General Information
The Preserve is managed by volunteers. We arrive each day around noon and accept visitors from 1:00pm - 4:30pm, closing down around 5:00pm. Each trout lily flower opens in late morning or early afternoon, follows the sun, and closes at dusk, so to see the open flowers go in the afternoon. If it is raining or dark and cloudy in the morning, the flowers may stay closed into the afternoon, but if the sun comes out later in the afternoon, they may open then. Each individual flower re-opens for several days, with overall numbers of flowers in bloom beginning gradually, increasing, peaking, then declining over the course of a few weeks. Depending on the winter weather the overall bloom may last three or four weeks long, usually encompassing mid-February, rarely into March. Once the season ends access to the property is permitted only in the following circumstances.
Please email Margaret Tyson at [email protected] if you have a request for access.
The trout lilies grow on a slope, so visitors should wear durable shoes WITH TREADS that may get damp or muddy. Bring a walking stick if desired. Sparkleberry walking sticks are provided for visitors and can be purchased with a $20.00 donation. We also have beaver carved sticks for a $10.00 donation. The trails may be slippery when wet, so always proceed with caution.
Cameras are recommended. Please stay on the trails to take photos. Visitors may want to bring a hand lens or magnifying glass to look at the tiny twayblade orchids or small parts of other flowers.
There is limited access to the Preserve for people with mobility challenges. Visitors who cannot complete a walk on uneven ground or on a slope may walk to a sitting area that provides an overview of the slope. Each visitor must decide what is best.
The parking area is inside the gate. Vehicles used by visitors (cars, trucks, four-wheelers, bicycles, motorcycles, etc.) are not allowed on the property beyond the designated parking area. Because space is limited, please park on the right side when you enter.
Visitors are asked to sign in with the volunteer greeters or at the table or kiosk. There continue to be changes on the trails. Due to erosion, we developed a two trails that wind down the natural contours of the slope. We have included the trails on the maps, available to download. We ask all visitors to pay attention to the flagging. (You can also find/print a copy from our Directions/Maps page.) For a short walk to the best views, go straight down the trail opening (orange flagging) to our bench and come back the same way. Other trails are marked for those who want to enjoy a longer walk. Visitors can make a large loop by continuing on either side of the upper trails. The upper trail (yellow flagging) to the right includes tiny twayblade orchids. The Orchid Loop (pink flagging) is off to the left as you go down the trail opening, which wanders thru an area with two other species of orchid plants (not blooming) and other interesting habitats and plants not found on the main loop. The orchid loop comes out at the bottom of the trail in the flood plain to the lower trail (yellow flagging).
The lower trail wanders through palmetto and shrubs and can be muddy after rains. The trail connects with the upper trail (orange flagging) winding up to a service road or back through trout lilies and trillium to the main trail opening. Visitors can exit to the service road which goes back to the parking area.
There is a trail (white flagging) south of the parking area towards Trillium Creek in a fairly open area with large patches of trillium and rain lilies (not blooming). There are few or no trout lilies so this trail makes for a great morning hike before the trout lilies open for the day. The trail has been extended (2025) and the small creek is quite delightful, and is a quiet and peaceful walk. Many visitors come on weekends, so if able, come weekdays, when the trails are not as crowded.
The Preserve is managed by volunteers. We arrive each day around noon and accept visitors from 1:00pm - 4:30pm, closing down around 5:00pm. Each trout lily flower opens in late morning or early afternoon, follows the sun, and closes at dusk, so to see the open flowers go in the afternoon. If it is raining or dark and cloudy in the morning, the flowers may stay closed into the afternoon, but if the sun comes out later in the afternoon, they may open then. Each individual flower re-opens for several days, with overall numbers of flowers in bloom beginning gradually, increasing, peaking, then declining over the course of a few weeks. Depending on the winter weather the overall bloom may last three or four weeks long, usually encompassing mid-February, rarely into March. Once the season ends access to the property is permitted only in the following circumstances.
- Planned invasive plant removal workdays
- Announced planned activities
- Approved visitor request
Please email Margaret Tyson at [email protected] if you have a request for access.
