Name: Siler Bald via Winding Stair Gap
Rating: 5

Hikes Map Explore

Siler Bald via Winding Stair Gap Nantahala National Forest, NC

LENGTH 8.7 MILES

DIFFICULTY 12.3 Medium

DURATION 3-5 hours

ELEVATION GAIN

1880

feet

TRAIL TYPE

There And
Back Again

Siler Bald via Winding Stair Gap

Hike to sunny 360° views from the summit of Siler Bald along the Appalachian Trail in the Nantahala National Forest. Begin with a waterfall and end with stunning views on this 8.7 mile section of the AT in North Carolina.

Parking at Winding Stair Gap is limited so try and get there early. This hike heads northbound on the AT, so follow the white-blazed post to the left of the parking lot up the highway for about 300 feet before crossing the road and entering the woods next to a gated gravel road.

The trail quickly crosses the aforementioned gravel road then immediately crosses in front of a small waterfall over a short bridge. Hiking up along the creek you'll cross it and a couple other small creeks along the first half of this hike. The first crossing is the only one you need to pay attention to your steps and be careful of slippery wet rocks.

Pass a few campsites on the way up. The one at Panther Gap offers a small view for your enjoyment. At 3.6 miles, stay left at the intersection with the blue-blazed Siler Bald Shelter trail. At just over 4 miles enter the grassy clearing of Snowbird Gap. From here, leave the AT, turning left up the grassy hill toward the summit of Siler Bald. This is the steepest part of the hike.

At 5,216 feet, Siler Bald offers nearly 360° views of the surrounding mountains. Although completely exposed, on sunny days it's never too hot and you should get good breezes. A brick marker lists the elevation and directions. For a shorter hike, consider Siler Bald via Wayah Gap.

Foggy morning at the Winding Stair Gap trailhead. There's 13 marked parking spots and a few more cars can squeeze in around the sides.

Travel the AT northbound up the road, following the blazed posts before crossing the highway.

Watch and listen for cars when crossing the highway.

Cross a bridge over Moore Creek in front of a small waterfall.

There are a few creek crossings with this one being the only one where you need to take a little caution when stepping across wet rocks.

This hike follows the white-blazed Appalachian Trail northbound for most of the trip.

Pass the Siler Bald Shelter side trail. You're almost at the top now.

Take the side trail to the left to summit Siler Bald. This is the most difficult section of this hike.

Clouds roll through the mountains as you relax on top of Siler Bald.

Almost 360-degree views await you on top of Siler Bald.

Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)

Slope Breakdown

Elevation Gain

Elevation Range

Grade Range

Length

Elevation Gain

0 - 250 ft/mi

~ 0 - 5 %

1.4 mi

148 ft

250 - 500 ft/mi

~ 5 - 10 %

1.7 mi

612 ft

500 - 750 ft/mi

~ 10 - 15 %

0.9 mi

564 ft

750 - 1000 ft/mi

~ 15 - 20 %

0.3 mi

290 ft

1000+ ft/mi

~ 20+ %

0.3 mi

316 ft

For out-and-back hikes, elevation loss is the same as the gain.

Terrain Map Click to control map

Navigation

Details

length8.7 miles

difficulty12.3 Medium

duration3 - 5 hours

features Dog Friendly Grassy Bald Summit Views Waterfall

trail typeThere And Back Again

blazeWhite

elevation gain1880 ft.

state North Carolina

park/forestNantahala National Forest

ranger districtNantahala Ranger District
90 Sloan Road
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-6441

parking feeNone

trailhead coordinates 35.119792, -83.548102 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°7.19, W 83°32.89 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 35°7'11'', N 35°7'11'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)

Trailhead Directions

N 35°7.19, W 83°32.89

Google Map It

To begin this hike, follow the white-blazed posts down the highway for about 300 feet before crossing the road.

Parking Capacity

13 marked spots with room for 5 or so more along the road.

Notes

Take caution when crossing the highway. Watch and listen for traffic before crossing.

As with most of the AT, the trail is rocky and rooty for most of the hike.

Nearby Hikes

Siler Bald via Wayah Gap

Standing Indian Mountain

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The Pinnacle & Blackrock Mountain

Reviews / Comments

Average Review Rating

5 (1)

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hikethesouth-5 years ago

One of the Best Views Around

This is the longer way to Siler Bald, but it's not an overly difficult hike. The amazing views at the top are worth every step, not that you need a reason to hike a section of the AT.

Medium | Hiked Fall 2018

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Disclaimer: Hiking can be dangerous. The information on this site is meant as a guide and represents trail conditions at a given time. Always let someone know where you are going. A basic knowledge of first aid, backcountry navigation, and some common sense are highly encouraged. The difficulty and duration ratings are subjective and will not be representative of everyone's experience.

Disclaimer Disclaimer: Falling off a cliff, drowning in a river, or being eaten by a bear is still a better way to go than dying of a heart attack while sitting in traffic on the way to the office.