Logistics Question

imported
#1

Here is the itinerary of a trip a few of my friends will be attempting. Problem is because of work I will only be able to hike a few days. My question is this, I want to meet up with them sometime on day 3, which is their hike from Siler Bald to Wayah Bald. What are my options for leaving my car, say around Siler Bald? My goal is to camp and meet them at Wayah Bald at the end of day 3.

Day 1: One group drives to Rock Gap. Other group leaves a car at Tellico Gap, then
drives and meets up at Rock Gap. Spend the night at Rock Gap.

Day 2: Hike from Rock Gap to Siler Bald (7.7 miles).

Day 3: Hike from Siler Bald to Wayah Bald (6.3 miles).

Day 4: Hike from Wayah Bald to Cold Spring (6.1 miles).

Day 5: Hike from Cold Spring to Tellico Gap (3.9 miles). Pick up cars at Rock Gap, drive home.

Thanks

Richard P

#2

I see Wayah Bald is part of Nantahala National Forest. Another possiblity would be to park somewhere in Nantahala National Forest, and hike a non-AT trail and end up at Wayah Bald. Having problems finding detailed maps of Nantahala National Forest on the web.

Richard P

#3

you can drive to Wayah Bald and park. USFS 69 is the road.

wolf

#4

There are plenty of parking spaces at Wayah Bald. My wife and I left a car there a couple of years back with no problems at all. It is not that difficult finding the roads to the summit. You can stop by the Outfitters store in Franklin, NC (SE corner of Rts. 64 and 23/441) for directions. Great hiking, PaPa Larry

PaPa Larry

#5

Yea, after researching it that’s what I think I’m going to do. We will probably be there 4-5 hours before the rest of the group, so I’ll day-hike and have fresh food for the rest of the group. I see the Bartram Trail is close, maybe I’ll check it out. Has anyone walked that section of Bartram? I’ll have to decide which direction on the Bartram trail to check out. Either that or walk towards Siler Bald and meet the group on the trail.

Thanks.

Richard P

#6

I cannot help you with the Bartram, but the hike back to Silers from Wayah Bald will be downhill to Rt 1310, then back up to Siler Bald. There is a great 360o view from an old fire tower that has been fitted with a flat floor at Wesser Bald, just beyond Tellico Gap. On a clear day it is worth the hike up from Tellico Gap. Hope you have a great time hiking, PaPa Larry

PaPa Larry