The trout lilies grow on a slope, so visitors should wear durable shoes WITH TREADS that may get damp or muddy. Bring a walking stick if desired. Sparkleberry walking sticks are provided for visitors and can be purchased with a $20.00 donation. We also have beaver carved sticks for a $10.00 donation. The trails may be slippery when wet, so always proceed with caution.
Cameras are recommended. Please stay on the trails to take photos. Visitors may want to bring a hand lens or magnifying glass to look at the tiny twayblade orchids or small parts of other flowers.
There is limited access to the Preserve for people with mobility challenges. Visitors who cannot complete a walk on uneven ground or on a slope may walk to a sitting area that provides an overview of the slope. Each visitor must decide what is best.
The parking area is inside the gate. Vehicles used by visitors (cars, trucks, four-wheelers, bicycles, motorcycles, etc.) are not allowed on the property beyond the designated parking area. Because space is limited, please park on the right side when you enter.
Visitors are asked to sign in with the volunteer greeters or at the table or kiosk. There continue to be changes on the trails. Due to erosion, we developed a two trails that wind down the natural contours of the slope. We have included the trails on the maps, available to download. We ask all visitors to pay attention to the flagging. (You can also find/print a copy from our Directions/Maps page.) For a short walk to the best views, go straight down the trail opening (orange flagging) to our bench and come back the same way. Other trails are marked for those who want to enjoy a longer walk. Visitors can make a large loop by continuing on either side of the upper trails. The upper trail (yellow flagging) to the right includes tiny twayblade orchids. The Orchid Loop (pink flagging) is off to the left as you go down the trail opening, which wanders thru an area with two other species of orchid plants (not blooming) and other interesting habitats and plants not found on the main loop. The orchid loop comes out at the bottom of the trail in the flood plain to the lower trail (yellow flagging).
The lower trail wanders through palmetto and shrubs and can be muddy after rains. The trail connects with the upper trail (orange flagging) winding up to a service road or back through trout lilies and trillium to the main trail opening. Visitors can exit to the service road which goes back to the parking area.
There is a trail (white flagging) south of the parking area towards Trillium Creek in a fairly open area with large patches of trillium and rain lilies (not blooming). There are few or no trout lilies so this trail makes for a great morning hike before the trout lilies open for the day. The trail has been extended (2025) and the small creek is quite delightful, and is a quiet and peaceful walk. Many visitors come on weekends, so if able, come weekdays, when the trails are not as crowded.
The following items ARE PROHIBITED at Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve
- Removal of Plants
- Cutting of any plants
- Fires
- Trash
- Pets (other than Service Animals)
- Hunting
- Vehicles outside the parking area
2025 Visitor Information
The Preserve gates opened February 12, 2025 and will remain open through early March. The opening and bloom season is dependent upon the trout lily's emergence. Please check the Facebook page before coming as it is constantly being updated. The Trout Lily Preserve gates are open once the season begins, however it is suggested that you visit in the afternoon as that is normally when the lily flowers are open. Since the blooms require sunshine, tours are offered in the afternoon hours. General days of operation with greeters are generally Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM. If you have questions or interest, check our Facebook page. We accommodate small groups (8-10) for a tour, please contact Margaret Tyson, (229) 378-7610 or email [email protected].
If you post pictures online, we ask that you use the following hash tags
#wolfcreek2025 #troutlily2025
The Preserve gates opened February 12, 2025 and will remain open through early March. The opening and bloom season is dependent upon the trout lily's emergence. Please check the Facebook page before coming as it is constantly being updated. The Trout Lily Preserve gates are open once the season begins, however it is suggested that you visit in the afternoon as that is normally when the lily flowers are open. Since the blooms require sunshine, tours are offered in the afternoon hours. General days of operation with greeters are generally Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM. If you have questions or interest, check our Facebook page. We accommodate small groups (8-10) for a tour, please contact Margaret Tyson, (229) 378-7610 or email [email protected].
