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.