de Hart Botanical Gardens

de Hart Botanical Gardens is a 92-acre nature preserve owned by Louisburg College in Franklin County. The gardens are part of the Timberlake plantation estate. Richard and Mary Timberlake owned significant land in the area in 1789. In the 19th century, Julius and Martha Timberlake owned more than 2000 acres. Upon Julius's death in 1901, his daughter Myrtle received 300 acres, a part of which is now the botanical gardens. The gardens are open to the public for hiking and low-impact activities.

Directions:

From Raleigh, head north on US-401 for about 19 miles. The gardens will be on the right. From Louisburg, head south on US-401 for 5.5 miles and turn left.

Trails:

Several miles of trails wind through the gardens, past a lake, a small waterfall and past the remains of Myrtle Timberlake's estate.

Blog Entries:

28-Nov-2019: Thanksgiving at Medoc Mountain

External Links:

Lousiburg College website: https://www.louisburg.edu/de-hart-gardens/dehartgardens.php