August 20, 2019
Appalachian Trail Hike - Wayah Crest to Siler Bald, near Franklin, NC
Appalachian Trail Hike - Wayah Crest to Siler Bald, near Franklin, NC Today's hike was on the Appalachian Trail near Franklin, NC from Wayah Crest Picnic Area to Siler Bald and back
Trail information
This is a very nice summertime hike to spectacular Siler Bald. It is an uphill hike to the bald but very worth the effort because of the spectacular views from the 5,216 ft. summit. Total hiking distance today - 4.1 miles with large elevation gain. We rate the hike as moderately strenuous due to a large elevation gain
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! Mostly sunny and mild. Total distance - 4.1 mi. BLOOMING PLANTS: Red Bee Balm, Coreopsis, Red Clover, Wild Phlox, Angelica, Goldenrod, White Yarrow, Daisy Fleabane
Conditions
Temperatures in the mid 60's F warming into the mid 70's.
Hikers (10)
- Mike Bell
- Jenny Bell
- Ray Clark
- Joe Collins
- Bob Drake
- Jo Drake
- Tim Hale
- Dick Metzgar
- Jenna Hensley
- Jeanne McGahee
Birds identified
Black and White Warbler, Towhee, Oven Bird, Veery, Black-Throated Blue Warbler, Junco, Pine Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Scarlet Tanager
Photos (16)
Our parking area. Another great day for a hike! Headed up the A.T. to Siler Bald. Primitive little footbridge. The gap just below Siler Bald. The grassy slope at Siler Bald. Great mountain views. The Summit! Views Looking across to Winespring Bald Standing Indian Mt. Lunchtime on Siler Bald Red Bee Balm Our Path today Elevation Profile The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r) Ray Clark, Mike Bell, Joe Collins, Jo Crake, Bob Drake, Jeanne McGahee, Tim Hale, Jenny Bell, Dick Metzgar and Jenna Hensley.