If you post pictures online, we ask that you use the following hash tags
#wolfcreek2025 #troutlily2025
2025 Partners & Information
Over the last few years, Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve has collaborated with Whigham’s local 383 Boy Scout Troop. Individuals working on their Eagle Scout project have created both signage for our Wolf Creek Road entry (Tyler Akridge), an information kiosk (John David Fincannon) at the trail head, benches along the trail (John David Bell), small bridges for creek beds (Christian Knight) and most recently a storage shed (Abe Sumner). The Preserve was awarded a grant by Golden Triangle RC&D for permanent signage in 2019, and in 2021 we were awarded a DNR Wildlife Viewing grant for QR signage that tells the story of Wolf Creek trout Lily Preserve. Visitors with a smart phone can access the information by pointing their camera on the QR code of any sign.
This year’s bloom season most likely will last through February. The trout lily flower opens in early afternoon depending on sunlight, so greeters are on site around 12:30pm on weekends and on selected days during the week. We will provide a limited number of guided tours this year and have volunteers available Friday- Sunday to answer questions.
If traveling more than a few hours and interested in visiting, contact Margaret Tyson at (229) 378-7610 or check our updates on our Facebook page to ensure we are open.
Pets (other than service animals) are not allowed on the trails. The full trail loop is hilly, while our upper trail is more accessible. This natural resource is unique and not to be missed. Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve is home to the most extensive mass of this species known anywhere in the world. They are very rare in the Coastal Plain. There is no entry fee to walk the trails; however, donations help sustain the trail improvements for our visitors and are welcome and needed.
The Whigham Volunteer Community Council continues to embrace the Preserve and many members act as greeters for our visitors. The businesses in the community also are ready for the 2025 season and SOCO Smokehouse offers weekday/Saturday lunch and Thursday/Friday/Saturday night supper. The Community Council also sells Trout Lily t-shirts for $20.00. All the Whigham community welcomes visitors to Grady County.
The Volunteer Advisory Board of Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve is excited about all our improvements and is eager to welcome visitors for the 2025 Wolf Creek Trout Lily Bloom Season. This year we will sell walking sticks and Wolf Creek ball caps for $20.00.
We have trail maps for our visitors and there is the option for navigating the trails through the app AVENZA. Instructions for downloading the Preserve trail map are available on our Directions/Map page. For day to day updates and photos, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wolfcreektroutlilypreserve/ . We are encouraging visitors to post their photographs to Facebook using the hashtags #wolfcreek2025 or #troutlily2025.
We look forward to seeing you in Grady County and at the Preserve.
Over the last few years, Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve has collaborated with Whigham’s local 383 Boy Scout Troop. Individuals working on their Eagle Scout project have created both signage for our Wolf Creek Road entry (Tyler Akridge), an information kiosk (John David Fincannon) at the trail head, benches along the trail (John David Bell), small bridges for creek beds (Christian Knight) and most recently a storage shed (Abe Sumner). The Preserve was awarded a grant by Golden Triangle RC&D for permanent signage in 2019, and in 2021 we were awarded a DNR Wildlife Viewing grant for QR signage that tells the story of Wolf Creek trout Lily Preserve. Visitors with a smart phone can access the information by pointing their camera on the QR code of any sign.
This year’s bloom season most likely will last through February. The trout lily flower opens in early afternoon depending on sunlight, so greeters are on site around 12:30pm on weekends and on selected days during the week. We will provide a limited number of guided tours this year and have volunteers available Friday- Sunday to answer questions.
If traveling more than a few hours and interested in visiting, contact Margaret Tyson at (229) 378-7610 or check our updates on our Facebook page to ensure we are open.
Pets (other than service animals) are not allowed on the trails. The full trail loop is hilly, while our upper trail is more accessible. This natural resource is unique and not to be missed. Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve is home to the most extensive mass of this species known anywhere in the world. They are very rare in the Coastal Plain. There is no entry fee to walk the trails; however, donations help sustain the trail improvements for our visitors and are welcome and needed.
