Hike the Tuxachanie Trail to Airey Lake

The Tuxachanie trail crosses a variety of wetland locations including sloughs, creeks, ponds, pitcher-plant bogs, and lowland swamps. There are bridges and wooden planks to aid in crossing most of these wetland environments. I only came across one crossing that seemed rather sketchy, and that one was an old fallen log with a rope to act as a handrail. Intermixed with these wet habitats are acres of dry, sandy longleaf pine woods. There is even a small beech-magnolia forest about a mile from the trailhead.

Overnight primitive camping is permitted, but campsites must be 100 feet away from the trail to preserve its natural character. Drinking water and restrooms are not provided along the trail but can be found at Airey Lake Recreation Area.

Though this trail can be hiked year-round, the best season to hike it is in the Spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Wildflower viewing can be done from mid to late March with early blooming shrubs and wildflowers such as horse-sugar, star-anise, wild azalea, and yellow jessamine. There is also an abundance of vegetation as well. In the creeks and drains crossing the trail, you can find abundant golden club. In the longleaf pine forest, you can spot patches of saw palmetto. The bogs are home to Stokes’ aster, butterworts, sundews, yellow pitcher plants, parrot’s beak pitcher plants, and various wild orchids.