24th of the 69 preserves in the state’s system that currently provides public access for low-impact recreation activities. There is no admission fee. The limited parking spots – available on a first-come, first-served basis – are intended to prevent overcrowding that would detract from a quiet and relaxing visitor experience and would harm the sensitive natural resources the preserve must protect.
Visitors are welcome, and encouraged to check the preserve web page before planning a trip: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/baldknob.
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