October 28, 2014
Appalachian Trail - Siler Bald from Winding Stair Gap
Trail information
A great section of the Appalachian Trail in NC. Some of the most spectacular mountain views in the Southeastern U.S. The trail gains more than 1,400 ft. in elevation as you make your way up to the summit of Siler Bald at 5,216 ft. Siler Bald is actually on a side trail up a long grassy slope that almost looks like a ski slope. A breathtaking 360 degree view awaits you at the summit
Directions
From Franklin, NC, take Highway 64 West for about 10 miles and look for the parking lot on the left. (It is just beyond the large rock cliffs on each side of the road) You will see the Appalachian Trail sign. Another great day for a hike! Distance hiked - 9 miles. WILD
Conditions
Fair to partly cloudy with temperatures ranging 48 to 60 - moderately strenuous due to a gradual elevation gain of over 1,400 ft.
Hikers (15)
- John Bellamy
- June Bellamy
- Karen Brown
- Phil Brownrigg
- Pam Euliss
- Tim Hale
- Bill Hunt
- Bob Magee
- Dick Metzgar
- Trushna Nadig
- Jeanne O'Connor
- Tony Presley
- Joe Raguckas
- Vic Robson
- Carole Wintle
Flowers in bloom
Mountain Gentian, Stiff Gentian, Aster, Red Clover and Black-eyed Susan
Birds identified
Blue Jay, Cardinal, Junco
Photos (14)
Getting ready at Winding Stair Gap. A short walk down the highway to the trail. A nice little waterfall early into the hike. Lots of color along the trail! Side trail to the Siler Bald Shelter. Heading up the grassy slope to Siler Bald. Fantastic mountain views from the summit! Marker at the summit. Lunchtime at Siler Bald! Great views in every direction! Looking down to Lake Nantahala. Heading back down the slope. More Fall colors as we hike back to Winding Stair Gap. The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r) Tony Presley, Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Tim Hale, Trushna Nadig, Jeanne O'Connor, June Bellamy, Vic Robson, John Bellamy, Dick Metzgar, Carole Wintle, Joe Raguckas, Bob Magee, Pam Euliss and Bill Hunt. .