Let a joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by. —Carl Sandburg
Tucked away in the small town of Flat Rock, North Carolina, the Carl Sandburg Home is a national historic site that is truly a treasure. This 264-acre farm, known as Connemara, was home to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, poet, and social justice advocate Carl Sandburg and his wife, Lillian, a skilled breeder of champion goats, for 27 years.
Saanen goat.
Our neighbor Toby was the first to tell us about this place, as it’s one of her favorite spots to hike. Dave and I jumped at the chance to visit.
The Sandburg residence. Open for tours.
Connemara offers plenty to see and do—walking paths, goats to feed, a historical home tour, and over five miles of trails to explore. Carl Sandburg found plenty of inspiration in these peaceful surroundings.
Dave and I parked at the hikers’ lot near the trails. This entrance also passes the barn and pasture where descendants of Lillian Sandburg’s prize goats still graze. Dave and I took a moment to explore the barn and, of course, to admire the kids.
Where the goats roam.
Nubian goat.
Inside the barn.
Toggenburger kid.
Our hike de jour was the Memminger Trail Loop to Big Glassy Mountain—a 3.3-mile round-trip with moderate (633ft) elevation gain.
A path to the woods
The trail retraced Sandburg’s steps to a stunning overlook at the mountain’s top.
Glassy Mountain Overlook.
Luci joined us for the hike, as dogs are allowed on leash. Dogs are not permitted inside any of the buildings, so if you plan to tour the home or enjoy time with the goats, plan accordingly.
After the holidays, the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is a great outing for out-of-town guests (and locals!) wanting to get away from football and stretch their legs. It’s open seven days a week, year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. There is a fee to tour the home, but the grounds are open for exploration from sunrise to sunset.