Gorgeous fall weather, the Cherokee National Forest and colorful leaf display beckoned us! E with her van filled with 7 grandchildren plus J who drove separately and the Grands with 2 passengers, J and JL comprised our group of 13 hikers bound for Whigg Meadows just off the Cherohala Skyway.
We initiate our hikes with one serious pose followed by a silly pose.
Although the hike is only 3.3 miles round trip, the trail ascends continuously until it flattens out around the last 0.2 miles before reaching the meadow. The 580-foot elevation gain caused us a little concern for the two youngest hikers, a 7-year old and a 5-year old. But they never complained.
We began our 1.7 mile trek on the Mud Gap Trail headed up toward Whigg Meadow. The drive up the Cherohala was resplendent with vibrant fall colors, but at the higher elevations the foliage was gone.
Although the trail was wide, the fallen leaves hid the rocks which created a small obstacle for each step. Occasionally, the group would stop to chat and wait....
for the slower member of the group, the Grands.
J always had a story to tell eager listeners.
Around the bend, the trail levels off somewhat.
The cousins love snatching moments to visit.
Ahh! We reached the meadow!
Race to the top! The bald is named for the Whigg family who lived on the north side of the bald and farmed and raised sheep.
Picnicking on top of a mountain with 360 degree views is awesome!
We all agreed that Whigg Meadow is as beautiful as Max Patch, but best of all, it is not crowded.
On this perfect day, we enjoyed the mountain top all by ourselves. In fact, we never saw anyone other than our group on the trail.
Why does a peanut butter sandwich taste so much better in the mountains?
The ballerina in the family showed her ballet maneuvers.
Such grace and agility!
Yes, even the guys can contort.
Posing for defense in case we encountered wild life.
No fears! Brave youngsters will protect us!
L needed just one more Oreo.
The tough guys...
flexed their muscles.
Chillin' on the mountain during a warm fall day cannot be topped [pun intended].
A huge flock of 25 vultures soared on the thermals. But we assured them we were feeling quite fine, thank you.
We wondered if the area offered any interesting places to explore.
A few antics after lunch gets the adrenalin flowing for the return trip.
Saying "Good bye" to the view...
Pondering what adventure might await us...
The hikers trekked off the meadow heading back to the vehicles.
What an amazing place to spend an afternoon!
The race down the hill was just too tempting!
The meadow is surrounded by interesting trees. I wonder what stories they could tell.
The scout dashes ahead to check on the status of the front group.
Why pass up an opportunity to take a break!
Let's see how far I can balance!
At last, trail's end!
Time to relax...
to regroup...
to remember...
to perch...
to debrief...
to nap...
to chill...
When is our next field trip hike?
L, S and J discuss serious matters.
One proud 7-year old can claim he conquered the mountain!
Do we have to leave?
What a rewarding day! Spending time with family is precious indeed. Spending time with family on a beautiful fall day in the mountains is priceless! I hear that the spring wildflower display is breathtaking! Flame azaleas decorate the woods. Hmmm, I see a spring hike in the forecast....
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