November 22, 2011
| Today, we hiked the Bartram Trail from The Highway 28 Bridge on the GA side of the Chattooga River southward 5 miles to the south side of Willis Knob. (10 miles round trip)
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Browmrigg, Pam Euliss, Jeanne O’Connor, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross and Pom Sinnock . TRAIL INFORMATION – This portion of the Bartram Trail is very nice with quite a bit of flat terrain for the first couple of miles followed by some rolling hills. The trail is well maintained with only a few downed trees that were easy to step over. Several nice river views along with several mountain creeks add to the beauty of the trail. Difficulty – moderately easy Today’s hiking distance – 10 miles Directions: The highway 28 bridge is located on the GA/SC border between Walhalla SC and Highlands NC. Easily accessible from Walhalla, SC (Highway 28), Highlands, NC (Highway 28), or Clayton, GA (Warwoman Road). Another great day for a hike! Mostly cloudy, mild with temperatures ranging from 60 to 65 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Blue Aster, Bushy Aster and Mountain Gentian. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Chickadee, Blue Jay, Pileated Woodpecker and American Crow. |
 Getting ready at the Highway 28 Bridge parking area! |
 Headed down the Bartram Trail along the Chattooga River. |
 A National designated “Wild and Scenic River”. |
 Early into the hike, we cross the bridge over the West Fork of the Chattooga. |
 Looking from the bridge down the West Fork to the convergence with the Chattooga River. |
 Mushroom of the week… |
 This is the boater access point for rafts and kayaks. |
 The trail follows the river for a couple of miles.. |
 We pass the remaining rock chimney of this farm house from the 1930’s. |
 The first couple of miles has lots of flat walking along the old farmland. |
 Resurrection Fern growing on this tree. |
 A reminder that the Bartram Trail is not for horseback riding. |
 Lunchtime on the Bartram Trail! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike (l-r) Vic Robson, Phil Brownrigg, Pom Sinnock, John Bellamy, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, June Bellamy, Jeanne O’Connor, Donna Presley and Pam Euliss. |