9/15/2015 Appalachian Trail Wayah Gap 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 9 miles

HIKERS – Mike Bell, Tim Hale, Ronnie Johns, Mike Jones, Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Carole Wintle and Jack Wintle.

TRAIL INFO: 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! Mostly fair with temperatures ranging 46 to 72 degrees F. – Trail is rated strenuous due to an elevation gain of 1,300 ft. Distance hiked – 9 miles.

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Asters, Goldenrod, Pale Jewelweed, Spotted Jewelweed, White Snakeroot, Southern Harebells, Showy Gentian, Stiff Gentian, Woodland Sunflower, Green-headed Coneflower, Angelica, Coreopsis, Purple Flowering Raspberry.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Hummingbird, Cardinal, Raven and Junco.

Trailhead on Wayah Road at Forest Service Road 69 .

Early into the long climb toward Wayah Bald.

Lots of old growth oaks along the way.

A sample of today’s wildflowers: top left then clockwise – Pale Jewelweed, Showy Gentian, Indian Cucumber and Stiff Gentian.

Trail sign

We take a short side-trail up to Winespring Bald.

Looking across to Siler Bald from Winespring Bald.

Walking down the gravel road toward Wayah Bald.

Directions

We arrive at the historic Wayah Bald Fire Tower. Built in the early 1930’s by the C.C.C.

Spectacular Views from the tower!

Our lunchtime view!

Coral fungus

The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Dick Metzgar, Mike Jones, Mike Bell, Carole Wintle, Jack Wintle, Vic Robson, Tim Hale, Ronnie Johns, Bob Magee and Tony Presley.