De Hart Botanical Gardens in Louisburg, North Carolina

De Hart Botanical Gardens is located 5 ½ miles south of Louisburg on US-401 from the intersection of NC-56 or 4 ½ miles north on US-401 from the intersection of NC-98. This place is a privately owned land conservancy consisting of 88 acres. There are four trails that one could choose depending on their skill level and if they have small children or a handicap. Many people in this region know about the botanical garden because they drive by it everyday on their commute to and from work. But, not many have stopped by. They may not know all that De Hart Botanical Gardens has to offer. Well, let me be your guide to the best kept secret in Franklin County, North Carolina.

There are two De Hart Botanical Gardens that were started by Allen De Hart. One of the gardens is located in Virginia and the other is located in Louisburg North Carolina. Allen is a Virginia native, but has spent a lot of years living here in North Carolina. He has been writing about trails, constructing trails, and helping maintain trails in North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, and Florida for nearly sixty years. He is a published author with about nine books under his belt. He was also awarded with the National Environmental Stewardship award for helping bring to fruition, the Mountain-to-Sea trails that span across North Carolina. In his lifetime, he has hiked in nearly all fifty states and also in a few foreign countries. As if this was not enough, Allen De Hart is professor emeritus of history and cultural affairs adviser at Louisburg College.

When going to the De Hart Botanical Gardens in Louisburg, bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a camera, and even pack a picnic. Some of the features include a bamboo forest, very large rocks that jut out of the earth, a large pond with picnic areas to enjoy a nice day, an old homestead site, named plants to view and learn about, guided tours if you call in advance. The entrance is a gated parking lot with a gazebo that has maps and interesting facts about the conservancy. De Hart Botanical Gardens is ready for weddings, concerts, baptisms, church gatherings, birthday and family parties, and even school photos can be taken here. Of course, to maintain the beauty and safety of the gardens, there are a few rules. Everyone must register at the gazebo before entering the garden. Please don't smoke anywhere on the property. Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times, no alcohol, no rock climbing, and no swimming, boating, or hunting. If you picnic, you must haul out the garbage out to keep the critters away. There is no horseback riding, motorcycle, bicycle, or all terrain vehicle use allowed. There are special occasions that bicycles are permitted on designated trails, inquire at the office to find out more about this. There are patches of poison ivy located off of the trails, so please stay on the marked trails to avoid these spots.

Some of the things you will see on your trip will be very old pine, poplar, and oak trees. Plants from all over North Carolina are planted and marked with their common name as well as their scientific name for the public to educate them with each species of plant. The homestead site has quite a few points of interest. The area has an old stone foundation that a house or barn used to sit on. This area was part of the Timberlake Plantation that thrived in this area in around the turn of the nineteenth century. The pond on the property is very quiet, and rocks flanking it, it is a very peaceful place to sit and ponder. Each of the trails is about 1.8 miles in length and vary from low to moderate in difficulty.

De Hart Botanical Garden is a local gem and should be honored by your visit. Plan your day to explore and enjoy the beauty that Allen De Hart has worked so hard to bring to the general public. And as always, take only pictures and leave only footprints. Listed below are books by Allen De Hart and the contact information for De Hart Botanical Gardens.

Adventuring in Florida, Georgia Sea Islands, and Okefenokee Swamp (1991, 1995)

Hiking and Backpacking (1979, 1983, 1989, 1994, 2004)

Hiking and Backpacking Basics (1985, 1992)

Hiking North Carolina's Mountains-to-Sea Trail (2000)

Hiking the Mountain State: The Trails of West Virginia (1986, 1997)

Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide (1988, 1993, 1999, 2006)

North Carolina Hiking Trails (1982, 1988, 1996, 2005)

South Carolina Hiking Trails (1984, 1989, 1994, 2001)

The Trails of Virginia: Hiking the Old Dominion (1984, 1995, 2003)

Contact info:
De Hart Botanical Gardens, Inc.
3585 US 401 South
Louisburg, NC 27549
(919) 496-4771

Sources used:
Map located in gazebo at De Hart Botanical Gardens
John F Blair Publish, Allen De Hart, www.blairpub.com
The University of North Carolina Press, The Trails of Virginia, www.uncpress.unc.edu
Timberlake Weddings and Receptions, Timberlake Historic House, www.timberlakeweddings.com