June 5, 2018
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Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail near Franklin, NC from Wayah Crest Pinic Area to Siler Bald and back. HIKERS – Mike Bell, Jenny Bell, Ray Clark, Joe Collins, Renee Corbett, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Tim Hale, Kim Johnson, Dick Metzgar, Tony Presley, Alex Purcell, Vic Robson, Carole Wintle and Jack Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – This is a very nice summertime hike to spectacular Siler Bald. It is an uphill hike to the bald but very worth the effort because of the spectacular views from the 5,216 ft. summit. Total hiking distance today – 4.1 miles with large elevation gain. We rate the hike as moderately strenuous due to a large elevation gain. Directions: From Franklin, travel west on US 64 for 3 miles to Old Murphy Road where there is a Wayah Bald sign. Turn right and drive .2 mile to Wayah Road (SR 1310). Turn left and continue for 9 miles to Wayah Gap and FR 69. There is an Appalachian Trail crossing sign. (Wayah Crest Picnic Area is on the left.) Another great day for a hike! Mostly sunny and mild. Temperatures in the mid 60’s F warming into the mid 70’s. Total distance – 4.1 mi. BLOOMING PLANTS: Flame Azalea, Buttercups, Vasey’s Trillium, Mountain Laurel, Solomon’s Seal, False Solomon’s Seal, White Baneberry, Yellow Star Grass, Blackberries, Canada Violet, Bluets, Wood Betony, Indian Cucumber Root, Squaw Root . BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Black and White Warbler, Towhee, Oven Bird, Veery, Black-Throated Blue Warbler, Junco, Pine Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Scarlet Tanager.
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