January 31, 2012
| Today’s hike was on the Bartram Trail starting at Sawmill Gap and joining the Appalachian Trail after 2.2 miles and continuing on the Wayah Bald and back. Wayah Bald (elevation 5,385 ft.) has an old fire tower built by the C.C.C. in the 1930’s – 8 miles total.
HIKERS – Phil Brownrigg, Pam Euliss, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi,Dick Metzgar, Jeanne O’Connor, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Pom Sinnock, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – A beautiful hike any time of year! Starting out on the Bartram Trail at Sawmill Gap, the trail joins the Appalachian trail after 2.2 miles and continues on to Wayah Bald. The beautiful old fire tower is a special treat as you can climb up and see awesome views especially to the North, East and South. This hike is rated moderately difficult due to elevation changes. Total hiking distance – 8 miles. DIRECTIONS: From Franklin, NC, travel west on US 64 for 3 miles to Old Murphy Road where there is a Wayah Bald sign. Turn right and drive 0.2 mile to Wayah Road (SR 1310). Turn left and continue for about 9 miles to Wayah Crest and continue for couple of miles and turn right onto F.S. Road 711 (Sawmill Gap Road) and continue a few miles to the Sawmill Gap sign and parking lot. Another great day for a hike! Fair and cool. Temperatures ranged from 37 – 58 degrees F. Hiking distance – 8 miles. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: None BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Junco, Nuthatch. |
 The starting point for today’s hike. |
 Crossing the road to the Bartram Trail. |
 The Bartram Trail has the rectangular yellow trail blazes along the way. |
 Crossing the first of two grassy fields on the trail. |
 “Gabby” and “Nugget” are our trail dogs today! |
 After 2.2 miles we join the Appalachian Trail. |
 The Appalachian and Bartram share the path until Wayah Bald. |
 One of our hikers took the short side trail up to Wine Spring Bald which is a slightly higher elevation than Wayah! |
 We arrive at the Historic Wayah Bald Fire Tower. |
 We enjoy fantastic views from the fire tower! |
 This is our lunchtime view! |
 Looking across to the grassy slope of Siler Bald! |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike! (l-r front) Dave Hinson, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Pam Euliss and Vic Robson. (l-r back) Tony Presley, Donna Presley, Carole Wintle, Pom Sinnock, Jeanne O’Connor, Bill Hunt, Don Preece, Dan Ross, Dick Metzgar, Phil Brownrigg and Jack Jacobi. |
Click below for more Photos!