June 19, 2018
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This week’s hike was on the Whiteside Mountain Trail followed by the Highlands Nature Center Trail in Highlands, NC HIKERS: Ray Clark, Joe Collins, Dick Metzgar, Tony Presley and Vic Robson . TRAIL INFO. – We traveled to Highlands, NC today and first hiked the Whiteside Mountain loop trail up and across the rim at the top of the breathtaking cliffs on Whiteside Mountain. Next, we hiked the beautiful Highlands Nature Center Trail. Total hiking distance today – Around 4 miles with significant elevation change on the Whiteside Mt. Trail. We rate the hike difficulty as moderately strenuous. Directions: For Whiteside Mt. From the Dillard Highway 106 drive to the intersection of Highway 64 in downtown Highlands, turn right and continue thru town to the traffic light where 64 turns left toward Cashiers. Travel toward Cashiers on US 64 for 5.5 miles to the Whiteside Mountain Road sign turn right on paved road NC 1600 and go .6 mile and turn left into the parking lot. The Highlands Nature Center is located at 930 Horse Cove Rd. Another great day for a hike! Mostly Sunny with temperatures ranging from the mid 60’s to the low 70’s F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Bush Honeysuckle, Sweet Azalea, Rosebay Rhododendron, Carolina Rhododendron, Flame Azalea, White Yarrow, Fire Pink, Bluet, Galax, Spiderwort, Hawk Weed, Mountain Laurel, Milkweed, Saxifrage and Whoreled Loosestrife . BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Turkey Vulture, Pine Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Junco, American Crow, Pileated Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Nuthatch and Tufted Titmouse.
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