Name: Wayah Bald
Rating: 5

Hikes Map Explore

Wayah Bald Nantahala National Forest, NC

LENGTH 0.3 MILES

DIFFICULTY 0.4 Easy

DURATION 20 minutes

ELEVATION GAIN

feet

TRAIL TYPE

There And
Back Again

Wayah Bald

You don't always have to make a grueling trek up a mountain for an amazing view. Wayah Bald lookout tower is proof of this. Offering astounding views in all directions from the end of a short paved path, Wayah Bald is a great choice when you're just looking for a quick adventure. However, you may find yourself asking, do you even hike?

Beginning at the parking lot, walk down the road to where you passed the trailhead just before entering the lot. A short paved path leads all the way to the lookout tower. Both the Appalachian Trail and the Bartram Trail share this section. Two paved trails on the left form a small loop along the way for you to explore or just stay straight.

Arriving at the tower, you'll be rewarded with near 360-degree views from the top of the stone lookout tower and the viewing platform below. From here, you'll be able to see an astounding amount of other popular hiking destinations, including Albert Mountain, Cheoah Bald, Rabun Bald, Scaly Mountain, Siler Bald, Standing Indian Mountain and Whiteside Mountain to name a few.

Wayah Bald.
Wayah Bald parking. You can see the lookout tower just a tenth of a mile away.

Wayah Bald.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

Wayah Bald.
The trailhead along the road just before the parking area.

Wayah Bald.
Lots of information signs on this short hike.

Wayah Bald.
Escape the sun inside the lower part of the tower.

Wayah Bald.
No need to deface the tower, there's place to leave your mark.

Wayah Bald.
View looking down from the tower to the lower observation platform.

Wayah Bald.
Inside Wayah Bald lookout tower.

Wayah Bald.
Signs show the notable peaks and other interests in each direction.

Wayah Bald.
View looking toward the south.

Wayah Bald.
View looking east toward Franklin.

Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)

Slope Breakdown

Elevation Gain

Elevation Range

Grade Range

Length

Elevation Gain

0 - 250 ft/mi

~ 0 - 5 %

289 ft

8 ft

250 - 500 ft/mi

~ 5 - 10 %

418 ft

34 ft

500 - 750 ft/mi

~ 10 - 15 %

0 ft

750 - 1000 ft/mi

~ 15 - 20 %

0 ft

1000+ ft/mi

~ 20+ %

29 ft

13 ft

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

Terrain Map Click to control map

Details

length0.3 miles

difficulty0.4 Easy

duration20 minutes

features Dog Friendly History Summit Views

trail typeThere And Back Again

blazeWhite (AT)

elevation gain40 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 35.178285, -83.562564 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°10.7, W 83°33.75 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 35°10'42'', N 35°10'42'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)

Trailhead Directions

N 35°10.7, W 83°33.75

Google Map It

Wayah Bald Road / FS 69 is gravel but is fine for low ground clearance vehicles.

Parking Capacity

20-25 vehicles.

Notes

Wayah Bald Road / FS 69 is closed seasonally from January 1 - April 1.

Nearby Hikes

Siler Bald via Wayah Gap

3.6 mi

6.1

Wayah Bald via Burningtown Gap

9.2 mi

12.8

Rocky Bald via Burningtown Gap

6.3 mi

9.7

Siler Bald via Winding Stair Gap

8.7 mi

12.3

Rocky Bald via Tellico Gap

3.7 mi

9.1

Similar Hikes

Arabia Mountain Top Trail

1.1 mi

1.2

Fort Mountain West Overlook Trail System

0.9 mi

1.7

Brasstown Bald Summit Trail

Reviews / Comments

Average Review Rating

5 (1)

New Review New Comment

hikethesouth-4 years ago

A Must Stop

This is a must stop destination if you're not in for a big hike. The short paved path is great for everyone. No experience needed.

Easy | Hiked Winter 2019

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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.