Scaly Mountain - Highlands, NC

I hiked this part of the Bartram trail last May, but I'll hike anywhere, anytime I get a chance. We had 15 of us today for a 5.5 moderate hike.   I was a bit concerned about this trail because it was mostly uphill and I new my left knee can cause me problems on the descend.  Taking some Advil and eating my banana must have some benefits because it was a breeze on the downward trek.  No problems with that.  However, I did experience some sort of anxiety attack at the beginning of the hike.  I needed to fall back just as we started and do my business (note to self - don't drink a lot of coffee before heading to the woods).  I got a bit confused where the trail went and thought I was lost.  I really didn't want to blow the whistle and cause commotion so I finally figured it out and caught up with the group.  It took me 3 miles into the hike before I could control my heavy breathing and my chest to stop hurting.  I was so nervous.  All ended well.  The leaves were spectacular and you couldn't have asked for more perfect weather.

View from Summit
My app on Droid said I'm looking at Grassy Knob???



Spectacular vistas



It does say "Most Difficult" but it is a slow incline.



View from Osage Parking Area - off 106 Highlands



A nice treat on the side trail....

Sloan Bridge to Whitewater Falls

After two weeks of not being out in the woods, it felt so good to get out today.  Fourteen of us gather at the Sloan Bridge Foothills access off Hwy. 107 in SC to hike 5 miles to Whitewater Falls.  Temperature was 50ish early in the am, but it didn't take long to warm up to the mid 70's by lunch.  We started out on the Foothills trail for aways crossing the SC-NC state line leaving Nantahala National Forest and entered Sumter National Forest then took the spur trail towards Round Mountain.  Several campsite areas and water sources along this section.  The trail then crosses NC 281 and enters woods again for a short ways to Whitewater Falls.





Whiteside Mountain

Whiteside Mountain (4,930 ft) in North Carolina, between Cashiers and Highlands offers stunning views of the transition from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Piedmont of South Carolina. 

There are two ways to hike this area.  The easier route is on an old road bed.  Our group treked up the more challenging trail.  The first mile of the hike consist of the initial climb up the back north side of the mountain via the steps, stairs and boards walks.  Eventually the trail will turn and traverse along the top of the cliff with continuous views toward the south.  The trail peaks out at the summit and continues along the cliff top until a concrete platform.  At the platform there are excellent views back toward the cliff as well as toward the south.  Our group continued on to have lunch at Devil's Courthouse.  If I hadn't been with the group, I doubt I would have found my way to this part of the mountain.

Whiteside Mtn from Chimney Top Mtn near Cashiers NC
Devil's Courthouse small rock peak on Right Side of Mtn.

The trail head is located between Highlands and Cashiers NC.  From US 64/ NC 107 highway intersection in Cashiers NC, head west on US 64.  After approximately 6 miles the road climbs and tops out at a stunning view toward the east (left).  The road then turns sharply to the right at the Jackson/Macon county line.  Just after the county line take the immediate left onto Whiteside Mountain Road.    Parking costs $2 per car.

Do one seemed to know the name of this waterfall.
It's on the more rouged trail coming down the mountain.



The beginning of Fall colors



End of hike - exiting the trail from the back side of the parking lot.