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Outdoors But Not Out of the Way
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: August - 2022
The Bascom’s shaded emerald trail is a walk on the Wild Side, right in downtown Highlands.
Across an old-fashioned covered bridge on HighlandsRoad just a literal hop, skip, and a jump from MainStreet is The Bascom: A Center for the Visual ArtsWinkler Sculpture & Nature Trail.The long name belies the trail’s length. It’s actually a shortstroll, but one that is densely packed with visual interest. Andfor an individual, a couple, or parents with little ones whodesire to be out of doors but not in remote wilderness, this trailis ideal.Before entering the trail, it behooves first timers to peek intothe historic corn-husk shed, a leftover relic of the land thatonce hosted a former horse farm (Crane’s Stable). Also on thegrounds are various contemporary outdoor sculptures.But stepping onto the trail is akin to entering magical wood-lands – if one’s imagination ignites. Past the tiered, stone sittingarea, perfect for reflection, a picnic, or a nap, the trail narrowsand becomes shaded by rhododendron and mountain laurel.Lining the trail is an abundance of ferns and other native plants.Within a few yards is a covered area with a hand-craftedtable and benches to entice teleworkers, creative writers,homeschoolers, and more. And the slightly descending streamadds just enough of a sensory experience as water flows overmoss-covered rocks. Add to or make anew a rock cairn at thestream to test adeptness at balancing varied-sized stones.Back on the trail is a StoryWalk, a succession of outdoorplacards featuring an illustrated children’s book. Currently, the book is by Macon County author Claire Suminski as part ofSuminski Books’ Cowee Sam series.Also, along the filtered-sunlit path are creative benchesmade of reclaimed wood. Plenty of old-growth trees towerabove the trail, which ends up behind The Bascom facility,where art classes and local arts and crafts to purchase areaplenty. The renovated barn at the front of Bascom is wherepottery is taught and sold.To make the walk longer, and to enjoy a different perspec-tive of the trail, turn around at the end and make your wayback to the trail’s entrance. While not necessarily chal-lenging, the trail has some short spots of elevation, somewinding areas, and a few stone steps.
by Deena Bouknight
