Pitcher Plant Trail (U.S. National Park Service)

A fly sits precariously on the lip of a bright green carnivorous pitcher plant funnel. — A fly is tempted to go down the funnel of a pitcher plant.
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Benches/Seating, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

Walk this easy loop to see a natural garden of carnivorous pitcher plants and tall pines above.

Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Type: Loop
Location: Turkey Creek Unit
Trailhead: Parking lot on County Road 4850
Lat/Long: 30.582233, -94.336456

Overview

Follow the paved path beginning next to the kiosk. The first ¼ mile passes through a forest of longleaf pines. As you walk, look for burn scars on the pines—this section is intentionally burned every few years to encourage new tree growth. Longleaf pines are able to survive low-intensity fires that burn the leaf litter on the forest floor.

The wooden boardwalk begins at the entrance to the pitcher plant bog, where you can see hundreds of carnivorous plants in spring and summer. Pitcher plants are easy to spot, while tiny sundews and butterworts are harder to find.

After the boardwalk ends, the trail heads into the woods where it joins the Turkey Creek Trail for a short distance before looping back to the trailhead. Keep making left turns to continue counter-clockwise on the Pitcher Plant Trail.

Accessibility

The Pitcher Plant Trail is generally flat. The first ¼ mile is a mixture of pavement and wooden boardwalk through the pitcher plant bog. Beyond the boardwalk, the trail is a dirt and leaf-covered path, which can get muddy following heavy rain. Watch for exposed tree roots.

More Information

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