October 4, 2005
| Today, we hiked to Wayah Bald from Sawmill Gap on the Bartram Trail joining the Appalachian Trail a couple of miles from Wayah Bald. The terrain is rolling but mostly gentle and is mostly through hardwood forests with lots of Oak, Hickory, Beech, and Buckeye trees along with plentiful wildflower varieties. Our lunchtime destination was spectacular Wayah Bald which has awesome mountain views in every direction. .
Hiking distance today – 8 miles HIKERS – Don Alducin, Sharada Alducin, Melissa Anderson, Jack Jacobi, Wayne Miller, Doug Russell, Bob Presley, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, David Whitaker, and Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFO. – This is an excellent hike on moderately rolling terrain that starts on the Bartram Trail and joins the Appalachian Trail about halfway out to Wayah Bald. Directions: From Franklin, NC, travel west on US 64 for 3 miles to Old Murphy Road where there is a Wayah Bald sign. Turn right and drive 0.2 mile to Wayah Road (SR 1310). Turn left and continue for about 9 miles to Wayah Crest and continue for couple of miles and turn right onto F.S. Road 711 (Sawmill Gap Road) and continue a few miles to the Sawmill Gap sign and parking lot.. Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the mid 50’s to the mid 70’s. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Yellow Wood Sorrel, White Wood Aster White-topped Aster, Heart-leafed Aster, other Asters, Goldenrods, Phlox, Heal All, Canada Violet, White Snakeroot, Maryland Golden Aster, Beech Drops, Mountain Gentian, Stiff Gentian, Oxeye Daisy, Black-eyed Susan, Pale Jewelweed, White Yarrow, Lady’s Thumb. FLOWERS IN FRUIT: Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Indian Cucumber Root..
BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Red Eyed Vireo, Titmouse, Cardinal, Blue Jay, Pilieated Woodpecker, Towhee, White Breasted Nuthatch & Ruffed Grouse. other Fauna : Garter Snake, Eastern Chipmunk |
 Getting ready at Sawmill Gap. |
 One of three grassy fields on this portion of the Bartram Trail. |
 Nature’s marvel! Is it a dragon? |
 The trail junction of the Appalachian Trail. |
 The historic Wayah Bald Tower.. |
 Views from the tower were a bit hazy today but still worth the trip! |
 View 2 |
 Looking down from the tower. |
 Checking out the information boards at Wayah Bald. |
 A couple of today’s wildflowers: (l-r) Pale Jewelweed (Impatiens pallida), Mountain Gentian (Gentiana decora) |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Bob Presley, Dan Ross, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Wayne Miller, Sharada Alducin, Don Alducin, Melissa Anderson, Jack Jacobi, Donna Presley, Doug Russell, Tony Presley. |