June 29, 2004
| HIKERS – John Bellamy, Jack Jacobi, Bob Magee, Wayne Miller, Bob Presley, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, Geri Thompson, and David Whitaker.
TRAIL INFO. – Our hike today was on two short trails. The Whiteside Mountain Loop Trail and the Glen Falls Trail, Both near Highlands, NC. The Whiteside Mountain Trail is a little over two miles long and is a loop. Glen Falls Trail is 2.8 miles out and back total. Directions: Whiteside Mountain is between Highlands and Cashiers off of Hwy 64 turn onto Whiteside Mtn. Rd and go about 1 mile to the parking lot. Glen Falls is approximately 2 miles south of Highlands off of Hwy 106 turn at the Glen Falls sign. Another beautiful hiking day! Partly Cloudy skies with temps. ranging from the upper 50’s to the mid 70’s F. Total hike approx. 5 miles. We rated the trail difficulty – moderate with lots of elevation change and occasional rocky footing where caution must be taken. FLORA IN BLOOM: Flame Azalea, Carolina Rhododendron, Rosebay Rhododendron, Whorled Loosestrife, Bush Honeysuckle, Starry Campion, Galax, Spiderwort, Leather Flower, Fire Pink, Coreopsis, Bleeding Heart, Micheaux’s Saxifrage, Summer Sweet, Bluets, Tall Bluets, Pipsissawa, Phlox, Mountain Hydrangea. FAUNA: Junco, Turkey Vulture, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Red-Eyed Vireo, Hooded Warbler, Chickadee, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Tufted Titmouse, Towhee. |
 Going up from the parking lot to the summit of Whitside Mtn. |
 Our first view of the magnificent granite cliffs of Whiteside. |
 Walking along the rim of the mountain would be dangerous without these guard rails. |
 Many great viewpoints! |
 Breathtaking views of the rock cliffs. |
 At times you can see Peregrine Falcons soaring above the cliffs. (none today) |
 A good wildflower trail. Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum). |
 The Glen Falls Trail gives great views of two very nice waterfalls. |
 Falls two! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) David Whitaker, Geri Thompson, Bob Magee, Bob Presley, John Bellamy, Wayne Miller, Dan Ross, Jack Jacobi, and Tony Presley . |