Name: Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap
Rating: 5

Hikes Map Explore

Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap Nantahala National Forest, NC

LENGTH 2.9 MILES

DIFFICULTY 5.8 Easy
Medium

DURATION 1-2 hours

ELEVATION GAIN

760

feet

TRAIL TYPE

There And
Back Again

Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap

Rise above the trees for 360-degree views from Wesser Bald's fire tower on this beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail within the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. Not a difficult hike by any stretch but constant elevation gain nonetheless, any trouble you have up this trail will be well worth the effort. This is definitely one of the best views along the southern AT.

Several 2-car alcoves line the road at Tellico Gap underneath less than scenic power lines. The AT crosses Tellico Gap so make sure you're going the right way as there are no north or south markers. Look for the trail next to the road with the metal gate within one of the parking spaces.

Steadily climb at a 500 ft/mile rate as you make your way up to Wesser Bald. The trail is easy to follow with no side trails until the summit. Rocky and rooty like most of the AT, there are a few steeper drop offs along the way so watch kids and dogs.

Once you summit the mountain, a small view opens up directly in front of you. From here, the AT continues to the left, but instead, turn right down the short side trail to the Wesser Bald fire tower. Climb the narrow steps up to stunning views from above the trees. Bask in the warmth of the sun and enjoy 360-degree views of the Nantahala National Forest.

Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap.
Parking at Tellico Gap. Several 2-car alcoves line the road underneath power lines.

Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap.
The Appalachian Trail crosses through Tellico Gap. To make sure you're going the right way, look for the trail next to the road with the metal gate. This is the direction you want to go.

Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap.
Travelling northbound along the Appalachian Trail.

Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap.
Heading up the AT just after the parking area.

Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap.
Heading up the AT toward the summit.

Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap.
At the top of Wesser Bald your first view opens directly in front of you.

Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap.
At the view at the summit, the AT continues to the left, but turn right just a few steps to ascend the fire tower.

Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap.
Wesser Bald fire tower.

Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap.
360-degree views from atop Wesser Bald fire tower.

Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)

Slope Breakdown

Elevation Gain

Elevation Range

Grade Range

Length

Elevation Gain

0 - 250 ft/mi

~ 0 - 5 %

0.3 mi

14 ft

250 - 500 ft/mi

~ 5 - 10 %

0.5 mi

182 ft

500 - 750 ft/mi

~ 10 - 15 %

0.5 mi

300 ft

750 - 1000 ft/mi

~ 15 - 20 %

0.2 mi

163 ft

1000+ ft/mi

~ 20+ %

442 ft

137 ft

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

Terrain Map Click to control map

Navigation

Details

length2.9 miles

difficulty5.8 Easy-Medium

duration1 - 2 hours

features Dog Friendly Summit Views

trail typeThere And Back Again

blazeWhite

elevation gain760 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 35.26821, -83.572332 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°16.09, W 83°34.34 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 35°16'06'', N 35°16'06'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)

Trailhead Directions

N 35°16.09, W 83°34.34

Google Map It

Coming from US-74 and Wayah Rd, the last mile is gravel road, but fine for low ground clearance vehicles. Coming from NC-28/Bryson City Rd, more is gravel but should be in the same condition. Both directions are closer to a single lane and get twisty, so take it slow on corners.

Parking Capacity

10-12 vehicles with overflow along road.

Notes

Rocky and rooty with a few steep drop offs along the way.

The steps up to the fire tower are steep and narrow. Take your time and use the handrail.

Nearby Hikes

Rocky Bald via Tellico Gap

3.7 mi

9.1

Rocky Bald via Burningtown Gap

6.3 mi

9.7

Wayah Bald via Burningtown Gap

Siler Bald via Wayah Gap

Similar Hikes

Cowrock Mountain via Tesnatee Gap

2.4 mi

6.6

Reviews / Comments

Average Review Rating

5 (1)

New Review New Comment

hikethesouth-4 years ago

Epic Views

Some of the best views along the southern AT can be had at the top of Wesser Bald's fire tower. Epic views in all directions. For a short trail that's not too difficult, this should be on everyone's to-hike list.

Easy-Medium | Hiked Spring 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.