10/13/2015 Siler Bald – Appalachian Trail – NC

This week’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail near Franklin, NC from Wayah Gap to 5,216 ft. Siler Bald and the Siler Bald Shelter loop.

HIKERS: Mike Bell, Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Stephen Gales, Jeanne O’Connor, Vic Robson and Tony Presley.

TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Appalachian Trail offers fabulous mountain views especially from the summit of Siler Bald. The weather today was good for views and Fall colors are showing up. The distance to the summit of Siler is 2.25 miles. The Shelter loop is 2 miles. Total 6.5 mi Moderately strenuous due to elevation changes.

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! Partly cloudy to sunny breezy and cool. Temperatures ranged from 55 to 60 degrees F.

FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Heal-all, Goldenrod, Silver-rod, White Yarrow, White Snakeroot, White , Red Clover, Stiff Gentian, Showy Gentian, Ladies Thumb, Wood Asters, Brushy Asters.

Birds Identified: Raven, Blue Jay, Towhee, Junco, Nuthatch.

Parking at the Wayah Crest Picnic Area

Early into the hike, we cross a creek on this footbridge.

An overnight shower left the trail damp and foggy but the sun is breaking through.

We arrive at the base of Siler Bald and take the side trail up the the summit.

Great views as we approach the summit!

Stiff Gentian was abundant at Siler Bald.

The marker at the summit.

Leaf colors are nearing their peak at this elevation.

Looking over to Winespring Bald.

We head back down the grassy slope to the A.T.

Looking across, Wayah Bald is the mountain in the center.

Back on the A.T., we take the side trail down to the shelter for lunch.

We love hiking in the Fall!

The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Jim Driggers, Greta Driggers, Mike Bell, Phil Brownrigg, Stephen Gales, Karen Brown, Jeanne O’Connor, Vic Robson, Lynne Wilson with “Angus” and Tony Presley.