Moist soils along Pickle and Bone creeks and River aux Vases grow many ferns and rare plants, including cinnamon fern, maidenhair fern, hay-scented fern and club moss. Woodland songbirds move about in the trees and shrubs along the trail. Watch for fence lizards, five-lined skinks, box turtles and leopard frogs among the rocks in summer. From the scenic hiking trails, you can enjoy the splendor of the plants and animals without harming the delicate landscape. At Hawn State Park, hike the trail to see an area that follows the creek valley past rough, broken hillsides with crystalline rocks exposed by years of fast running waters.
Pickle Creek is a clear stream with many fish, such as rainbow darters and striped shiners.
Whispering Pine Trail meanders 10 miles through a 2,080-acre forested wild area. The predominantly pine-oak forest also contains flowering dogwood, sweet gum and sassafras trees. While on the trail, watch for many species of songbirds, especially tanagers and warblers. Wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, raccoons, gray squirrels and owls also are seen along the trails. Turn east on AA for 1.7 miles to Dorlac Road.