May 19 Grandfather Mtn Profile trail

This PHOC hike led by Debby Harris, began at the Profile Trail trail head on Rt 105. Three state park employees were present to handle parking chores. Apparently, this parking area fills every weekend without rain. Once the parking area is full, there is no other place to park unlike the other side of Grandfather State Park where one may park along the grassy side of the Blue Ridge parkway once the parking areas are full.

We had 12 in our group. The Carolina Berg Wanderers from Charlotte also had a small group leaving about the same time. The Profile Trail starts in Rhododendron, crosses a few creeks and head steadily up. The tread way is quite rocky and heavily eroded in many spots. So much foot traffic passes this way, several alternate bypass trails are appearing and furthering the erosion.

One of the highlights of my day was listening to the mysterious down spiraling song of the Veery. I heard it on the way up and down. I still need lots of work on the warblers. I could identify only the Black Throated Green. Oh, and Ovenbirds. 

Above is Pink Shell Azalea. It has an almost solid pale pink bloom. We spotted several bushes in two spots. Pink Shell only grows in 4 western North Carolina counties where there are less than 100 communities. It does seem to be a hearty plant though, surviving in some rough terrain. I understand it grows only in spruce/fir forests and only 3000' to 5,500'. I believe that we saw some at about 5800' just below the last ladder up MacRae Peak. 

Fascinating is the geology of this area. The scene above is typical of the area surrounding MacRae Peak and  the middle peak known as Attic Window Peak. The terrain one must traverse to go from peak to peak to peak is littered with giant boulders. A series of ladders helps hikers navigate the steepest sections. The photo at the top of this entry shows the "chute" as folks call it. It is a steep rock cut with limited hand and foot holds. Our final stop was Calloway Peak, at 5946' the highest of the three by just over 100 feet. Here we heard the croaking call of the Ravens. One soared overhead looking every bit like a Turkey Vulture until the unmistakable Raven profile came into view.

One of the prettiest mountain flowers is Sand Myrtle. The tiny buds are pink, then flowers white. Although tiny, it makes an impressive sight when the whole bush blooms.

We all managed to make it down the mountain trail with the usual scrapes and bruises so common in this terrain.