9/21/2010 Appalachian Trail – Muskrat Creek, NC

HIKERS: John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Pom Sinnock, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker and Carole Wintle.

TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Appalachian Trail is a nice walk through a lush hardwood forest with nice mountain views in the winter and great wildflowers in the spring and summer. The trail is very rocky in several places and the terrain is rolling. Trail is rated moderate difficulty and the round trip distance is 8 miles.

Directions: From Franklin, NC, go West on US64 13.6 miles (from overpass where US23 turns South toward Atlanta) to FS71 Deep Gap Rd. It is the first road to the left past the County Line sign (Clay County). Drive approximately 6 miles on this gravel road (FS 71) to the Deep Gap parking lot (dead end of road).

Another great day for a hike! Mostly Sunny and mild with temperatures ranging from 60 to 74 degrees F.

FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Lady’s Thumb, White Snakeroot, White Woods Aster, Heart-leafed Aster, Bushy Aster, New England Aster, Wreath Goldenrod, Tall Goldenrod, Alumroot, Horse Balm, Indian Plantain, Mountain Gentian, Angelica, Whorled White Aster, Silverrod, and Beech Drops.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Yellow Billed Cuckoo, Ruffed Grouse, Blue Jay, Towhee, Nuthatch, Junco.

OTHER FAUNA: Chipmunk and Grey Squirrel.