The GOOD WALK From left at the arboretum: The Bonsai Garden; pitcher plants in the Heritage Garden; entrance to the Heritage Garden. the various species. I learned that on many of my other woodlands walks I have been passing by a most useful item. After being roasted, the nuts of the Allegheny Chinkapin (some references say Chinquapin) are good substitutes for coffee or even chocolate. The Carolina Mountain Trail wound along a hillside, giving our calf muscles a bit of exercise as we wandered through an ericaceous forest. (Oh, I just had to throw this word in here! I learned it along the trail and it refers to members of the heath family). The Bent Creek Trail, which passed a small four-foot waterfall, provided a chance to quietly contemplate our surroundings and thank those who had the forethought to protect, and create, such a wonderful place next to the city's busy urban setting. When You Go The Walk: Most of the arboretum's 10 miles of trails are easy to moderate, with just two miles rated as difficult. Getting there: Take I-26 Exit 33 in Asheville, turn onto NC 101 South and go 2 miles. Turn right at the stoplight (with signs identifying the Blue Ridge Parkway and the arboretum) and make an immediate right to enter the arboretum. There is a parking fee. More inforMaTion: A handout map with trail descriptions is available at the arboretum or on www.ncarboretum.org. March/April 2018 13http://www.ncarboretum.org http://maststore.com