October 30, 2007
Wayah Bald, Bartram Trail, NC
Today's hike was on the Bartram Trail from Sawmill Gap to Wayah Bald and back. We had our first hike in the frost of Autumn as we started out today. It warmed to a very pleasant day to hike
Trail information
This portion of the Bartram Trail is very nice with excellent mountain views as you hike through a magnificent hardwood forest to Wayah Bald (elevation 5,385 ft.). About half way out, the Bartram joins the Appalachian Trail on up to Wayah Bald. The mountain views from the Wayah Bald observation tower are simply breathtaking!
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! Hiking distance - 8 miles Difficulty - moderate due to elevation change. WILD
Conditions
Fair and cool with temperatures ranging from the 30's to the low 60's F.
Hikers (19)
- Phil Brownrigg
- Bill Hunt
- Jack Jacobi
- Linda Johnson
- Dick Metzgar
- Joe Metzger
- Wanda Miller
- Wayne Miller
- George Otis
- Donna Presley
- Tony Presley
- Joe Raguckas
- Doug Russell
- Dan Ross
- John Shauger
- Dave Standard
- David Whitaker
- Geri Whitaker
- Carole Wintle
Flowers in bloom
Canada Violet, White Woods Aster, Blue Asters, Lady's Thumb, Pink Clover, Flowering Spurge and White Yarrow
Birds identified
Cooper's Hawk, Broad Winged Hawk, Dark-eyed Junco, Blue Jay, Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Crow
Photos (13)
Getting ready at Sawmill Gap, NC Nice view from the parking lot! Another great day for a hike! The trail is now completely covered with fallen leaves. . After 2.2 miles, we join the Appalachain Trail. Yellow = Bartram White = Appalachian A beautiful Autumn day! A view from Wayah Bald.. Lunchtime at Wayah! Some very nice color! more color! Our group at Wayah Bald. The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r front) Tony Presley, Donna Presley, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Carole Wintle, John Shauger, "Beau", Joe Metzger, Wanda Miller. (l-r back) Doug Russell, Phil Brownrigg, Jack Jacobi, Bill Hunt, Wayne Miller, Dick Metzgar, Joe Raguckas, Linda Johnson, Dave Standard, George Otis, Dan Ross.