The Whigham Volunteer Community Council continues to embrace the Preserve and many members act as greeters for our visitors. The businesses in the community also are ready for the 2025 season and SOCO Smokehouse offers weekday/Saturday lunch and Thursday/Friday/Saturday night supper. The Community Council also sells Trout Lily t-shirts for $20.00. All the Whigham community welcomes visitors to Grady County.
The Volunteer Advisory Board of Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve is excited about all our improvements and is eager to welcome visitors for the 2025 Wolf Creek Trout Lily Bloom Season. This year we will sell walking sticks and Wolf Creek ball caps for $20.00.
We have trail maps for our visitors and there is the option for navigating the trails through the app AVENZA. Instructions for downloading the Preserve trail map are available on our Directions/Map page. For day to day updates and photos, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wolfcreektroutlilypreserve/ . We are encouraging visitors to post their photographs to Facebook using the hashtags #wolfcreek2025 or #troutlily2025.
We look forward to seeing you in Grady County and at the Preserve.
Volunteer/Tour Leader Bios
Beth Grant - Thomasville
Naturalist, President and Founder of the Friends of Lost Creek Forest and Longtime Volunteer Leader at Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve |
Dan Miller - Tallahassee
Founder of Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve, Owner of Trillium Gardens in Tallahasseee |
Wilson Baker - Tallahassee
Founder of Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve and Florida Native Plant Society |
Scott Copeland - Gadsden County
Longtime Volunteer at Wolf Creek TLP and Gholson Nature Park in Chattahoochee |
Dr. Ann Johnson - Tallahassee
Magnolia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society & Florida Natural Areas Inventory Botanist |
Margaret Tyson - Cairo
Naturalist, Volunteer at Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve, |
Open daily, best viewing in the afternoon.
We will provide a limited number of group tours this year. Please call ahead to arrange. Because COVID still lives, we ask you respect others' personal space. We will have volunteers available on many days to assist and answer questions.
The gates will remain open throughout February. Visiting during the afternoon hours of 12:30 and 4:30 pm offers the best time to view trout lilies.
Dates and times may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Updates will be posted on the Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve Facebook page.
The gates will remain open throughout February. Visiting during the afternoon hours of 12:30 and 4:30 pm offers the best time to view trout lilies.
Dates and times may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Updates will be posted on the Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve Facebook page.
Our Trails at Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve (2025)
Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve has multiple trails – bring your smart phone and learn more about the Preserve, its history, and its habitat. Look for signs with a QR Code, and use your phone to open the text providing more information.
Many visitors are familiar with the trail layout; however, we have redesigned a portion of the trail in order to decrease erosion and make your hiking experience safe. All trails are flagged and showcase the diversity of terrain and plants at the Preserve.
The options for walking the trails at Wolf Creek are as follows:
Upper Trail (yellow/right)– enter at the main trail opening and a short distance down the slope, the trail to the right follows the top edge of the trout lily slope. At trails end, a left turn taking you down the slope to Wolf Creek and the Lower Trail. A right turn at the end of the upper trail takes you to the service road for a short walk back to the parking area.
Upper Trail (pink/left) – enter at the main trail opening and take the trail to the left, which follows the contours of the slope downhill and joins the Orchid Trail (see signage). For a shorter hike, turn right on the Orchid Trail, which returns to the main trail opening and an overview of the slope. For a longer hike, continue to the left on the Orchid Trail (see signage), which continues down slope then meanders to the right and eventually joins the Lower Trail (yellow). A spur off the Orchid Trail goes to Wolf Creek and to the Green Fly Orchid on a Magnolia tree overhanging the creek.
Main Trail to Wooden Bench (orange) – this short hike follows the main trail opening down slope and after a right turn, ends at a wooden bench that offers a panoramic view of the trout lilies.
Lower Trail (yellow)– this trail is accessed via the end of either the Upper Trail or the Orchid Trail. Be aware that this trail may likely be muddy and, depending on rainfall, parts could be underwater.
