December 18, 2018
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This week’s hike was on the Bartram Trail Near Franklin, NC from the Wallace Branch Trailhead to William.s Pulpit Overlook. HIKERS: Jenny Bell, Mike Bell, Ray Clark, Joe Collins, Angela Evans, Tim Hale, Ray Lovett, Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Dave Norton, Mary Lu Norton, Jeanne O’Connor, Tony Presley and Vic Robson. TRAIL INFO. – The Bartram Trail from Sawmill Gap is in only fair shape with several blowdowns as it climbs up to the Appalachian Trail. After 2 mi. the the trail is shared with the A.T. the rest of the way to Wayah Bald.Todays conditions were difficult due to a heavy snow cover on the northern slopes. We rate the hike moderately difficult due to lots of elevation change. Distance hiked – 8.3 mi. 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! Mostly sunny and cool with a mostly snow covered trail. Temperatures ranged from 32 to 42 degrees F. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: American Crow, White-breasted Nuthatch.
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