Bear Swamp Preserve

There are two trails at this site: the short and easy-to-follow Memorial Stone Walk (no trail markers), and the two-mile Perimeter Trail (yellow markers), which explores some of the higher ground around the swamp. 

The start of the Memorial Stone Walk is across the road from and a short way beyond the parking area. The Perimeter Trails has several moderate climbs and lots of loose rocks and exposed rocks underfoot, so be careful walking here. Depending upon the season, this trail may be flooded in sections from beaver activity. From the trailhead on Route 404, follow the yellow markers clockwise around the swamp. The trail ends at Route 404, about one-quarter mile west of the parking area.

The rhododendron, which grows most profusely along the edge of the island, are Rhododendron maximum. These rhododendrons are also known as great laurel or rosebay rhododendron, which are most common in the Great Smokies and other Appalachian mountains.

The boardwalk gives a close-up view of the best rhododendron specimens, which usually bloom in early July. A variety of other swamp plants along this trail include sphagnum moss, leatherleaf, winterberry and Labrador tea. The sphagnum moss which has formed the peat island is more than 10 feet thick.

Periodic beaver activity causes intermittent flooding of the swamp, providing habitat for a variety of other swamp plants including sphagnum moss, leatherleaf, winterberry and Labrador tea. The sphagnum moss which has formed peat islands measures up to 10 feet thick.