10/30/07 Wayah Bald, Bartram Trail, NC

HIKERS – Phil Brownrigg, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Linda Johnson, Dick Metzgar, Joe Metzger, Wanda Miller, Wayne Miller, George Otis, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Joe Raguckas, Doug Russell, Dan Ross, John Shauger, Dave Standard, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Carole Wintle.

TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Bartram Trail is very nice with excellent mountain views as you hike through a magnificent hardwood forest to Wayah Bald (elevation 5,385 ft.). About half way out, the Bartram joins the Appalachian Trail on up to Wayah Bald. The mountain views from the Wayah Bald observation tower are simply breathtaking!

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! Fair and cool with temperatures ranging from the 30’s to the low 60’s F.

Hiking distance – 8 miles Difficulty – moderate due to elevation change.

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Canada Violet, White Woods Aster, Blue Asters, Lady’s Thumb, Pink Clover, Flowering Spurge and White Yarrow.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Cooper’s Hawk, Broad Winged Hawk, Dark-eyed Junco, Blue Jay, Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Crow.