August 1, 2006
| This week’s hike was a combination of 3 short trails in the Highlands, NC area.
HIKERS – Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Wanda Miller, Wayne Miller, Doug Russell, Jack Slaton, Bob Thompson, Kurt Volker, and Sharon Volker . TRAIL INFO. – First trail of the day was the Glen Falls Trail which is 3 mi south of Highlands on Hwy. 106. This trail brings you past three cascading waterfalls and ends at a forest service road and the bottom of the hill. Next, we traveled to Highlands Botanical Garden located on East Main Street, approximately 1/4 mile from the center of town. Sunset Rocks Trail starts across the street from the Botanical Gardens and it leads up to a large rock face overlooking Highlands. Finally, we travel to Dry Falls located 3.3 miles from Highlands on US 64 toward Franklin. Total hiking distance today – approx. 5 miles. Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy, temperatures ranging from the low 70’s to the low 80’s.. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Rattlesnake plantain, Black Eyed Susan, Rhododendron, Hawkweed, Goldenrod, Oxalis, Heal all, Phlox, Sourwood, Joe Pye Weed, Alum root, Tall bluet, and Stinging nettle. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Tohee, Broad Wing Hawk, Vulture, Red eyed vireo, Veery, Carolina Chickadee, and Tufted titmouse. |
 The start of the Glen Falls Trail. |
 The view from the top of the first falls. |
 The Rhododendrons are still blooming!. |
 The bottom of the upper falls. |
 The bottom of the second falls. |
 Share the trail with a snake! Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) |
 Next we do the Sunset Rocks Trail. |
 The View from Sunset Rocks! |
 A very nice place to explore. |
 Next, we enjoy the cooling mist as we walk behind spectacular Dry Falls! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r)Kurt Volker, Wanda Miller, Jack Slaton, Dick Metzgar, Sharon Volker, Doug Russell, Bob Thompson, Bob Magee, and Wayne Miller. |