| Today’s hike was on the Bartram Trail from the highway 28 bridge (GA side) hiking southward to Laurel Branch. Round trip distance – 8.2 mi.
HIKERS – Greta Driggers, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Faye Sisson, Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Bartram Trail is generally parallel to the Chattooga River and has only a few hills. The trail goes through a mixed forest including lots of American Holly trees, Beech, Hickory, Oak, Pine, and lots of fallen pine trees devastated by pine beetles. There are several nice river views along the way. Directions: Directions: From Walhalla, SC take Highway 28 toward Highlands, NC and continue to the Chattooga River Hwy. 28 bridge. Park on the GA side parking lot. Or from Highlands, NC, take Hwy. 28 southward to the parking area just before the 28 bridge. Another great day for a hike! Fair, breezy and cold. Temperatures ranged from 29-38 degrees F. Hiking distance – 8.2 miles. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: none BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Junco, American Crow, Turkey Vulture and Chickadee. |
 Parking at the Highway 28 bridge parking area. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Crossing the iron bridge across the West Fork Chattooga River. |
 Looking down the West Fork to the junction with the North Fork Chattooga River. |
 This section of the Bartram Trail has abundant stands of American Holly trees loaded with red berries! |
 Here, we check out the old abandoned Hay Baler from the early 1950’s “we think”. . |
 Just beyond the hay baler we pass the remnants of the old farm house. 1940’s version of a stacked stone fireplace. |
 Lunchtime on the trail… |
 Fungus of the week! |
 Walking along the Chattooga River. |
 Back at the North Fork bridge. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Tony Presley, Jack Jacobi, Vic Robson, Joe Raguckas, Faye Sisson, Greta Driggers, Dan Ross, Donna Presley, Dick Metzgar and Carole Wintle. |