October 8, 2013
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Today’s hike was on the Bartram Trail in NC near Highlands. We hiked from Jones Gap to Jones Knob then toward Fish Hawk Mt. and we took the short side trail to Whiterock Mt. HIKERS: Mike Arnold, Wayne Barios, John Bellamy, Karen Brown, Chuck Crisp, Stephen Gales, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Jack Jacobi, Bill Hunt, Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Jeanne O’Connor, Beth Pectol, Don Preece, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Lynne Saporito, Pom Sinnock, Geri Whitaker and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Bartram Trail is one of our favorite hikes for great mountain views. The terrain is mostly easy with the only steep climbs on two short side trails. Early into the hike, we took the short side trail up to Jones Knob for great early morning mountain views. Later, we took the short side trail up to Whiterock Mountain for lunch on the spectacular rock faced summit. Total hike today approx. 6 miles – mostly easy. DIRECTIONS: From the corner of 4th and Main in Highlands, take US64/28 (toward Franklin) for 4.2 miles to Turtle Pond Rd. (SR1620). Turn left and drive 1.1 miles to SR1678. Turn right and drive 1.4 miles to the top of a hill. Turn left on Jones Gap Rd. (FR4522) There is a Bartram Trail sign at this turn. Take this road 2 miles to the parking area at the end of the road. The trail leaves the parking area on the right. Another great day for a hike! Mostly sunny and cool with temperatures ranging from the Upper 40’s to the low 60’s F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Dan Ross List – DAN ROSS LIST! – Aster, Green Cone Flower, Thistle, Bushy Aster, Wreath Goldenrod, Mountain Gentian, Fall Tresses, Indian Plantain, Hawk Weed, White Yarrow and Dewberry. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Blue Jay, American Goldfinch, Junco, Chickadee. |
 Trailhead parking at Jones Gap. |
 Map and info. |
 Another great day for a hike on the Bartram Trail! – 22 hikers. |
 Early into the hike, we take this side trail up to spectacular Jones Knob. |
 Fantastic views! |
 Our group taking in the views! |
 Layer after layer of mountains! |
 Field Thistle |
 This sign marks the side trail to Whiterock. |
 Arriving at the huge rock face of Whiterock Mt. |
 Amazing views galore! |
 Lunchtime on Whiterock Mountain. |
 Another view! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Tony Presley, Mike Arnold, Pom Sinnock, Jeanne O’Connor, Vic Robson, Bob Magee, Jim Driggers, Stephen Gales, Greta Driggers, Beth Pectol, Don Preece, Karen Brown, Lynne Saporito and “Angus”, Dick Metzgar, Chuck Crisp, Carole Wintle, Bill Hunt, Geri Whitaker, Wayne Barios, Dan Ross, John Bellamy and Jack Jacobi. . |