September 14, 2004
| HIKERS – John Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, John Hires, Jack Jacobi, Wayne Miller, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Bob Presley, Geri and David Whitaker .
TRAIL INFO. – Today’s Hike began at Parking lot for the Backcountry Information Center near the entrance to the Standing Indian Campground near Franklin, NC. We hiked on the Long Branch Trail up to the Appalachian Trail at Glassmine Gap and on up to the summit of Albert Mountain (elevation 5,250 ft.) for lunch. Albert Mountain offers great mountain views and features an old fire tower. Total hike today 10.8 miles. Directions: From Franklin, NC, follow US64 West 11.4 miles to left turn at sign saying “Appalachian Trail” and “Standing Indian Campground”. Follow this road (Old Rt. 64) 1.9 miles to sign reading “Standing Indian Campground” and turn right on paved road (FS67). Follow road to the Backcountry Information Center. Another beautiful hiking day! Partly cloudy with Temps in the mid 60’s to low 70’s F. Flora in Bloom: White Wood Aster, White Snakeroot, Heal All, Asters, Mountain Gentian, Black-Eyed Susan, Southern Hare Bells, Filmy Angelica, Goldenrod, Alum Root, Downy Rattlesnake Plantain, Dolls Eyes in fruit. FAUNA: Birds Identified–Broad Winged Hawk, Black Vulture, Dark-Eyed Junco, Blue Jay, White-Breasted Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker. |
 The trail sign near the parking lot. |
 The Long Branch Trail is 2 miles long through a lush hardwood forest and ends at Glassmine Gap on the Appalachian Trail. |
 The trail junction of the A.T. at Glassmine Gap. |
 The trail passes through this amazing rhododendron tunnel. |
 The fire tower at Albert Mountain. |
 View one from Albert Mountain. |
 Another awesome view! |
 You can climb the steps of the fire tower for the best views. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Bob Presley, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Dan Ross, Wayne Miller, John Bellamy, Doug Russell, Jack Jacobi, John Hires, and Phil Brownrigg. |