November 1, 2011
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Today, we hiked near Highlands, NC on two trails. Starting at the Glenn 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 points and continued on to The Mountain Retreat Center for our lunch break and continued the loop back to the parking lot. Total for the day – approx. 7 miles. HIKERS – Karen Brown, Chuck Crisp, Jackie Crisp, Greta Driggers, Pam Euliss, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Linda McDaniels, Dick Metzgar, Jeanne O’Connor, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Pomm Sinnock, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFORMATION – The Glenn Falls trail is a fairly steep downhill walk over a recently improved trail with nice steps in the steep portions with nicesafe over-looks for viewing the falls. There is an overlook at the top of the falls and a very nice view from the observation deck at the bottom. 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. The Mountain Center is private property and 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 Glenn 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! Sunny and very cool. Temperatures ranged from 34 to 60 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Heart-leaf Aster and Witchhazel. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Pileated Woodpecker, Chickadee, Crow and Goldfinch. scroll down for photos and video……. |
 The start of our hike! |
 Our trail dog today, “Gabby”. |
 New viewing area for the falls. |
 Beautiful Glenn Falls! |
 Our view from the top of the falls! |
 Crossing the foot-bridge headed to Chinquapin Mountain. |
 We pass a series of Look-offs across the top of the mountain! |
 Nice view at Look-off 2! |
 We stopped by the Mountain Retreat and Learning Center at lunchtime. This is the observation tower. To hike here, call ahead for confirmation. |
 Great mountain views from the tower. |
 Here, we get a good view of Rabun Bald. |
 Lunchtime at the Mountain Center! |
 Large tree growing on top of a boulder! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike (l-r) Tony Presley, Jackie Crisp, Chuck Crisp, Bill Hunt, Pam Euliss, Pom Sinnock, Vic Robson, Jack Jacobi, Jeanne O’Connor, Donna Presley, Dan Ross,Greta Driggers, Geri Whitaker, Dave Hinson, Karen Brown, David Whitaker, Dick Metzgar and Linda McDaniels. |