August 2, 2011
| This week’s hike was from Wayah Gap, NC to Siler Bald and back down to a loop on the Siler Bald Shelter trail and back down to Wayah Gap. Total approx. 6 mi.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Chuck Crisp, Jackie Crisp, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, George Otis, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. This is a beautiful hike including the great views from 5,216 ft. Siler Bald followed by a beautiful hike on the Siler Bald Shelter Loop. The terrain is hilly and the forest is a beautiful hardwood environment with lots of wildflowes. Total hiking distance today – 6 miles Directions: From Franklin, travel west on US 64 for 3 miles to Old Murphy Road where there is a Wayah Bald sign. Turn right and drive .2 mile to Wayah Road (SR 1310). Turn left and continue for 9 miles to Wayah Gap and FR 69. There is an Appalachian Trail crossing sign. (Wayah Crest Picnic Area is on the left.) Another great day for a hike! Partly Cloudy and warm with temperatures ranging from 67 to 79 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Daisy fleabane, Heal All, Beggar’s Lice, Joe Pye Weed, Bergamot, Beebalm, False Foxglove, Poke Weed, Tall Goldenrod, Rattlesnake Plantain Orchid, Sourwood, Mountain Mint, Dodder, Southern Harebells, Wreath Goldenrod, White Wood Aster, White Snakeroot, Spotted Jewelweed, Pale Jewelweed, Indian Pipes, Beech Drops, Angelica, Canada Violet, Wild Parsley, Flowering Spurge, Woodland Sunflower, Phlox, Starry Campion, Fire Pink, White Yarrow, Northern Agrimony, Sun Drop, Spiderwort, Ox-eye Daisy, Whorled Coreopsis, Yellow Wood Sorrel, Peruvian Daisy, Tall Bluet, Indian Plantain, Black-eyed Susan and Rosebay Rhododendron. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Black Throated Blue Warbler, Red Eyed Vireo, Black & White Warbler, Oven Bird, Chipping Sparrow, Yellow Throated Vireo, Towhee, Cat Bird, Nuthatch, Summer Tananger, PeeWee, Pileated Woodpecker, Crow, Chestnut Sided Warbler. |
 Our starting point for today. |
 Another great day for a hike on the Appalachian Trail! |
 Colorful but poisonous Jack O’Lantern Mushrooms. |
 Here, we cross an old split log foot-bridge. |
 Wildflower – Starry Campion |
 We head up the long grassy slope to the summit of Siler Bald. (a side trail off of the A.T.) |
 The marker at the summit. |
 Great 360 degree views from Siler Bald! |
 View 2 |
 Looking across to Winespring Bald and Wayah Bald. |
 Headed down the grassy slope with awesome views! |
 Lunchtime at the Siler Bald shelter! |
 An amazing giant mushroom. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) George Otis, Vic Robson, Carole Wintle, Dick Metzgar, Chuck Crisp, Jackie Crisp, Donna Presley, Phil Brownrigg, John Bellamy, Jack Jacobi, Dan Ross and Tony Presley. |
VIDEO FROM TODAY’S HIKE!