6/11/2019 – Osage Mtn. Vista to Scaly Mountain, NC

Hikingsouth Hike of the Week

Bartram Trail – Osage Mountain Vista to Scaly Mountain, NC

June 11, 2019

Today’s hike was on the NC portion of the Bartram Trail starting at the Osage Vista on the Dillard Highway and hiking past the Summit of Scaly Mountain and approximately ½ mile down the other side.

HIKERS – Tony Presley, Jim Driggers, Greta Driggers, Mike Bell, Angela Evans, Jenny Bell, Jeanne O’Connor & Ray Clark.

TRAIL INFORMATION – A beautiful section of the Bartram Trail near the GA border in NC. Starting at the Osage Overlook on the Highlands Highway, the trail climbs up to the beautiful summit of Scaly Mountain. We hiked beyond the summit a portion of the way down the north side of the mountain. We rate the hike mostly strenuous due to a very large elevation gain up to the summit of Scaly.

Directions: Osage Mt. Vista is 5.7 miles west of Highlands on NC Hwy. 106. Or from Dillard, GA turn right on GA 246 which becomes NC 106 and drive approx. 9 miles to Osage Overlook on the right.

Another great day for a hike! Mostly sunny and mild with temperatures ranging from 67 to 80 degrees F. Hiking distance – 5.1 miles.

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Mountain Bluet, , Mt. Laurel, Fire Pink, Galax, Fly Poison, Spiderwort, Indian Pipes, Flame Azalea, Sweet Azalea, Chinkapin, Rosebay Rhododendron, Pink Lady Slipper (spent bloom.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Oven Bird, Dark Eyed Junco, Eastern Towhee, Chestnut Sided Warbler, Black & White Warbler, Black Throated Blue Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Pine Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Raven, Wild Turkey.

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Parking at Osage Mountain Vista.
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Crossing a footbridge early into the hike.
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Firepinks blooming mixed with fern.
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Pretty small falls on our way up the mountain.
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Headed up through a Mountain Laurel tunnel.
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The wet conditions are ideal for producing attractive fungus.
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Starting to get some views!
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A curious Spotted Newt.
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Beautiful Flame Azalea along the way.
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At the summit.
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Enjoying the view and lunch.
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Our path today.
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Our Elevation Profile today.
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The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Tony Presley, Jim Driggers, Greta Driggers, Mike Bell, Angela Evans, Jenny Bell, Jeanne O’Connor & Ray Clark.