Trillium Creek Trail (white) - this trail starts at the back side of the parking area and goes south. The trail is now a loop so stay to the right and look for the new bridge completed by a Scout where the trail crosses the upper portion of Trillium Creek.. It's about ⅓ mile along Wolf Creek Rd to the old logging road, then go left and follow the service road to Trillium Creek (and a smaller bridge.) Follow the white flags going left at the creek area. This year the trail was extended along the creek with many views of the creek bed, forest slope and mature trees.
Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve has multiple trails – bring your smart phone and learn more about the Preserve, its history, and its habitat. Look for signs with a QR Code, and use your phone to open the text providing more information.
Many visitors are familiar with the trail layout; however, we have redesigned a portion of the trail in order to decrease erosion and make your hiking experience safe. All trails are flagged and showcase the diversity of terrain and plants at the Preserve.
The options for walking the trails at Wolf Creek are as follows:
Upper Trail (yellow/right)– enter at the main trail opening and a short distance down the slope, the trail to the right follows the top edge of the trout lily slope. At trails end, a left turn taking you down the slope to Wolf Creek and the Lower Trail. A right turn at the end of the upper trail takes you to the service road for a short walk back to the parking area.
Upper Trail (pink/left) – enter at the main trail opening and take the trail to the left, which follows the contours of the slope downhill and joins the Orchid Trail (see signage). For a shorter hike, turn right on the Orchid Trail, which returns to the main trail opening and an overview of the slope. For a longer hike, continue to the left on the Orchid Trail (see signage), which continues down slope then meanders to the right and eventually joins the Lower Trail (yellow). A spur off the Orchid Trail goes to Wolf Creek and to the Green Fly Orchid on a Magnolia tree overhanging the creek.
Main Trail to Wooden Bench (orange) – this short hike follows the main trail opening down slope and after a right turn, ends at a wooden bench that offers a panoramic view of the trout lilies.
Lower Trail (yellow)– this trail is accessed via the end of either the Upper Trail or the Orchid Trail. Be aware that this trail may likely be muddy and, depending on rainfall, parts could be underwater.
Trillium Creek Trail (white) - this trail starts at the back side of the parking area and goes south. The trail is now a loop so stay to the right and look for the new bridge completed by a Scout where the trail crosses the upper portion of Trillium Creek.. It's about ⅓ mile along Wolf Creek Rd to the old logging road, then go left and follow the service road to Trillium Creek (and a smaller bridge.) Follow the white flags going left at the creek area. This year the trail was extended along the creek with many views of the creek bed, forest slope and mature trees.
A special THANK YOU to all our volunteers who give of their time to make each season enjoyable to all.
The Cities of Whigham and Cairo Welcome Trout Lily Visitors
We would be happy for you to visit us!
We would be happy for you to visit us!
SoCo
Southern Comfort Smokehouse & Catering 102 E. Broad Ave Whigham 229-762-3157 Blooming Nutrition of Whigham Bringing Happiness & A Healthier lifestyle to our small town. 111 W, Broad Ave 229-762-3197 |
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L-Three Gifts at Bonds
Located on Main Street in Whigham We are open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm daily, Saturday's 8:00 - 12:00 pm Contact (229) 762-4444 Cross Creek Campground 423 Old 84 Cairo 229-328-6744 CampatCrossCreek.com |
Mr. Chick
1125 38th Blvd NE (Hwy 84) Cairo Open Monday-Saturday 10:30 AM-9:00 PM |
Taco N' Madre Mexican Restaurant
79 MLK Jr. Ave. Cairo Open Tuesday- Sunday |
Punky's
141 S Broad St. Cairo Open Monday- Saturday 11:00 AM-11:00 PM |
Cellar Door Interiors
116 W. Broad Ave.
Whigham
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cash & Carry Feeds
135 N. McGriff St.
Whigham
116 W. Broad Ave.
Whigham
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cash & Carry Feeds
135 N. McGriff St.
Whigham
Visit Downtown Cairo
Roddenbery Memorial Library, Grady County Historical Museum, Miss Myrt's, First & Broad Pizza
Roddenbery Memorial Library, Grady County Historical Museum, Miss Myrt's, First & Broad Pizza