| Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail in NC from Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald and back.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Bill Hunt, Linda Johnson, Dick Metzgar, Wayne Miller, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, George Otis, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Lynne Saporito, Faye Sisson, Jack Slaton, Bob Thompson and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – A beautiful hike on the Appalachian Trail from Winding Stair Gap west of Franklin, NC to 5,216 ft. Siler Bald, NC. This portion of the A.T. climbs gradually up to Siler Bald gaining approximately 1400 ft in elevation as it climbs to the summit of Siler Bald. The last quarter mile or so is actually a side excursion off of the A.T. Mountain views are absolutely breathtaking. approx. 9 miles round trip Directions: From Franklin, NC, take Highway 64 West for about 10 miles and look for the parking lot on the left. (It is just beyond the large rock cliffs on each side of the road) You will see the Appalachian Trail sign. Another great day for a hike! Sunny, and cool with temperatures ranging from 60-68 degrees F. Hiking distance – 9 miles. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: New England Aster, Heart-leafed Aster, Bushy Aster, White Woods Aster, Stiff Aster, Goldenrod, Ladyfinger, Spotted Jewelweed, Yellow Wood Sorrell, Indian Plantain, Southern Harebell, White Snakeroot, Heal All, White Yarrow, Mullein, Oxeye Daisy, Black-eyed Susan, Mountain Gentian and Stiff Gentian. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Blue Jay, Pileated Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Chickadee and Junco. Other: one small unknown snake. |
 Starting out from Winding Stair Gap on Highway 64. |
 Another great day for a hike on the Appalachian Trail! |
 Dolls Eyes (White Baneberry) |
 Hornets nest! |
 Fork in the trail leads to the shelter. |
 Fungus of the week! . |
 Some early Fall colors. |
 Heading up the long grassy slope to the summit of Siler Bald. |
 The weather-beaten old apple tree still stands! |
 The marker at the summit! |
 A great lunch spot! |
 Looking over towards Wayah Bald. |
 Headed back down the long grassy slope. |
 Panorama! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front)Carole Wintle, Jeanne O’Connor, Bruce O’Connor, Lynee Saporito, Linda Johnson, Faye Sisson and Vic Robson. (l-r back) John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Bill Hunt, Bob Thompson, Jack Slaton, Wayne Miller, Doug Russell, Joe Raguckas, Dan Ross, George Otis and Dick Metzgar. |