Chinquapin Mountain Loop from Glen Falls

Hiking in the mountains this week was a good choice with cooler, 69°F to 77°F, temperatures. The trail was in very good shape considering its frequent use. There were quite a few exposed roots and occasional large rocks to navigate, but there were no significant blowdowns and the trail was well marked. We did have to dance across rocks over several shallow wet crossings along the initial section of the hike. In addition to taking the trail marked "Trail to Little Scaly Mtn", we later took another trail section marked "Hwy 106" which did end up at a nice pull-off on NC Hwy 106 about 1/2 mile north of where we started. As expected, overlooks #1 & #2 are mostly obstructed by foliage this time of the year with Overlooks #3, #4, & #5 having the best views of the valleys and mountains to the south through the northeast. We didn't see many wildflowers, but there were several examples of very large fungus growing on trees. This is a very nice hike and in retrospect, I wish we had continued on the trail to Little Scaly Mountain knowing that historically the OFHC hiked it on up to the Mountain Learning Center and Retreat. Today's Hikers: Angela Evans, Debbie Griffin, Bobbie Broussard, Kim Johnson, Allyson Aldrich, Jenny Bell, Matt Henderson, Jack Treadman, Mike Jones, John Cape & Mike Bell.