August 5, 2008
Jones Gap - Whiterock Mtn. Bartram Trail, NC
Jones Gap - Whiterock Mountain - Jones Knob - Bartram Trail, NC - August 5, 2008Today's hike was on the Bartram Trail near Highlands, NC. This portion of the Bartram Trail took us past Jones Knob and Whiterock Mountain. Total hike approx. 7 miles. HIKERS - Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Joe Metzger, Wayne Miller, Bruce O'Connor, Jeanne O'Connor, Rick Porter, Carole Raguckas, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Doug Russell, Lynne Saporito, Bob Thompson, Carole Wintle.
TRAIL INFO. - This portion of the Bartram Trail features spectacular views along the way with Jones Knob and Whiterock Mountain being the highlights. The terrain is rolling but not too extreme. On a hot summer day, it is a nice place to hike with the elevation giving a break from the extreme heat.
Hiking distance - 7 miles - Difficulty - moderate due to elevation change.
Directions: From the corner of 4th and Main in Highlands, take US64/28 (toward Franklin) for 4.2 miles to Turtle Pond Rd. (SR1620). Turn left and drive 1.1 miles to SR1678. Turn right and drive 1.4 miles to the top of a hill. Turn left on Jones Gap Rd. (FR4522). Take this road 2 miles to the parking area at the end of the road. The trail leaves the parking area on the right.
Another great day for a hike! Mostly fair, hazy and mild! Temperatures ranged from the upper 60's to upper 70's F.
Hikers (14)
- Bob Magee
- Dick Metzgar
- Joe Metzger
- Wayne Miller
- Bruce O'Connor
- Jeanne O'Connor
- Rick Porter
- Carole Raguckas
- Joe Raguckas
- Vic Robson
- Doug Russell
- Lynne Saporito
- Bob Thompson
- Carole Wintle
Flowers in bloom
Joe Pye Weed, Pokeweed, Hydrangea, Yarrow, Pale Jewelweed, Mountain Mint, Phlox, Starry Campion, Goldenrod, Crimson Clover, Flowering Spurge, Heal All, Cow-wheat, Michaux's Saxifrage, Pale Corydalis, Galax, Rattlesnake Plantain, Pipsissewa, False Hellebore, Alumroot, White Snakeroot, Rosebay Rhododendron, White Baneberry/Dolls Eye berries, White Milkweed, Spiderwort, Hawkweeed, Whorled-leaaf Coreopsis, and Sourwood
Birds identified
Tohee, Red-eyed Vireo, Mourning Dove, Chickadee, Pileated Woodpecker, and Black throated blue warbler
Photos (12)
Another great day for a hike! A nice butterfly on Mountain Mint. Typical view along the way. NC mountains! Another view! Our lunchtime destination. . Lunchtime on Whiterock! Spectacular views as you enjoy lunch! Exploring the huge rock faces on Whitrock Mountain. Another nice butterfly. A mountain paradise! The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r) Joe Raguckas, Rick Porter, Vic Robson, Wayne Miller, Joe Metzger, Bruce O'Connor, Carole Raguckas, Bob Thompson, Dick Metzgar, Lynne Saporito, Bob Magee, Jeanne O'Connor, Carole Wintle and Doug Russell.