Siler Bald via Wayah Gap Nantahala National Forest, NC
miles
LENGTH 3.6 MILES
DIFFICULTY 6.1 Easy
Medium
DURATION 2 hours
ELEVATION GAIN
990
feet
TRAIL TYPE
There And
Back Again
Siler Bald via Wayah Gap

At less than 4 miles, Siler Bald in Nantahala National Forest makes for a fantastic day hike with expansive 360° views. Walk along the Appalachian Trail to climb this grassy bald for one of North Carolina's best short hikes.

The parking area is down a gravel road at the Wayah Crest trailhead and picnic area. It's a small lot but has room to park along the road leading to it. No restrooms are available. A short spur trail travels through the picnic area leading to the AT.

Turn right along the AT as the trail continues to climb at a decent rate of 550 feet/mile. Hike over a small bridge and across a couple wet areas that are easy to traverse without getting wet or muddy. After a mile, the trail continues to ascend but at a lower grade.

At 1.4 miles in, hike through Snowbird Gap, coming to an open grassy field. The AT continues into the woods across the field but for this hike, take the side trail on the right up the summit of this grassy bald. This is the steepest section of the trail but it comes with better and better views as you head up.

At the summit, 360° views reward you travels. Breathe it all in as you bask in the sun while enjoying the lower temps and breeze that high altitude balds afford. A brick marker lists the elevation and directions. For a longer hike, consider Siler Bald via Winding Stair Gap.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Slope Breakdown
Elevation Gain
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Gain
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
0.2 mi
31 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.7 mi
264 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.6 mi
345 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.3 mi
227 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
0.1 mi
133 ft
For out-and-back hikes, elevation loss is the same as the gain.
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length3.6 miles
difficulty6.1 Easy-Medium
duration2 hours
trail typeThere And Back Again
blazeWhite
elevation gain990 ft.
park/forestNantahala National Forest
ranger districtNantahala Ranger District
90 Sloan Road
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-6441
parking feeNone
trailhead coordinates 35.15336, -83.58075 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°9.2, W 83°34.84 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 35°9'12'', N 35°9'12'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
35.15336, -83.58075 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°9.2, W 83°34.84 most GPS units use this one
N 35°9'12'', N 35°9'12'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
Coming from Franklin, pass Wayah Gap where the AT crosses the road and the Forest Service Road splits from Wayah Road. Just past this on the left is a gravel road that leads to the Wayah Crest trailhead parking lot. Stay to the left at the split.
Notes
Don't step in horse poo.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
5 (1)
hikethesouth-6 years ago
Get Your Views Right Here.
A great short trail that leads to amazing views of the surrounding mountains and forest. Unlike many hikes, this has a nice constant ascent which makes for a great "get in a groove" hike. Don't miss this one. Worth the trip.
Easy-Medium | Hiked Spring 2018
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