June 25, 2013
| This week’s hike was on the Bartram Trail in NC. We hiked to the summit of Scaly Mountain and we also did the side trail to Hickory Knut Gap.
HIKERS – Phil Brownrigg, Stephen Gales, Bill Hunt, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Geri Whitaker and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – Always a beautiful hike with great mountain views from the massive rock faces of Scaly Mountain. Native Azaleas and Rhododendrons are spectacular this time of year. The side trail to Hickory Knut Gap is also a nice walk to add to the hike. From Osage Mt. Vista to the summit is a climb of 1,000+ feet. Total hiking distance today – Approximately 5.6 miles with lots of elevation gain. We rate it the difficulty as moderately strenuous. Directions: Osage Mt. Vista is 5.7 miles west of Highlands on NC Hwy. 106. Or from Dillard, GA turn right on GA 246 which becomes NC 106 and drive approx. 9 miles to Osage Overlook on the right. Another great day for a hike! Partly Cloudy and humid with temperatures ranging from 69 to 76 degrees F. Birds Identified: Dark Eyed Junco, Pileated Woodpecker, Robin, Red Eyed Vireo, Cardinal, Eastern Towhee, Hooded Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Pine Warbler, Black Throated Blue Warbler, Black & White Warbler, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Tufted Titmouse, Chestnut Sided Warbler, Worm Eating Warbler, Ovenbird. Flowers Identified: Asiatic Flower, Rattlesnake Weed, Venus Looking Glass, Fire Pink, Indian Pipes, Mountain Hydrangea, Tall Bluet, Galax, Whorled Loosestrife, Cow Wheat, Mountain Laurel, Indian Physic, Flame Azalea, Spiderwort, Meadow Rue, Barren Strawberry, Hawk Weed, Bluet, Saxifrage, Sweet Azalea, Milkweed, Solomon Seal, Fly Poison, Blackberry, Clover, Daisy, Oxeye Daisy, Crown Vetch |
 The starting point for today’s hike. |
 Nice view from Osage Mt. Vista! |
 The Flame Azaleas were blooming beautifully! |
 At the 1.5 mile mark we arrive at the trail junction with the Hickory Knut Gap access trail. |
 It is always amazing when we see fairly large trees growing on top of huge rock boulders! |
 Sweet Azalea (Rhododendron aborescens). |
 As we climb higher up Scaly Mt. the trail turns into solid rock. |
 Mountain Laurel was very abundant. |
 As we get closer to the summit, we get nice views (Rabun Bald).! |
 Taking a break with our trail dog “Cotton”. |
 Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia). |
 We enjoy the views at the summit of Scaly Mountain! |
 The Hickory Knut Gap Trail passes through a nice Rhododendron tunnel. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike – (l-r) Phil Brownrigg, Geri Whitaker, Vic Robson, Carole Wintle, Greta Driggers, “Cotton” and Stephen Gales, Jim Driggers, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Bill Hunt and Tony Presley. |