January 8, 2019
|
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. – This portion of the Bartram Trail is in excellent shape and features waterfalls and beautiful mountain views all along the trail. Today, we only did a 4.4 mi. round trip. We had lunch at the overlook at William’s Pulpit. For a bit longer hike, you can continue a little over a mile to Wilkes Knob. We rate the hike only moderately difficult due to an elevation gain of 1220 ft. Distance hiked – 4.4 mi. total. DIRECTIONS: From the U.S. Hwy-441/U.S. Hwy-64 junction in Franklin, drive West on U.S. Hwy-64 for 1 mile and turn Right at the red light onto Sloan Road. In 0.3 miles (passing the Nantahal Ranger Station on the Right) you’ll come to a stop sign at the intersection of Sloan Rd & ‘Old Murphy Road.’ Take a slight left onto Old Murphy Road to an immediate right onto Pressley Road. In 1.1 miles Pressely Road turns into Ray Cove Road (no turn needed). Continue for another 0.6 mile to the dead end and Wallace Branch access to the Bartram Trail. Another great day for a hike! Mostly cloudy and cool with temperatures in the mid 40’s to mid 50’s degrees F. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue Jay and Tufted Titmouse.
|
