8/5/08 Jones Gap – Whiterock Mtn. Bartram Trail, NC

HIKERS – Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Joe Metzger, Wayne Miller, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Rick Porter, Carole Raguckas, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Doug Russell, Lynne Saporito, Bob Thompson, Carole Wintle.

TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Bartram Trail features spectacular views along the way with Jones Knob and Whiterock Mountain being the highlights. The terrain is rolling but not too extreme. On a hot summer day, it is a nice place to hike with the elevation giving a break from the extreme heat.

Hiking distance – 7 miles – Difficulty – moderate due to elevation change.

Directions: From the corner of 4th and Main in Highlands, take US64/28 (toward Franklin) for 4.2 miles to Turtle Pond Rd. (SR1620). Turn left and drive 1.1 miles to SR1678. Turn right and drive 1.4 miles to the top of a hill. Turn left on Jones Gap Rd. (FR4522). Take this road 2 miles to the parking area at the end of the road. The trail leaves the parking area on the right.

Another great day for a hike! Mostly fair, hazy and mild! Temperatures ranged from the upper 60’s to upper 70’s F.

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Joe Pye Weed, Pokeweed, Hydrangea, Yarrow, Pale Jewelweed, Mountain Mint, Phlox, Starry Campion, Goldenrod, Crimson Clover, Flowering Spurge, Heal All, Cow-wheat, Michaux’s Saxifrage, Pale Corydalis, Galax, Rattlesnake Plantain, Pipsissewa, False Hellebore, Alumroot, White Snakeroot, Rosebay Rhododendron, White Baneberry/Dolls Eye berries, White Milkweed, Spiderwort, Hawkweeed, Whorled-leaaf Coreopsis, and Sourwood.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Tohee, Red-eyed Vireo, Mourning Dove, Chickadee, Pileated Woodpecker, and Black throated blue warbler.