4/17/2018 – Appalachian Trail – Wayah Crest 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

HIKERS – Joe Collins, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Tim Hale, Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Terre Pratt and Vic Robson.

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 from the low 30’s to upper 50’s F. – Trail is rated strenuous due to an elevation gain of 1,300 ft. Distance hiked – 8.7 miles.

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Mountain Bluet, Purple Violets, Green & Gold, Dandelion.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Pileated Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Crow, Blue Jay, Cardinal .

scroll down for photos

Parking at Wayah Crest.

Our trail-head.

We were surprised to see snow from the night before!

Started out Cold!

We met lots of Thru-Hikers headed for Maine. See all Thru-hikers at the bottom of the report.

We pass the intersection with the Bartram Trail here.

Another great day for a hike!

Snow on the mountains.

Approaching Wayah Bald, we see lots of scorched trees from the huge forest fire a year and a half ago.

We were glad to see that the roof of the tower has been rebuilt after being destroyed in the forest fire.

Great mountain views from Wayah Bald – here, we see Siler Bald.

Lots of hikers enjoying the views at Wayah.

Very few wildflowers today. Mountain Bluet

The OFHC gang for today’s hike (top to bottom) Tim Hale, Dick Metzgar, Jim Driggers, Bob Magee, Joe Collins, Greta Driggers, Terre Pratt and Vic Robson.