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Location: Macon County
USGS Topographic Maps: Scaly Mountain
The outstanding feature of this gem is its cliffs. A dozen or more rock faces afford the hiker an abundance of long distance views, at least one in every direction. The fallen steles remind a visitor of Stonehenge.
Cedar Cliff, on the western end of the area is a rock face on which cedar trees have gained a toe hold. On the hot, southern exposure of this cliff, cedars have pushed their roots into fissures, and for a hundred years or more these ancients have clung there in one of the most adverse environments imaginable. This is a rare phenomenon.
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Approximate size:
5,668 acres
Old growth acreage:
389 acres |
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At Jones Gap the springtime blossoms of trillium and other ephemerals make a dazzling display of color. It's worth a trip just to see them. There is much private land surrounding Fishhawk, and it is being hemmed in by oversized houses. That makes protection of this area even more critical.
The North Carolina Bartram Trail bisects this Mountain Treasure. The trail generally runs along the crest of a long ridgeline. It is well marked and a corps of volunteers fully maintains it. There are several good camping sites with plentiful water along the trail.
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Forest Communities
Hemlock-Northern Hardwood, High Elevation Northern Red Oak, and Montane Cedar-Hardwood Woodland.
Unusual Plants and Animals
* Large-flowered trillium, Catesby's trillium, and yellow lady slipper were found on the east end of the area along the Bartram Trail (Ted Snyder hike of 5/13/01).
* Uncommon and rare herb species are likely in the Montane Cedar-Hardwood Woodland community (refer to Castanea of September 1998).
* Peregrine falcons nest on cliffs in this area (TWS meeting 12/15/00). |
