More fine Southern Appalachian views from the summit of Siler Bald
Getting There & Route Information
Looking up the slopes from the base of Siler Bald
Beginning our initial afternoon descent from near the summit
Looking down-slope beginning the descent from the summit
Routes Summary•
From Siler Bald Shelter: 1.5 miles roundtrip
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From Wayah Gap: 4 miles roundtrip
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From Winding Stair Gap: 9 miles roundtrip
From any of these approaches, hike into a clearing below the bald. Ascend roughly 1/3 mile through the grass to the summit. Though a use path exists up the slope, the Forest Service requests that visitors spread out and walk off-trail through the grass to avoid beating a (worse) path through the vegetation.
Driving Directions to TrailheadsWayah Gap:From intersection of US Hwy 64 W and US Hwy 23/441, north of the town of Franklin, NC:
•Follow Hwy 64 westbound towards Murphy, NC for approximately 3.8 miles to Old Murphy Rd (SR 1448) on the right
•Drive down a hill briefly for less than 0.2 miles to Wayah Road (SR 1310) on left (Note Loafers Glory gas station at intersection)
•Continue on Wayah Rd. for 9.1 miles to FR (Forest Road) #69 on right (Wayah Gap)
Trailhead CoordinatesLatitude: 35.1534256
Longitude: -83.5804404
Winding Stair Gap:From the town of Franklin, NC:
Follow US 64 10 miles westbound to Winding Stair Gap, notable by a big rock cut in mountain. Parking is on the left.
Trailhead CoordinatesLatitude: 35.120682
Longitude: -83.547218
Red Tape
A nice directional plaque on the summit of Siler Bald | 15 May 2013
Me on Siler Bald summit
SP member shreddeb
There is no fee to visit this part of the Nantahala National Forest and permits are not required for overnight stays in the backcountry. Please be mindful of posted Forest Service user warnings, such as “problem bear” alerts and campfire bans. Note that the Appalachian Trail is open to foot traffic only. Motorized vehicles and pack animals are not permitted. Please practice Leave No Trace principals:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
Weather & Seasons
Click for weather forecast |
Spring and Fall are considered by many the most pleasant time to visit the Southern Appalachians.
Spring: In the Spring, daytime temperatures and warm and evenings are cool while the flowering shrubs are in bloom and the waterfalls are running. Water sources such as springs are most reliable this time of year.
Fall: In the fall, the broadleaf deciduous trees put on a bright display of autumn color, though waterfalls may not be as impressive and springs and other water sources less reliable. The air is cooler and crisper and visibility should be prime for long-range views.
Summer: in this part of the country can be oppressively hot and humid and even the higher elevation and ample tree cover will not keep the hiker from feeling overheated, sticky and dirty. High humidity and haze plus deep leaf cover mean limited long-range vistas, though it is in summer that the term “temperate rainforest” will have the most meaning to and be most appreciated by the visitor.
Winter: in the South Appalachians can range from cool and damp to cold and severe with bouts of deep snow following major storms. In other words, while this range may be relatively low in elevation and southern in latitude, mountains are still mountains and can bring unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather. |
Nice yellow flowers on the slopes of Siler Bald | 15 May 2013
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Camping
Looking up the hill at Siler Bald shelter from the tent camping area
Tent camping near Siler Bald shelter
The nearest Appalachian Trail backcountry camping is at Siler Bald Shelter at approximately 4,600 feet in elevation. The lean-to sleeps six and there is plenty of room for tent camping. Note that the shelter sits about ½ mile off the AT on a blazed spur trail.
External Links & Related Information
Views south
Views east
Views west
Views north
I encourage fellow SP members to attach route information and trip reports as well as notify me of any informative links that should be attached to this page.