5/27/03
| hikers – John Bellamy, Jack Jacobi, Steve Jordan, Bob Presley, Wayne Miller, Dan Ross, Jack Slaton, David Whitaker
Trail access – Three Forks (approx. 4 miles from Springer Mtn.) by F.S. Road 58. The hike from Three Forks to Hightower Gap is approx. 8 mi. round trip including a short side trail to Long Creek Falls. Another beautiful hiking day! Partly cloudy – temperature ranged from 58-65 degrees F.. Wildflowers viewed – Spiderwort, Maple leafed Viburnum, Rattle snake plaintain, Jack-in-pulpit, Oca, Foam flower, Flame azealea, Mountain laurel, pipsissawa, wild ginger, cow wheat, yellow root, Fire pink, Tall bluets, yellow star grass, galax- among others. Fauna identified – 2 grey squirrels, Doe, American crow, red-eyed vireo, Solitary vireo, Tufted titmouse, Pileated woodpecker, Oven bird, Pine warbler, Hooded warbler, Carolina wren. |
 The Appalachian Trail intersects the Benton Mackaye trail here. |
 This large Poplar tree on the trail has a very large cavity! Sort of looks like a man with blonde hair! |
 A short excursion off of the A.T. leads to Long Creek Falls. |
 Long Creek Falls! |
 Lunchtime at Hightower Gap! |
 Our group at Three Forks. (l-r) Dan Ross, Steve Jordan, Wayne Miller, John Bellamy, Jack Jacobi, Jack Slaton, David Whitaker, (photo) Bob Presley. |