Rock Mountain Trek with Gary Wein and the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust - October 19, 2018

Our small group of 4 met Gary Wein and his group of trekkers in Cashiers to carpool to the water towers below Rock Mountain.  Much of the lower trail was very eroded and not safe.  Therefore this became a 3 mile hike rather than a 5 mile hike and we had plenty of time to observe and learn about this forest from Kyle and Gary.  We had a glorious day with crisp blue skies, no wind, and cool comfortable hiking weather.   There was an incredible view at the top and we enjoyed lunch and great stories from Gary.   We thank Gary for allowing us to join this land trust trek and learn more about one of the special places that have been preserved.

Gary and story of American Chestnut

learning about Carolina Hemlock

Chestnut Oak

Kyle

Laurel Knob

Laurel Knob

view of High Hampton and Whiteside Mtn

Whiteside Mountain

Pitch Pine

Pitch Pine

Gary stories

Pitch Pine cone

Pitch Pine

Selaginella