January 4, 2011
| Today, we hiked on the Bartram Trail from Hale Ridge Rd. in Rabun Co., GA to the Osage Overlook in NC. approx. 7.4 mi round trip.
HIKERS: Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Carole Raguckas, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Lynne Saporito, Pom Sinnock and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – This section of the Bartram Trail is a nice walk through a beautiful hardwood forest. It is a moderately strenuous hike due to the elevation changes. There are 13 foot-bridges on this part of the trail with very nice mountain views at Osage Overlook. Directions: Take Hwy. 441 N from Clayton, GA through Dillard, GA and turn right onto GA 246 / NC 106 toward Highlands, NC. Drive about 7 miles and turn right at the old Scaly Mtn. Ski Slope at Hale Ridge Rd. Go a couple of miles and turn left onto a continuation of Hale Ridge road. Drive a mile or so and you will see the trail crossing sign on your right and on your left 25 yards down the road. Another great day for a hike! Fair and cool. Temperatures ranged from the upper 20’s to lower 50’s. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: none BIRDS IDENTIFIED: American Crow and Dark-eyed Junco. |
 Our starting point on Hale Ridge Rd. |
 Trail sign near the start. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Mountain views along the trail. |
 The Bartram Trail is well-maintained and this section has 13 foot-bridges. |
 Awesome boulders! |
 Break time… |
 It is wintertime. |
 The view from Osage Overlook |
 Lunchtime at Osage. |
 Looking up to Scaly Mountain from Osage Overlook. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Carole Raguckas, Bruce O’Connor, Joe Raguckas, Jeanne O’Connor, Dan Ross, Bill Hunt, Pom Sinnock, Vic Robson, Lynne Saporito, Dick Metzgar, Jack Jacobi and Carole Wintle. |