December 18, 2018
Wayah Bald from Sawmill Gap, Bartram & Appalachian Trail, NC
Bartram Trail, NC- Wallace Branch to William's Pulpit December 18, 2018
This week's hike was on the Bartram Trail Near Franklin, NC from the Wallace Branch Trailhead to William.s Pulpit Overlook.
TRAIL INFO. - The Bartram Trail from Sawmill Gap is in only fair shape with several blowdowns as it climbs up to the Appalachian Trail. After 2 mi. the the trail is shared with the A.T. the rest of the way to Wayah Bald.Todays conditions were difficult due to a heavy snow cover on the northern slopes. We rate the hike moderately difficult due to lots of elevation change. Distance hiked - 8.3 mi.
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! Mostly sunny and cool with a mostly snow covered trail. Temperatures ranged from 32 to 42 degrees F.
BIRDS IDENTIFIED: American Crow, White-breasted Nuthatch.
Hikers (14)
- Jenny Bell
- Mike Bell
- Ray Clark
- Joe Collins
- Angela Evans
- Tim Hale
- Ray Lovett
- Bob Magee
- Dick Metzgar
- Dave Norton
- Mary Lu Norton
- Jeanne O'Connor
- Tony Presley
- Vic Robson
Birds identified
American Crow, White-breasted Nuthatch
Photos (14)
Start of the hike at Sawmill Gap Early on, we start to see some snow on the trail. The snow depended on which side of the mountain we were on. Here, no snow!. Here, lots of snow! Yes, Stephen wore shorts! This is the intersection of the Bartram and Appalachian Trail. Very deep snow here! Approaching Wayah Bald! The approach to the Historic Fire Tower. Views from the tower are breathtaking! In the distance we can see Siler Bald and Standing Indian Mt. A great lunch spot! Our GPS Track The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r) Tony Presley,Vic Robson, Ron Myers, Dick Metzgar, Mike Bell, Bob Magee, Renee Corbett, Joe Collins, Stephen Gales, Betty Smith, Terre Pratt and Ray Clark.