November 9, 2010
| Today, we hiked on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina from Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald and back. 9 mi. round trip.
HIKERS: Steve Bennett, Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, David Hinson, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Jack Wintle and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – A great section of the Appalachian Trail in NC. Some of the most spectacular mountain views in the Southeastern U.S. The trail gains more than 1,400 ft. in elevation as you make your way up to the summit of Siler Bald at 5,216 ft. Siler Bald is actually on a side trail up a long grassy slope that almost looks like a ski slope. A breathtaking 360 degree view awaits you at the summit. 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 with temperatures ranging from the mid-40’s to the upper 60’s F. Total distance hiked – 9 miles – moderately strenuous due to an elevation gain over 1,400 ft. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: New England Aster and Witch Hazel. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Turkey Vulture . Other Fauna: Grey Squirrel |
 Parking at Winding Stair Gap on Highway 64 west of Franklin, NC. |
 The most famous hiking trail in the U.S.A. . |
 Ty and Jessie enjoy the creek crossing! |
 We found a tree-fall on the trail and Vic had his folding (John Ray) saw and cleared the path. |
 A bridge crossing early into the hike. |
 Starting up the long grassy slope to Siler Bald. |
 At the awesome summit! |
 Looking down to Nantahala Lake! |
 Breathtaking views from Siler Bald! |
 Wow! |
 Lunchtime on Siler Bald! |
 Headed back down the grassy slope. |
 We met two thru-hikers over 2,000 miles into their 2,175 mi. hike to Springer Mt. Hiker on left is from Boston, MA, and right is from Albany, NY! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Steve Bennett, David Hinson, Vic Robson, Carole Wintle, “Ty and Jessie” Wintle, Jack Wintle, Donna Presley, Geri Whitaker and David Whitaker. (l-r back) Tony Presley, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Bill Hunt, Dan Ross, Don Preece, Phil Brownrigg, Karen Brown, Dick Metzgar and Jack Jacobi . |