June 19, 2018
Whiteside Mt. Trail and Highlands Nature Center
This week's hike was on the Whiteside Mountain Trail followed by the Highlands Nature Center Trail in Highlands, NC
Trail information
We traveled to Highlands, NC today and first hiked the Whiteside Mountain loop trail up and across the rim at the top of the breathtaking cliffs on Whiteside Mountain. Next, we hiked the beautiful Highlands Nature Center Trail. Total hiking distance today - Around 4 miles with significant elevation change on the Whiteside Mt. Trail. We rate the hike difficulty as moderately strenuous
Directions
For Whiteside Mt. From the Dillard Highway 106 drive to the intersection of Highway 64 in downtown Highlands, turn right and continue thru town to the traffic light where 64 turns left toward Cashiers. Travel toward Cashiers on US 64 for 5.5 miles to the Whiteside Mountain Road sign turn right on paved road NC 1600 and go .6 mile and turn left into the parking lot. The Highlands Nature Center is located at 930 Horse Cove Rd. Another great day for a hike! WILD
Conditions
Mostly Sunny with temperatures ranging from the mid 60's to the low 70's F.
Hikers (5)
- Ray Clark
- Joe Collins
- Dick Metzgar
- Tony Presley
- Vic Robson
Flowers in bloom
Bush Honeysuckle, Sweet Azalea, Rosebay Rhododendron, Carolina Rhododendron, Flame Azalea, White Yarrow, Fire Pink, Bluet, Galax, Spiderwort, Hawk Weed, Mountain Laurel, Milkweed, Saxifrage and Whoreled Loosestrife
Birds identified
Turkey Vulture, Pine Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Junco, American Crow, Pileated Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Nuthatch and Tufted Titmouse
Photos (14)
Our trailhead today at Whiteside Mountain. After walking uphill for 3/4 mile or so, we come to the first of many views! There are educational signs at each view point along the rim of the rock cliffs. Lots of nice wildflowers along the trail : Flame Azalea We walk over the breathtaking rock cliffs where Peregrine Falcons Nest each year. Falcon protection sign. Vic is standing on the highest point of the mountain. 4,930 ft. Sweet Azalea (Rhododendron aborescens) Awesome giant rock cliff Sundrops Next, we move over to the Highlands Nature Center. "Vic"tor Butterfly! The Nature trail takes us by the pond and we saw lots of Pitcher Plants. The Water Lilies were blooming. The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r) Dick Metzgar, Joe Collins, Vic Robson, Ray Clark and Tony Presley,.