November 4, 2014
Appalachian Trail - Wayah Bald from Wayah Gap
Trail information
A beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail near Franklin, NC. Some of the most spectacular mountain views in the Southeastern U.S. The trail gains more than 1,200 ft. in elevation as you make your way up to the summit of Wayah Bald at 5,342 ft. At the summit, you find the historic Wayah Bald Fire Tower built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Breathtaking views are available in every direction from the tower
Directions
From Franklin, travel west on US 64 for 3 miles to Old Murphy Road where there is a Wayah Bald sign. Turn right and drive .2 mile to Wayah Road (SR 1310). Turn left and continue for 9 miles to Wayah Gap and FR 69. There is an Appalachian Trail crossing sign. (Wayah Crest Picnic Area is on the left.) Another great day for a hike! Distance hiked - 9 miles. WILD
Conditions
Mostly fair with temperatures ranging 46 to 62 - Trail is rated strenuous due to an elevation gain of over 1,200 ft.
Hikers (11)
- Geri Barrios
- Wayne Barrios
- John Bellamy
- Phil Brownrigg
- Greta Driggers
- Bob Magee
- Dick Metzgar
- Trushna Nadig
- Tony Presley
- Vic Robson
- Carole Wintle
Flowers in bloom
Aster, Goldenrod
Birds identified
Raven and Junco
Photos (14)
Our parking area for the day. The world famous hiking trail! Our first snow of the year. Lots of nice mountain views along the trail! We decide to take the alternate path to Winespring Bald. Snowy road from Winespring Bald to Wayah Bald Rd. Headed to Wayah Bald. From this point there is a quarter mile walk up the asphalt trail. The historic Wayah Bald Fire Tower built by the C.C.C. in the 1930's Spectacular lunch spot! Breathtaking views from the tower! A view to the north. On the way back to Wayah Gap, we stopped by the Historic Wilson Lick Ranger Station. The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r) John Bellamy, Bob Magee, Vic Robson, Wayne Barrios, Geri Barrios, Dick Metzgar, Phil Brownrigg, Trushna Nadig, Greta Driggers, Carole Wintle and Tony Presley .