September 21, 2010
Appalachian Trail - Muskrat Creek, NC
This week's hike was on the Appalachian Trail in NC from Deep Gap to Muskrat Creek and back. Total hike today 8 miles
Trail information
This portion of the Appalachian Trail is a nice walk through a lush hardwood forest with nice mountain views in the winter and great wildflowers in the spring and summer. The trail is very rocky in several places and the terrain is rolling. Trail is rated moderate difficulty and the round trip distance is 8 miles
Directions
From Franklin, NC, go West on US64 13.6 miles (from overpass where US23 turns South toward Atlanta) to FS71 Deep Gap Rd. It is the first road to the left past the County Line sign (Clay County). Drive approximately 6 miles on this gravel road (FS 71) to the Deep Gap parking lot (dead end of road). Another great day for a hike! Mostly Sunny and mild with temperatures ranging from 60 to 74 degrees F
Conditions
Mostly Sunny and mild with temperatures ranging from 60 to 74 degrees F.
Hikers (18)
- John Bellamy
- June Bellamy
- Karen Brown
- Phil Brownrigg
- Greta Driggers
- Jim Driggers
- Jack Jacobi
- Dick Metzgar
- Don Preece
- Donna Presley
- Tony Presley
- Vic Robson
- Dan Ross
- Doug Russell
- Pom Sinnock
- David Whitaker
- Geri Whitaker
- Carole Wintle
Flowers in bloom
Lady's Thumb, White Snakeroot, White Woods Aster, Heart-leafed Aster, Bushy Aster, New England Aster, Wreath Goldenrod, Tall Goldenrod, Alumroot, Horse Balm, Indian Plantain, Mountain Gentian, Angelica, Whorled White Aster, Silverrod, and Beech Drops
Birds identified
Crow, Yellow Billed Cuckoo, Ruffed Grouse, Blue Jay, Towhee, Nuthatch, Junco. OTHER FAUNA: Chipmunk and Grey Squirrel
Photos (12)
The trailhead at Deep Gap on F.S. road 71. Appalachian Trail markers at Deep Gap headed South. Headed to Muskrat Creek. 18 hikers today. A sure sign of fall - Mountain Gentian is blooming. One of the named gaps between Deep Gap and Muskrat Creek. The Chunky Gal Trail is named after the Chunky Gal Mountain - not these gals! Goldenrod with insect Another great day for a hike! White Snakeroot Headed back to Deep Gap The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r) Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Dan Ross, David Whitaker, June Bellamy, Carole Wintle, John Bellamy, Karen Brown, Vic Robson, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Phil Brownrigg, Geri Whitaker, Doug Russell, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley and Pom Sinnock.