As you walk from the Springhouse you will see another bridge that crosses the creek. Cross this bridge and begin the walk up the hill. You may notice some small turtles, snakes, crayfish, and other small animals resting on the rocks during the more temperate months of the year.
As you walk up the hill, you will pass by a grove of Pawpaw trees on your left side. These trees, with their large, drooping leaves, produce the only tropical fruit, and largest edible fruit, native to the modern-day United States. In the mid-summer months, you may see the fruits growing among the leaves, which will grow to about the size of a potato. See photo [5] for an example.
The fruits, which taste somewhat like a cross between a mango and a banana, have long been a staple ingredient in recipes from this region, particularly for Black and indigenous communities. Because of their creamy taste, they are featured in many custards, pies, and other desserts. Since these fruits ripen quickly on the branch, then rot soon after that, they are rarely found in grocery stores or markets. They must be eaten quickly after harvest which makes them that much more special.
As you continue up the hill, you will get your first glance of the 1774 Rock House.