October 4, 2016
The Appalachian Trail - Wayah Crest Picnic Area to Wayah Bald - NC
Today's hike was on the Appalachian Trail in NC . We hiked from Wayah Gap to Wayah Bald and Winespring Bald and back. Total of 8.7 miles
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 1,300 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! - Trail is rated strenuous due to an elevation gain of 1,300 ft. Distance hiked - 8.7 miles. WILD
Conditions
Mostly fair with temperatures ranging 46 to 72 degrees F.
Hikers (14)
- John Anderson
- Phil Brownrigg
- Joe Collins
- Greta Driggers
- Jim Driggers
- Pam Euliss
- Stephen Gales
- Bob Magee
- Dick Metzgar
- Bruce O'Connor
- Jeanne O'Connor
- Terre Pratt
- Tony Presley
- Vic Robson
Flowers in bloom
Various Asters, Goldenrod, Horse Balm, White Snakeroot, Southern Harebells, Showy Gentian, Wild Phlox, Red Clover, Woodland Sunflower, Angelica, Lance-leaved Coreopsis
Birds identified
Pileated Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Crow, Blue Jay, Cardinal, Raven and Junco
Photos (14)
The parking lot at Wayah Crest. Accessing the trail from Wayah Road. Shortly into the hike, we pass the Wayah Gap sign. This is Aster season and we saw many varieties. Here, the trail crosses the forest service road that leads up to Wayah Bald. Climbing up the steps from the road. Here, the A.T. intersects the Bartram Trail and the two share the path to Wayah Bald. Wildflower - Showy Gentian About a quarter mile from the Bald, the trail becomes asphalt. Nice sign board provides great historical information. The historic Wayah Bald Tower The nice patio area beneath the tower. Mostly cloudy but still some great mountain views. You need to see it on a clear day! The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r front) Pam Euliss, Bob Magee, Jim Driggers, Bruce O'Connor and Terre Pratt. (l-r back) Joe Collins, Jeanne O'Connor, John Anderson, Tony Presley, Dick Metzgar, Greta Driggers, Vic Robson, Phil Brownrigg and Stephen Gales.