| Today, we hiked in Southwest NC on two trails. Starting at the Glen Falls parking lot, we first did the trail down to the bottom of the upper falls. Next, we came back to the parking lot and hiked the Chinquapin Mountain Trail loop past the 5 look-off pointsand continued on to The Mountain Center for our lunch break and continued the loop back to the parking lot. Total for the day approx. 7 miles.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Pam Euliss, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Lynne Saporito, Faye Sisson, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFORMATION – The Glen Falls trail is a fairly steep downhill walk over lots of exposed roots. The trail has lots of foot traffic and is well-worn. There is an overlook at the top of the falls and a very nice view from the rocks at the bottom. Caution must be used on the rock faces because a slip could send you over the next falls with tragic results. The Chinquapin Mountain Trail is a very nice hike on hilly terrain. It takes the hiker past five short trails to look-offs as you cross over the top of the mountain. You can hike this trail as a loop if you continue down the mountain and follow the signs. We hiked the trail up to “The Mountain Retreat Center” for our lunch break. To do this you must call ahead to get permission since they host lots of guests and they must maintain security on the site. Today’s hiking distance – 7 miles total. Difficulty – Moderately difficult due to elevation changes. Directions: The Chinquapin Mountain Trail starts at the Glen Falls parking lot located off of Highway 106 (the Dillard Highway) about 3 miles south of Highlands, NC. Look for the sign to Glen Falls. Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy and mild. Temperatures ranged from 70 degrees to 77 degrees. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Summersweet, Rattlesnake Plantain Orchid, Hawkweed, Tassel Rue, Alumroot, Whorled Coreopsis, Horse Balm, Cranefly Orchid, Indian Pipe, Rosebay Rhododendrun, False Hellebore, Cow Wheat, Spiderwort, Phlox, Goldenrod, Starry Campion, Woodland Joe Pye Weed, Spotted Jewelweed, White Woods Aster, Flat-topped Aster, Heal All, Bergamot, Virgin’s Bower, Winged Sumac, White Yarrow, Oxeye Daisy, Daisy Fleabane, Joe Pye Weed, False Foxglove, Flowering Spurge, Beggar’s Lice, St. John’s Wort and St. Andrew’s Cross. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Red Eyed Vireo, Crow, Nuthatch, Dove, Junco, Chickadee, Black Throated Blue Warbler, Carolina Wren, Blue Jay. |
 Getting ready at the Glen Falls Parking lot. |
 Nice viewpoint on the Glen Falls Trail |
 Glen Falls! |
 Fungi of the week! |
 Next, we hit the Chinquapin Mountain Trail. |
 Crossing the creek near the start of the trail. |
 There are five of these across the top of the mountain. |
 We enjoy the awesome mountain views. |
 An unusual mushroom with two stems. |
 Lunchtime on the deck at “The Mountain” with rocking chairs. |
 The observation tower at “The Mountain”. |
 View one from the tower. |
 View two from the tower. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Tony Presley, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Vic Robson and Donna Presley. (l-r back) Carole Wintle, Phil Brownrigg, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Dan Ross, Lynne Saporito, June Bellamy, Pam Euliss, John Bellamy, Faye Sisson and Jack Jacobi. |