| Today’s hike was on the Bartram Trail starting at Sawmill Gap and joining the Appalachian Trail after 2.2 miles and continuing on the Wayah Bald and back. Wayah Bald (elevation 5,385 ft.) has an old fire tower built by the C.C.C. in the 1930’s – 8 miles total.
HIKERS – Phil Brownrigg, Greta Driggers, Pam Euliss, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Linda Johnson, Don Preece, Carole Raguckas, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Pom Sinnock, Faye Sisson, Dave Standard, Bob Thompson, Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – A beautiful hike, especially this time of year! Starting out on the Bartram Trail at Sawmill Gap, the trail joins the Appalachian trail after 2.2 miles and continues on to Wayah Bald. The beautiful old fire tower is a special treat as you can climb up and see awesome views especially to the North, East and South. This hike is rated moderately difficult due to elevation changes. Total hiking distance – 8 miles. 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. Temperatures ranged from 48-64 degrees F. Hiking distance – 8 miles. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Crimson Clover, Dandelion, and a Blue Aster BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Grouse, Chickdee, Crow, White Breasted Nuthatch, Junco, Tufted Titmouse and Red Tailed Hawk. |
 Parking at Sawmill Gap. |
 Sign near the start. |
 Starting out with a loud sound of rustling leaves! |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Milkweed! |
 One of two grassy fields that the trail cuts through. . |
 The trail intersection where the Bartram and Appalachian trails combine. |
 The historic Wayah Bald fire tower! |
 Lots of colorful mountains! |
 A view looking down from the tower. |
 A southern panorama! |
 Another great view! |
 Lichen of the week! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Faye Sisson, Greta Driggers, Dave Standard, Vic Robson, Pom Sinnock, (l-r second row) Phil Brownrigg, Don Preece, Jack Jacobi, Bob Thompson, Carole Raguckas, Joe Raguckas, Linda Johnson, Pam Euliss and Carole Wintle. (top row) Bill Hunt. |