The Tulip Poplar Trail, Major Plant Collection Areas,
and Heath Cove Trail

Tulip Poplar Trail length: 0.4 mile
Major Plant Collections length: 0.25 mile
Heath Cove Trail (Upper and Lower) length: 0.25 mile

The Tulip Poplar Trail begins off of the Arboretum main entrance road and parallels an access road, Old Kerr Hollow Road, before turning into a stand of pine and oak trees. These are second growth trees, as this area was once farmed. There is also evidence that the area was damaged by fire. The pines are shortleaf pine and Virginia pine. The oaks include white oak, northern red oak, black oak, and scarlet oak. Sassafras is also common along this trail. But it is the tulip poplar that stands out. An aggressive pioneer species, the tulip poplars on the slope above the trail were originally seeded into cultivated fields that had been abandoned.

A spur of the Tulip Poplar Trail leads to an open field area. Across the field is the Shrub Garden which takes walkers into the heart of the Arboretum's collection of shrubs, conifers, junipers, and shade trees. The dogwood study is adjacent to the Program Shelter, and the Elmore Holly Garden is just above the Heath Cove Trail.

The Heath Cove is a demonstration project begun in the late 1960s to showcase members of the heath family. Spring walkers will find a display of brilliant-colored azaleas and rhododendrons - the more showy members of the heath family. Other heaths include laurel, andromeda, sourwood, trailing arbutus, huckleberry, and blueberry. The trail is divided into the Upper Heath Cove and the Lower Heath Cove with each presenting walkers a unique experience.